Liv & Andy’s Lake Superior Wedding Shot 100% on Super 16mm Film in Duluth, MN
From Los Angeles to Lake Superior: A Destination Wedding Film Story
As a travel wedding filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California, my camera takes me to incredible destinations around the world. Yet, packing up my analog gear, flying from LAX to Minneapolis, and driving up north to Duluth, Minnesota, held a deeply personal significance.
I have known Liv and Andy for roughly eight years. Growing up in Minnesota, I spent my teenage years looking up to Andy as a legendary local snowboarder. Beyond his talent on the snow, Andy is one of the most genuine, kindhearted human beings you will ever meet. Liv and I met by chance years ago while sitting next to each other in a Queer Theory course at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I was immediately struck by how cool, intelligent, and fierce she was.
Fast forward to a serendipitous reunion at Sir Ben’s in Duluth, where Liv walked up to me and announced that I was filming her wedding. Naturally, my answer was an immediate yes.
When we sat down for our initial planning session, Andy and Liv expressed a clear vision: they wanted their wedding day captured entirely on Kodak motion picture film. Shooting real film is my absolute passion as an analog wedding videographer, and documenting their celebration on Super 16mm film along the cold, clear shores of Lake Superior was an absolute dream project.
Getting Ready in Duluth: Local Staples and Eclectic Homes
The wedding day began with two distinct getting-ready locations that perfectly reflected Liv and Andy's personalities.
Liv spent her morning surrounded by her inner circle at their home, a vibrant space filled with bright, colorful painted walls and eclectic artwork you could admire for hours. Their garage even features a painted Pride flag, setting a welcoming and joyful tone for the entire day.
Meanwhile, Andy got ready at The Back Alley, a beloved Duluth local staple, alongside his closest friends and family.
First Look at the Duluth Rose Garden and a Park Point Beach Ceremony
Before heading to the beach, Liv and Andy met for their emotional first look and formal portraits at the iconic Duluth Rose Garden. I had the privilege of shooting alongside my longtime friend and incredible Duluth wedding photographer, Riah Beth Photo.
The ceremony and reception took place at the Park Point Beach House. Park Point holds a sacred place in the hearts of Duluth locals, but for Liv and Andy, it is where their love story originally began. Exchanging vows directly on the sandy shores of Lake Superior brought their journey full circle.
Swapping out motion picture film magazines while listening to the waves of Lake Superior gave me literal chills all day. With the help of my assistant and film loader, Shane Sleger, every fleeting glance and tearful embrace was carefully exposed onto real analog 16mm movie film stock.
The night ended with an unforgettable reception at the beach house, where the energy was so infectious that I stayed long after my camera was packed away to share a toast with two lifelong friends.
Why Choose a 16mm Film Wedding Video?
Analog motion picture film offers an emotional depth, texture, and natural color richness that digital video cannot duplicate. Here is why couples choose Super 16mm film and Super 8mm wedding videos for their big day:
Timeless Aesthetic: Real movie film ages gracefully. The organic grain and natural highlight retention create an heirloom video that never feels dated.
Intentional Storytelling: Because every foot of film counts, an analog wedding videographer works with heightened intent, capturing real, unfiltered, and meaningful candid moments rather than endless repetitive takes.
True Color Depth: Kodak analog motion picture film renders skin tones with unmatched warmth and natural tone accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions for Couples Planning a Film Wedding
What is the difference between Super 8mm and Super 16mm film wedding videos?
Super 8mm film provides a classic, nostalgic, vintage home-movie aesthetic with prominent grain and rich texture. Super 16mm film utilizes a larger frame size, delivering higher visual resolution, sharper detail, and a true vintage Hollywood motion picture quality while preserving authentic analog film grain.
How does a documentary wedding videographer work on the wedding day?
A documentary wedding videographer focuses on unscripted, organic moments as they unfold naturally. Instead of forcing staged poses or directing artificial moments, the filmmaker observes and documents real emotions, laughter, and interactions quietly in the background.
Do you travel for destination weddings and elopements?
Yes! I am based in Los Angeles, California, but frequently travels across the United States (including Minnesota, California, and New York) as well as international destination wedding locations worldwide.
Creative Team and Event Vendors
Wedding Videography: Ring Theory Films (@ringtheoryfilms)
Film Loader and Assistant: Shane Sleger (@shanesleger)
Wedding Photography: Riah Beth Photo (@riahbethphoto)
Catering / Food Truck: Oasis del Norte (@oasis_del_norte_)
Wedding Venue: Park Point Beach House (Duluth, MN)
Film Stock: Kodak Motion Picture Film (@kodak_shootfilm)
Camera Setup: Krasnogorsk-3 Super 16mm (@k3super16)
Planning Your Destination or Analog Film Wedding?
Whether you are hosting a beach wedding in Duluth, an intimate elopement in California, or a destination celebration abroad, Ring Theory Films creates nostalgic, story-driven wedding films on Super 16mm and Super 8mm film.
Visit my website www.ringtheoryfilm.com for our film portfolio or get in touch to check availability for your wedding date.]
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