Creating Timeless Vintage Wedding Photos
A wedding is one of the most significant milestones in a person’s life, and capturing moments that feel as timeless as the love being celebrated is no small feat. Vintage wedding photography has become a favorite for couples seeking a blend of elegance, emotion, and nostalgia in their wedding photos. If you’re inspired by soft lighting, rich tones, and the undeniable charm of film photography, this post is your guide to achieving this enduring aesthetic effortlessly.
Learn from one of the best in the industry, Charlotte Jenks Lewis, an internationally renowned wedding photographer celebrated for her sophisticated and spontaneous approach to vintage wedding photography. With her expert advice, we’ll uncover how you can create wedding images that feel like a keepsake for generations.
Why Choose Vintage Wedding Photography?
The popularity of vintage wedding photography is no surprise. Its romantic and artistic qualities evoke a sense of nostalgia that modern couples often crave. Here’s why vintage-style wedding photos remain an eternal favorite:
- Timelessness: Unlike trends that fade, vintage aesthetics have a lasting appeal, making your wedding photos feel just as beautiful decades later.
- Emotionally evocative: With soft focuses, dramatic lighting, and warm colors, vintage photography captures emotions in their raw, heartfelt form.
- An artistic touch: The textures and tones, especially when using film, make every photo a work of art.
Charlotte Jenks Lewis, a New York wedding photographer who’s been at the forefront of this trend, shares, “Film has a quality that’s unmatched. There’s a timelessness that fits perfectly with weddings, which celebrate stories that span generations.”
How to Create Timeless Vintage Wedding Photos
Below, we break down expert-backed strategies to infuse your wedding photography with a vintage aesthetic. Whether you’re a photographer, a couple planning your big day, or even scouting wedding photographers near you, these tips will help bring the dreamy vision to life.
- Opt for Film Photography
The true magic of vintage wedding photos begins with film. Film naturally produces soft, warm tones and an organic quality that is hard to replicate with digital photography. Charlotte Jenks Lewis, known for being a master of film photography, recommends it for its ability to create authentic and artistic imagery.
- Film captures light delicately, ensuring depth in both color and black and white photography.
- The grain of film adds a texture that feels tactile and full of character.
Several professional photographers near you may offer both film and digital options, but choosing film for your special day ensures images that will stand the test of time.
- Focus on Lighting and Composition
To nail the vintage aesthetic, lighting is everything. Charlotte’s approach to light emphasizes natural and soft hues, particularly during golden hour or in dim, ambient-lit spaces.
- Look for spaces with large windows or venues lit by candlelight for that unmistakable glow.
- Photographers can play with shadows and contrasts for a dramatic yet nostalgic touch, perfect for Cipriani NYC weddings or similar grand venues.
- Incorporate Black and White Photography
Black and white photography is the epitome of understated elegance. Removing color allows emotion and depth to take center stage.
- Use black and white shots to highlight intimate moments, like a stolen kiss or a heartfelt laugh.
- Charlotte explains, “Black and white strips things down to their essence, making the emotion shine through without distractions.”
- Curate Your Wardrobe and Décor
Your wedding wardrobe and décor play a crucial role in achieving vintage-style wedding photos.
- For couples: Choose timeless attire like lace dresses, long veils, crisp tuxedos, or vintage-inspired suits.
- Décor tips: Think chandeliers, antique furniture, vintage china, or rustic floral arrangements for an authentic touch.
Venues like Cipriani New York make a fitting backdrop for this aesthetic, as they exude old-world charm and sophistication.
- Add a Storytelling Element
Vintage wedding photography isn’t just about how the photos look—it’s about the story they tell. Charlotte is celebrated for her ability to make photos appear both effortless and spontaneous, combining storytelling with a relaxed shooting style.
- Capture candid, naturally occurring moments rather than overly staged poses.
- Work with a photographer who understands your dynamic as a couple and values authenticity over perfection.
- Choose an Expert Photographer with Vision
If you’re a couple wondering, “Are there professional wedding photographers near me who specialize in vintage styles?” It’s essential to select someone whose style aligns with your vision. Charlotte Jenks Lewis’ portfolio, for example, boasts features on Over the Moon, Style Me Pretty, and in leading magazines like Martha Stewart Weddings.
Her ability to put couples at ease allows her storytelling style to shine through. Whether it’s a Cipriani NYC wedding or a local, intimate backyard ceremony, her expertise transforms moments into works of timeless art.
Real Weddings and Reviews
Tiler Peck and Robbie Fairchild’s Wedding
When stars from ballet and Broadway tie the knot, you’d expect dazzling photography, and Charlotte delivered just that. The wedding photos were a breathtaking mix of romance and spontaneity, praised by media outlets such as Town and Country and Marie Claire.
Zanna Roberts Rassi’s Wedding
Charlotte captured this E! News correspondent’s special day with an intuitive understanding of storytelling and light, creating a suite of vintage wedding pics that remain iconic to this day.
Her work is consistently rated as top-tier by Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, and even The Wed as one of the best wedding photographers in the world.
Tips for Couples Booking Their Vintage Wedding Photographer
- Book early, as sought-after photographers like Charlotte Jenks Lewis schedule quickly.
- Share your vision and provide examples of vintage photos or styles that resonate with you.
- Ensure the photographer offers services that fit your needs, whether it’s wedding videography, black and white photography, or a mix of both.
Where to Find Charlotte
Charlotte specializes in wedding photography in New York and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, she combines light, laughter, and creativity to capture irreplaceable memories.
Whether you’re looking for a New York wedding photographer for your Cipriani NYC wedding or simply exploring photographers near you, Charlotte offers an unparalleled experience.
To book or inquire about her availability, visit https://charlottejenkslewis.com/