Sunset Cliffs Wedding: Shot on Film + Holga in San Diego
A Coastal Wedding Story Told on Film
Sunset Cliffs is already iconic — the way light pours over the sandstone cliffs, the drama of the ocean crashing just below, and the wild, unscripted nature of the coastline.
But when you add in a wedding, a 35mm camera, and a plastic Holga?
It becomes pure magic.
Natalie and Jason’s wedding was as free-spirited and sentimental as the place they chose to marry. They wanted to be fully present with their people, to laugh deeply, and to remember the moments exactly as they happened — not perfectly posed, but beautifully real.
Why I Used Film — and the Holga
There’s something about film that digital can’t quite touch.
The softness. The texture. The way colors feel more like memories than pixels.
I shot this day primarily on 35mm film, which brought a nostalgic, timeless feel to every frame.
And then I pulled out my Holga — a plastic toy camera with blur, vignetting, and unpredictable light leaks.
It’s imperfect in all the right ways.
One of my favorite images? Natalie’s veil blowing across her face with the ocean behind her, caught on Holga film with just the right kind of chaos.
Blending Film + Digital Seamlessly
While I adore the artistry of film, digital is essential for the fast-paced parts of the day — getting ready, hugs that come out of nowhere, and fleeting expressions during the reception.
I use both with purpose.
- Film: portraits, ceremony, quiet moments
- Digital: transitions, receptions, fast action, backups
Together, they tell the full story — without compromise.
Planning a Sunset Cliffs Wedding? Read This First:
✔️ Wear shoes with grip — the cliffs can be uneven, especially at golden hour
✔️ Check the tides and sunset time — it shifts fast and lighting is everything
✔️ Smaller gatherings work best — it’s a public space and some permits are required
✔️ Choose a photographer who works in film — especially if you want your gallery to feel honest, artful, and timeless
Thinking About a Wedding Like This?
I’d love to tell your story in a way that feels true to you — soft, cinematic, and full of meaning.
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My photography is a blend of art, experience, and instinct—a little bit of this, a little bit of that.
For over 15 years, I’ve been immersed in the world of photography. It all started when I was 18 and stepped into a darkroom for the first time. That moment sparked a lifelong obsession with capturing the world through my lens. It eventually lead me to the fine art space, collaborating with artists, managing studios, and working alongside galleries and museums.
Through years of studying art and photography—both in undergraduate and graduate school—my aesthetic evolved under the influence of critical theory and contemporary art. I found myself drawn to the intersection of traditional documentary photography and spontaneous, unfiltered moments of real life. My goal is to create images that are raw, honest, and deeply human.
Travel plays a huge role in my creative process. I find inspiration in the unfamiliar—letting light, movement, and emotion guide my eye. Photography is my way of making sense of the world, turning fleeting moments into lasting stories. With a camera in hand, everything becomes a canvas and a chance to reveal the unexpected.
