Editorial Wedding Cinematography
Finding delight in unexpected sources
I make hand-crafted wedding films on Super 8 and authentic 90s camcorders for couples with a curatorial eye. If you’re drawn to cinematography that feels as unique as your love, you’re in the right place.
I shoot on a rare and delicate 1970s Super 8 film camera, with no digital frames, and each roll is hand-developed in Auckland. Alongside this, I use a raw, nostalgic 90s handycam, bringing an edgy, fashion-inspired energy reminiscent of vintage editorials.
Every film is approached as both a documentary and an editorial piece, capturing moments as they unfold then editing them into something timeless. The result is work that feels just as candid and beautiful in 50 years as it does today.
Mediums
Mediums
Authentic 90’s Handycam
The 90s camcorder brings a candid, nostalgic energy to your wedding film. With its loose, intimate style and natural audio, it captures real moments and vibe in a way that feels effortless, playful, and timeless.
Classic Super 8 Film
Super 8 film offers a distinctive, physical texture that digital cannot replicate. Its grain, colour depth, and natural contrast create a tangible, analog quality that brings a unique character and authenticity to your wedding footage.
“Bella slotted in naturally with our family and friends, capturing real, raw moments that no one else could. The video will be something we cherish and show our family one day. Bella managed to capture the true essence of our day in a style that felt so us. With a cool, edgy style and the personality to match, we can’t recommend Bella enough. Run, don’t walk!”
— Megan & Tom
The Details
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This is a format that shoots like a film camera. Frame by frame and in one long roll. We shoot this roll on a beautiful 1970s Japanese camera and it gets sent to a lab in Tamaki Makaurau to be developed. Once scanned, it’s returned on a digital format to be hand cut and edited into your the film. It’s a nostalgic and classic way to capture your wedding day. Super 8 truely film offers a soft, unique and cinematic look that cannot be replicated digitally. It is an artistic format focused on emotion, atmosphere, and storytelling.
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There are several important differences between Super 8 film and digital video that should be considered before booking.
The first is risk. Unlike modern digital cameras, which have backup systems that greatly reduce the chance of data loss, Super 8 cameras are fully mechanical and do not have built-in safeguards. Although issues are rare, there is a small possibility of camera or film cartridge failure that could result in the loss of part of the footage. This is covered in detail within the booking contract, including provisions for prorated refunds if necessary.
The second difference is cost. While the cameras themselves are relatively affordable, the film and development process is expensive. Each cartridge records just over three minutes of footage and costs approximately $200 once purchased, developed, and scanned. On a typical wedding day, four to five cartridges are used across different parts of the day to capture the full story. This equates to roughly $800 to $1000 in raw footage costs alone. Once the film is developed, it is carefully curated into a five to seven minute highlight film.
Lighting is another important consideration. Super 8 film performs best in natural daylight and has limited sensitivity in low-light environments. It is well suited to outdoor moments and daytime coverage, but indoor or evening events such as receptions, speeches, and dancing are often too dark to capture effectively without strong artificial lighting. Additional lighting can be used, but it may feel intrusive. For couples wanting full-day coverage, including evening events, a hybrid approach incorporating digital video is recommended.
Finally, Super 8 does not record audio. The finished film consists of moving images edited together with music rather than live sound. If you would like full recordings of your ceremony, vows, or speeches, you may wish to include camcorder filming or arrange a separate recording solution.
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Super 8 is best suited to couples who value a nostalgic, artistic aesthetic and are drawn to an emotional, story-driven highlight rather than a full documentary record. It is particularly effective for daytime weddings and outdoor settings.
Couples who want complete coverage of their ceremony and speeches, or who are planning significant evening events, may benefit from choosing a hybrid package that incorporates digital video alongside Super 8 film.
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A playful, nostalgic take on wedding videography. Shot on an authentic 90s camcorder footage captures your day with a raw, candid, home-video feel. Shot on mini discs, this format leans into authenticity, imperfections, and personality, creating something that feels both personal and timeless.
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This style is very different from both modern digital video and Super 8 film, and it’s important to understand what makes it unique.
The first difference is the aesthetic. 90s camcorder footage has a distinct look defined by soft focus, natural motion blur, and a slightly lo-fi quality. It feels informal and documentary-driven, more like a memory captured in the moment than a polished production. This makes it ideal for couples who want something relaxed and true to life.
The second difference is recording format and coverage. Footage is captured on mini discs, with each disc able to record up to 30 minutes. On a typical wedding day, three to four discs are used, giving approximately 90 to 120 minutes of total recorded footage. This allows for longer, more continuous coverage compared to Super 8.
Unlike film, this format does record audio. Natural sound such as conversations, laughter, vows, and speeches can be captured directly through the camera. Audio is recorded in a simple, on-camera way, which adds to the candid and unfiltered feel rather than a highly produced sound design.
Lighting is far more flexible than Super 8. These cameras perform reasonably well indoors and in lower light, making them suitable for receptions, dance floors, and evening moments without the need for additional lighting. However, the footage will reflect the natural conditions of the environment, including grain or noise in darker settings.
As with any older format, there is a level of unpredictability. While generally reliable, the equipment and media are vintage, and minor imperfections such as glitches, dropouts, or visual artifacts can occur. These are often part of the charm and character of the final film.
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A flat travel rate applies for weddings outside Christchurch. For overseas celebrations, travel is included at no additional cost, so your film can follow you anywhere in the world.
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I approach wedding films with the eye of a fashion photographer and art director, bringing ten years of editorial experience to every frame. I’ve also worked in Bordeaux, France, at a luxury wedding venue, giving me an insider’s understanding of the flow, timing, and nuances of a wedding day.
Each wedding is treated as a singular creative project, ensuring every shot is intentional, every edit considered, and every film infused with emotion and style. Unlike traditional wedding videography, I focus on capturing the atmosphere, the documentary, the edgy moments, and the overlooked moments of the day.
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I take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure every film is crafted with full attention and all creative resources available. If your wedding aligns with my style and your vision, we begin with a meeting to get to know you and your taste. I want every detail of your day to be translated into a film that feels personal, considered, and timeless.
To secure your date, a signed agreement and a 20 percent booking fee are required.
All film packages come with a planning and meeting, all films are digitally delivered to you via dropbox within two weeks and I allow for one round of amends. To make sure no drunk uncles or shots you might not love slip though.
Packages
Petite Film
$2,590 NZD (Super 8)
$1,990 NZD (Handycam)
A short and expressive highlight, designed to capture the feeling of your day in its simplest form.
Includes a 2–3 minute highlight film set to music, with up to 3 hours of coverage.
Suited for intimate weddings, elopements, or couples wanting a minimal and elegant film.
Signature Film
$3,790 NZD (Super 8)
$2,990 NZD (Handycam)
A balanced and story-driven package, offering both a shareable moment and a deeper narrative. Eight hours of coverage.
Includes a 2–3 minute teaser film, perfect for social sharing, along with a 5–7 minute highlight film. Coverage is designed to capture a fuller portion of the day, with the option to incorporate audio elements where appropriate.
This is the most popular option for couples wanting both immediacy and depth.
Dual Format Film
$4,590 NZD
A complete and layered approach, combining both Super 8 and 90s camcorder formats into one cohesive film.
Includes a 2–3 minute teaser and a 5–7 minute main film, blending the softness and nostalgia of Super 8 with the candid, documentary feel of camcorder footage. Coverage extends across the day and night, allowing for both artistic highlights and dancing into the night.
Suited for weddings and couples wanting a richer, more immersive final film.
Complimentary pre-wedding elopement photography shoot on film.
Film Photos
Shooting a few rolls of film means that when you look back at this time, you have images that transcend any edit or filter that modern weddings or engagement shoots usually have added. So stylish and beautiful.
Tom & Megan
Megan’s heels
Grandad’s Sunflower
Shanise & George