Erik & Fernando’s Queer Love Story: A Super 8mm Film Documentary Wedding Video at Bacari Silver Lake

Casey Pflipsen
May 11
2 min read

https://vimeo.com/1191376286

When I first met Erik and Fernando at a friend’s party about a year ago, we spent the night lost in small talk and shared laughs. When Erik mentioned they were engaged, I did that thing we small business owners do, I "jokingly" handed them my business card, never truly expecting that a casual party meeting would turn into something so beautiful.

Fast forward eight months later, and my inbox finally chimed. Erik hit me up! (Took him long enough, right? lol). I was beyond thrilled to get the call, especially knowing the incredible journey they were about to embark on.

https://vimeo.com/1191359646

Navigating the Heteronormative Wedding Industrial Complex as a Queer Couple

As a documentary wedding filmmaker, there is a special kind of magic in working with fellow gay couples. I know firsthand how exhausting it can be to navigate the heteronormative "wedding industrial complex" as an LGBTQ+ newly engaged wedding couple.

It was 100% my honor to provide a safe, creative space to capture Erik and Fernando’s unique queer love story. For their celebration, they chose my mixed media wedding video package. This allowed us to weave together the nostalgic, grainy soul of Super 8mm film with the crisp clarity of digital video, a perfect reflection of their modern yet timeless connection.

https://vimeo.com/1191363991

The Setting: Bacari Silver Lake, Los Angeles

The wedding took place on March 29th at the stunning Bacari in Silver Lake. If you’ve ever been to this Los Angeles gem, you know the atmosphere is unmatched. But Erik and Fernando’s ceremony brought something extra; it brought the whole crowd, including myself, to chills and tears.

Throughout the whole day, you could see and feel how real their love is. As a wedding videographer, my goal is always to stay in the background and let the moments breathe, and I really feel that authenticity shows in every frame of their wedding film.

Analog Soul: Why I Shoot Super 8mm Film & 16mm Film

At Ring Theory Films, I primarily shoot on Super 8mm film and Super 16mm film for travel, destination, and local documentary-style wedding films. There is an intentionality to analog film that digital simply cannot replicate. It turns a wedding video into a living heirloom that feels like a memory.

Thank you so much to Erik and Fernando for trusting me to be your LGBTQ wedding filmmaker. Much love to you both!