Elopement Session at Gulbenkian gardens in Lisbon

Among the reeds of a lake, the bride and groom rest for the wedding photographer in the pre-wedding session.

FAST SESSION by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON

Among the reeds of a lake, the bride and groom rest for the wedding photographer in the pre-wedding session.

The photos were taken in the Gulbenkian Garden in Lisbon, in a pre-wedding session


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The importance of a photo session with the couple before the wedding day

Bride sitting on the groom's lap playing in the Gulbenkian garden.

Emotional connection before the big day

Gulbenkian Gardens, mid-July, late afternoon — time for photographs. Coming almost straight from Singapore, where they study, we met and, finally, after getting to know each other, we started our session.

It had been many years since I had been to that garden, and for something entirely different which isn’t worth mentioning now. It was a surprise to find that mini forest in the middle of Lisbon. As you may have noticed, I enjoy photographing in wooded areas, using the foliage to create special textures and atmospheres — and there, it was the perfect opportunity.,

  • Creating a bond with the wedding photographer makes the wedding day experience smoother.
  • Choosing a natural setting like the Gulbenkian Gardens encourages authentic moments.
  • Sessions before the wedding day are ideal for the bride and groom to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
  • The trust built beforehand has a direct impact on the actual wedding photography.

The engagement session as a starting point

Grooms, in the elopement session, among the trees of the Gulbenkian garden.

The photos from the engagement session are the real stars. I must say that Francisca and André rose to the occasion and helped build a strong connection for the following day at Quinta do Vale, where the wedding took place. There’s no need for more words — the photos are what matter.

  • An engagement photo session allows love to be captured with spontaneity before the wedding ceremony.
  • It’s a moment where the wedding photographer observes the couple’s dynamics.
  • The couple gains naturalness in their poses and gestures, which shows in the wedding photographs.
  • This type of session creates a unique visual archive of the pre-wedding phase, full of emotion.

Symbolic and aesthetic value of the chosen location

Bride plays with the leaves of a tree with the groom beside her in the pre-wedding session.

The Gulbenkian Gardens were not just a beautiful setting, but an element that directly influenced the tone of the session. The natural surroundings, the golden late-afternoon light, and the photographer’s memory created a special atmosphere. Places like these — full of stories or discovered unexpectedly — contribute to a deeper narrative in the images.

  • The session’s location contributes to the style of the wedding photography.
  • Natural environments help the couple relax and invite spontaneity.
  • Choosing a personally meaningful location adds authenticity to the shoot.
  • A well-planned session can produce striking images before the wedding day.

The connection that makes a difference on the wedding day

Bride and groom sitting on the grass in the Gulbenkian garden in Lisbon.

Photographing beforehand allows the photographer to anticipate gestures, understand angles better, and work with greater sensitivity during the ceremony. For the bride and groom, that familiarity makes the photographer almost invisible on the day, resulting in more natural and moving images. It’s both emotional and practical preparation that truly makes a difference.

  • Prior sessions create a smoother connection between the photographer and the wedding guests.
  • There’s more ease during the wedding ceremony, with more genuine gestures.
  • The couple feels more confident about the documentation of their big day.
  • The emotional connection established is reflected in every wedding photo taken.
Looking at each other, the bride and groom smile happily.

Booking a photo session before the wedding is more than ensuring good images — it’s an investment in a meaningful experience with your photographer. If you value authenticity, emotion, and a photographic record with identity, get in touch. Let’s create a visual story that begins before the aisle.


  • You can see a full wedding story:

Bride among the reeds.

The groom in black and white portrait.

In the day before the wedding the couple sat in the middle of a walkway in the Gulbenkian garden, among reeds and trees.

Sitting on the floor and next to each other, the bride and groom talk.

Grooms, in a pre-wedding session, next to a sculpture in the Gulbenkian garden.

Sitting on the rocks in the garden, the bride and groom pose for the wedding photographer at the pre-wedding session.

In the midst of the trees of the Gulbenkian garden, the bride and groom were almost lying on the grass, in the elopement session.

Serene in the calm of the garden, the bride and groom pose for the wedding photographer.

The couple walks among the trees in the garden, at the end of the elopement session.

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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