There is something about film that just feels right for a wedding weekend. This Oklahoma City wedding weekend started with a welcome dinner at The National Hotel and wrapped up with an intimate garden party farewell brunch at Daffodil Hill. Two completely different settings, both with so much personality, and all photographed on 35mm film. I love getting to document the events surrounding a wedding day because this is where so many of the good, unplanned moments happen, and film makes those moments feel even more nostalgic.
Starting the Oklahoma City Wedding Weekend at The National
The welcome dinner at The National Hotel had the best moody, old-school feel for kicking off the weekend. Warm lighting, dark interiors, beautiful tables filled with simple florals and candles. And all of those little details that made the space feel elevated without being overdone. Even the brown and gold paper goods fit into the setting so perfectly.
Welcome dinners are also such a fun part of a wedding weekend to have photographed because everyone is finally in the same place and the celebrating has officially started. There’s less of a timeline to follow and more room for the candid interactions happening around the room. It’s the beginning of the story, and I love that these photos capture what the weekend felt like before the wedding day even began.
A Garden Party Farewell Brunch at Daffodil Hill
The day after brought a completely different feel with an intimate farewell brunch at Daffodil Hill. Green patterned linens, garden-inspired florals, pops of yellow, and a table set outside surrounded by greenery made it feel like the sweetest little garden party. It was relaxed, colorful, and such a fun contrast to the moodier dinner of the night before the wedding.
This is exactly why I love documenting more than the wedding day itself. A farewell brunch gives everyone one more chance to hang out without the structure of the wedding timeline. And those moments deserve photos too. Friends wandering through the garden, sitting by the fountain, laughing together, and just enjoying the last part of the weekend, the kind of photos that might seem small now but end up saying so much about the whole experience.
Why I’m Still Shooting 35mm Film
I’ve actually been shooting film since I was 10 years old with my dad’s 35mm Chinon CM-5, and 27 years later, I’m still using that same camera. If that doesn’t date me, I don’t know what will. But in a world that is so focused on efficiency and doing as much as possible as quickly as possible. Film has given me a reason to slow down and really pay attention to what is happening in front of me.
A roll of film only gives me so many frames. I can’t take 20 versions of the same moment and hope one works, one shot is what you’ve got. Because of that, I’m constantly watching for the interactions, expressions, movement, and candid moments that are actually worth pressing the shutter for. It has made me a more intentional photographer and, honestly, a stronger wedding photographer overall. That’s also why I’m so excited to now offer a Wedding Weekend package. Along with an option created entirely for my fellow film lovers where your wedding and surrounding events can be photographed completely on 35mm and medium format film.
Ready For Me To Capture Your Dream Tulsa Wedding? Let’s Chat!
If you’re planning an Oklahoma City wedding weekend with a welcome dinner, wedding day, farewell brunch, or anything else you want to remember, I’d love to document more than just the main event. Whether you want film mixed throughout your coverage or want to go all-in with a celebration photographed entirely on film. Let’s capture the whole weekend exactly as it felt. Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Vendors
In the City Editorial @thestyledshootout
Planning & Design: Harper Mae Events @harpermaeevents
Beauty: Taylor K. Beal @taylorkbeal and Naturally by Natalie @naturally.by.natalie
Floral: The Flower Shop Pryor @theflowershoppryor
Menswear: William & Lauren Custom Clothier @williamlaurenco
Lead Photography: DVandCo. @dvandco
Lead Videography: Taylor Nichols Films @taylornicholsfilms
Lead Content Creation: Forever After, Instantly @foreverafterinstantly
Rentals: Marianne’s Event Rentals @mariannesrentals
Linens: Nuage Designs @nuagedesignsinc
Venue, Catering, & Bartending: The National, Oklahoma City
@thenationalokc
Food Display: Harris Custom Catering @harris_custom_catering
Event Suite & Paper Goods: Parlor Paperie @parlorpaperie
In the Garden Editorial @thestyledshootout
Planning & Design: Harper Mae Events @harpermaeevents
Beauty: Taylor K. Beal @taylorkbeal and Naturally by Natalie @naturally.by.natalie
Floral: The Flower Shop Pryor @theflowershoppryor
Lead Photography: DVandCo. @dvandco
Lead Videography: Taylor Nichols Films @taylornicholsfilms
Lead Content Creation: Forever After, Instantly @foreverafterinstantly
Rentals: Marianne’s Event Rentals @mariannesrentals and @margaretpiercetulsa
Linens: Nuage Designs @nuagedesignsinc
Venue: @daffodilhillokc
Catering: Harris Custom Catering @harris_custom_catering
Event Suite & Paper Goods: Parlor Paperie @parlorpaperie
Coffee cart & bartending: @okiesoiree
