So, it looks cool, but what is Super 8? Your grandparents probably know, it is a motion picture film format released by Kodak in 1965. Popularized for its relative affordability and ease of use, it was marketed to consumers and was responsible for recording decades of precious family moments before being replaced by the digital technology of vhs camcorders in the mid-1980s. 

 

So why is it perfect for weddings? Film offers a unique, tactile experience and a distinct visual aesthetic that can't be replicated by digital video. Its slight grain, light leaks and soft flicker of 18-24 frames per second have a nostalgic and dreamlike quality perfect for capturing once-in-a-life moments in a beautiful & artful way. 

 

Super 8 cameras have a sensory appeal unlike any other- the pleasing whirr sound of the reels turning, the look of a shiny metal-body camcorder crafted to stand the test of time. Vintage-lovers and wedding guests delight in seeing Super 8 film-making in action, while many couples find it less intrusive and more relaxed than modern videography equipment. 

 

So why do I love it? While Super 8 film and processing is expensive these days (each reel delivers 3 minutes of footage and costs around $150), the limited time prompts intentional filming and focusing on the most meaningful moments. This leads to more cohesive storytelling. It avoids the overproduced feel of modern digital video, and highlights raw emotion. Honestly it is magical- Super 8 to me looks the way memories feel. It’s such a vibe!