Almada Wedding Photographer: engagement session in the Navy

The bride and groom, on a navy ship, with the bride with open arms, imitating a scene from a well-known movie, by the wedding photographer in Lisbon.

ADVENTUROUS AFTERNOON by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON

The bride and groom, on a navy ship, with the bride with open arms, imitating a scene from a well-known movie, by the wedding photographer in Lisbon.

The photographs belong to a pre-wedding session on a Portuguese Navy ship


• Pode ler este artigo em Português.

The Wedding Photographer and a Pre-Wedding Session in a Unique Location: A Portuguese Navy Ship

The groom, a sailor, with the bride inside the ship.

Wedding photography is undoubtedly one of the most important and memorable parts of the big day. Every couple wants to capture the emotions, smiles, gestures, and the unique essence of their love. However, what makes wedding photography even more special is the choice of location for pre-wedding photoshoots. Some couples prefer classic locations, while others seek something more exotic and original. In this context, a Portuguese Navy ship emerged as the perfect choice for a photoshoot that would forever mark the couple and their love story.

The Pre-Wedding Session on the Portuguese Navy Ship

The bride and groom talk inside the Portuguese navy ship.

It all started casually, with a playful challenge from a friend, when the wedding photographer was dared by António, a proud Navy sailor, to do the pre-wedding photoshoot on a Portuguese Navy ship. Initially, the idea seemed a bit unconventional, but as we all know, sometimes the most unexpected places create the best memories.

António, in his military uniform, was emotional when he accepted the challenge. He not only wanted to share that special place with his fiancée, Sofia, but also show the wedding photographer his “workplace” – the ship where he spends much of his time and which is part of his identity. This kind of context adds a deep emotional dimension to wedding photography because it offers the photographer the chance to immortalize a part of the couple’s life.

The Sailor’s Pride and the Bride’s Joy

In the engine room of the navy ship, the bride and groom in conversation.

While António showed us the various areas of the ship, places that hold special meaning for him, the wedding photographer took the opportunity to capture all the spontaneous moments. Sofia, the bride, was visibly happy and proud to be there, beside her sailor, in such a unique and meaningful environment for him. In the photos, Sofia’s joy and pride were clear, and she was radiant, seeing her fiancé in that military setting, where he truly felt at home.

The lighting, with the sun setting and casting a strong orange hue on the horizon, offered a stunning backdrop for the photos. The exterior of the ship, with the sea in the background and the colors of the sky reflecting on the water, became the perfect setting for this unique moment. The images captured not only the beauty of the location but also the essence of the couple’s relationship and the joy of being together, sharing something so special.

The Value of a Wedding Photography Session in Unusual Locations

Embracing and holding hands, the couple in the pre-wedding session inside the ship.

What makes this kind of photoshoot unique is not just the unusual environment but also the connection between the photographer and the couple. For the wedding photographer, there is no better feeling than seeing a couple comfortable, happy, and interacting with the location. When the couple feels at ease, the photos flow naturally and capture genuine moments of affection and emotion.

The Portuguese Navy ship, with its grandeur and history, served as the perfect backdrop to immortalize the love between António and Sofia. Every corner of the ship was creatively explored by the photographer, who made the most of every detail of the environment. It was a true experience for the photographer and the couple, an adventure that resulted in unforgettable wedding photographs.

A Lesson in Photography and Adventure

The couple's faces, together, through an opening inside the ship.

For the wedding photographer, every experience like this is a real lesson. Photographing in such a different and meaningful location requires adaptation and sensitivity to capture the essence of the moment without losing the couple’s soul. Instead of limiting themselves to conventional settings, photographers should be able to explore and make the most of the locations couples choose, no matter how unconventional they are. This is exactly what happened during this photoshoot, where, with a creative and respectful approach, the photographer was able to bring out the best of the setting and the couple.

Sofia, proud of her sailor, could not hide her happiness. She was truly moved, and that emotion radiated through every photo, making the photographer’s job even more meaningful. The energy of the couple was so contagious that the images were filled with love, affection, and emotion.

The Wedding at Praia do Porto Novo

The bride laughing a lot with the groom behind her.

A few days later, the wedding photographer had the pleasure of joining the couple at Praia do Porto Novo, where, once again, he had the opportunity to capture António and Sofia’s big day. The wedding, held by the sea, was a simple but deeply emotional ceremony, surrounded by friends and family. After the ceremony, the celebration continued at the Hotel Golf Mar, where the couple and the wedding guests celebrated their union in a joyful and relaxed manner.

It was a day filled with touching moments, and the wedding photos captured the magic of every instant. Each smile, each gesture, and every look of complicity between the groom and bride were captured uniquely. The wedding photographer’s work went far beyond just taking photos; it was a true emotional journey to capture António and Sofia’s love story.

How to Choose the Ideal Location for a Pre-Wedding Session?

On the rail of the Portuguese navy ship, the groom dressed as a sailor and the bride wearing an official hat.
  • Choose a meaningful location: Whether it’s a beach, an old city, or, in this case, a Portuguese Navy ship, the most important thing is that the location has special meaning for the couple. This will make the wedding photos even more personal and emotionally charged.
  • Consider the lighting: Light is one of the most important elements in photography. Choosing a location with good natural lighting, such as a sunset in an open setting, can make all the difference in your images.
  • Bring your personality into the photos: The wedding photographer should be able to capture the couple’s personality through the photos. Don’t be afraid to be creative and explore new ideas to make your pre-wedding session unique.

Conclusion: Wedding Photography as an Emotional Journey

Wedding photography is much more than just capturing images; it’s a way of telling the couple’s love story. When a special place, such as a Portuguese Navy ship, is chosen for the pre-wedding session, the possibilities for creating unique and emotional photos are endless. The wedding photographer’s job is to explore these moments and create images that capture the true essence of love, happiness, and commitment between the bride and groom.


Let’s talk

If you are looking for a wedding photographer who understands the importance of capturing each special and unique moment, do not hesitate to contact me. Together, we can create unforgettable wedding photos!


  • You can see a full wedding story:

The bride and groom, next to the control panels of the navy ship's engine room.
On a bridge inside the ship's engine room, the groom and bride are looking at something.
Portrait of the bride on the Portuguese navy ship.
The bride with a beautiful smile.
The bride and groom, in the courtship session, between parts of the ship.
The couple, in the evening light, with a navy ship behind.
The bride and groom laughing, seen through the navy ship's component.
The groom, dressed in the uniform of the Portuguese navy, with a ship behind, out of focus.
Grooms in conversation, next to a ship's staircase, during the pre-wedding session.
Looking and talking to each other, the bride and groom inside the ship.
Groom sitting on a ship's balustrade.
Portrait of the groom next to a ship's crane.
With the rest of the ship in the background, the bride and groom chat in the dating session.
The groom hugs the bride on the Portuguese navy ship with the national flag.
The bride pretends to steer the ship in a captain's cap, with the groom in the background.
The bride and groom seen on the ship's rail, in the pre-wedding session.
Portrait of the bride and groom with the sea in the background.
The couple in the dating session, between blurred parts of the ship.
After the courtship session inside the Portuguese navy ship, the bride and groom leave, hand in hand.
The bride and groom kiss beside the ship, after the sun has set.
With that light after the sun has set, the wedding couple look at each other.

By Fernando Colaço

I am Fernando Colaço a wedding photographer based in Portugal. My approach to wedding photography is open and not intruder, leaving the event just to happen. We may call it photojournalism. But, it is better to let the photos talk. I am at your service.

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