Holly & John’s 35mm Film Engagement Session at Wildwood Regional Park

When Holly and John reached out about their engagement photos,

they had a clear vision: they wanted something meaningful and full of natural beauty. They decided on Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks as the perfect backdrop for their session, as it was where John proposed! The rolling hills, and wild desert foliage made it an ideal location to capture their Ventura County love story. What made this session even more special was the decision to shoot entirely on 35mm film.

Couple walking hand in hand on a dirt trail at Wildwood Regional Park.
35mm film photo of engaged couple walking in Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks.

Why 35mm Film?

In a digital age, there’s something undeniably captivating about film photography. The grain, the color tones, and the way film captures light create a nostalgic feel that digital simply can’t replicate. For Holly and John, the choice to use 35mm film was about more than just aesthetics—it was about preserving the genuine emotions and moments of their engagement in a way that feels nostalgic and timeless.

35mm film photo of silhouetted couple embraces on mountaintop during golden sunset with person lifting partner in romantic moment.
An engaged woman shows off her engagement ring for engagement photos in Thousand Oaks.
A man and woman smile for their engagement photos at Wildwood Regional Park.

Wildwood Regional Park: Wide Open Spaces in Thousand Oaks


Located in the heart of Thousand Oaks, Wildwood Regional Park is one of Ventura County's most beautiful outdoor spaces. With over 1,700 acres of open space, the park offers a variety of landscapes, from oak woodlands to grasslands, and even a waterfall. The scenery provided us with endless opportunities for photos that truly reflect the natural beauty of Southern California.

A couple walking together on a dusty trail with golden hills in the background.
Close-up of two people holding hands while walking on a dirt path in Thousand Oaks.
Woman in a white top smiling and touching her hair in natural outdoor lighting in Thousand Oaks.
Couple holding hands while walking through a field of tall grass at sunset.
35mm film photo of couple embracing while looking at scenic mountain views during golden hour.
Silhouetted couple standing together against a sunset mountain landscape.
35mm film photo of intimate moment between couple in casual attire against mountainous backdrop.
Close-up of an engagement ring as hand rests on shoulder during sunset photoshoot in Thousand Oaks.
Close-up of legs in blue jeans and brown boots standing on a dirt path surrounded by dry golden grass.

Golden Hour Engagement Session


We started the session in the late afternoon to take advantage of the golden hour light, which added a soft, romantic glow to each shot. As we wandered through the trails of Wildwood, Holly and John’s connection was evident in every frame. Whether they were sharing a laugh, a dance, or a tender kiss, the authenticity of their relationship shone through.


Shooting on 35mm film also allowed us to slow down and be intentional with each shot. Unlike digital, where you can take hundreds of photos in a matter of minutes, film requires patience and precision. This pace allowed Holly and John to be fully present with each other, making the experience even more meaningful.

Couple embracing outdoors in casual clothing against a scenic mountain landscape at sunset.
35mm film photo of romantic couple embracing while looking at mountain views in a field of golden grass.
Close-up shot of hands with engagement ring against blue jeans and white top.

Why Choose 35mm Film for Your Engagement Photos?


As a Ventura County wedding and engagement photographer, I believe in the power of film to tell your unique love story. There’s a certain magic in film that digital photography can’t quite capture. The depth, richness, and character of film make it the perfect medium for those who want their photos to stand the test of time.

When you choose to work with me, you’re not just getting a photographer—you’re getting an artist who is passionate about creating beautiful, timeless images. It's important to choose a film wedding photographer who understands how to use film as a medium, and knows where and how to get that film developed, scanned, and delivered to you.


My wedding and engagement photography packages include both digital and film photography, so you can have the best of both worlds. Whether you’re getting married in Thousand Oaks, Ventura County, or anywhere in California, I’d be honored to capture your love story!