In the ever-evolving world of wedding videography, trends come and go, but one thing that never fades is the desire to capture emotion in a way that feels real. That’s where Hi8 video steps in.
At Cruising Creative, I’m proud to be the only wedding videographer in Ireland offering Hi8 video as part of my wedding packages. But what exactly is Hi8? And why does it strike such a chord with couples who want something truly special?
What is Hi8?
Hi8 is an analog video format that became popular in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. You would find it mostly recorded on compact camcorder tapes. Think home videos, grainy family holidays, and birthdays captured with handheld camcorders. It’s the original “candid camera” vibe. This was before filters, before 4K, and long before smartphones lived in our pockets.
There’s a raw quality to Hi8 that digital footage just can’t replicate. The colours are softer, the grain is gentle, and there’s a slightly dreamy haze to the picture that feels like a memory as it’s unfolding. That’s what makes it so perfect for weddings.
To see an example of how I fused both digital and Hi8 video, why not check out a recent wedding sneak peek here.
It’s Not Just a Trend — It’s a Feeling
Hi8 isn’t about being trendy (even though vintage aesthetics are having a serious moment). It’s about evoking a sense of nostalgia and intimacy. There’s something about watching Hi8 footage that instantly takes you back — even if it’s not your own memory. It feels timeless, comforting, and incredibly personal.
Your wedding day is packed with emotion: the anticipation, the laughs, quiet moments, bursts of joy. Hi8 captures all of that in a way that feels like flipping through your childhood home videos — imperfect in the most perfect way.
The Magic Is in the Mix
What makes Cruising Creative’s wedding films unique is the combination of Hi8 and high-end digital video. The digital side gives you the cinematic experience: crisp visuals, sweeping shots, and the kind of production quality you expect from a professional wedding video. But interspersed with that are Hi8 snippets — hand-held, spontaneous, grainy — the behind-the-scenes soul of your day.
It’s a beautiful contrast: timeless and modern, polished and raw. The two formats complement each other so well, and when edited together intentionally, they create a truly emotional and memorable film that stands out from the rest.
Check out another recent sneak peek video here to give you an idea of what I mean!
Why Couples Love It
More and more couples are searching for wedding videos that feel like them. They don’t want overly staged or scripted. They just want authentic, joyful, and real. Hi8 footage adds that human layer. I often hear couples say the Hi8 clips are their absolute favourite part of the film. Why? Because they feel like little love notes from the past.
The footage feels like someone special was filming it just for you. The grain, the glitches, the slightly shaky camcorder moments. These clips often include candid conversations, laughter in motion, the way someone looks at you when you’re not even aware the camera is rolling. They’re the heartbeats of your wedding story.
A Future Keepsake That Feels Like the Past
The best part? Your wedding film becomes more than a highlight reel, it becomes a time capsule. Something your future selves (and maybe future generations to come) will watch and say, “Wow, look how in love we were.” And it won’t feel like watching a movie. It’ll feel like reliving a memory.
Here’s one more example of Hi8 wedding video and how it feels like a time capsule.
Like what you see!?
Hi! I’m Sophie…
I’m a female wedding videographer based in County Fermanagh.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding video that’s beautifully different, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s chat about how we can bring your story to life through the magic of fusing Hi8 and digital video together.
📩 Get in touch here or drop me a message on Instagram @cruisingcreative
Let’s start planning something unforgettable!
