Objects with Soul: More Than Just Wedding Accessories

The wedding rings in a box among a bouquet of flowers at Quinta do Pé da Serra in a composition by the wedding photographer in Sintra.

THE OBJECTS by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN PORTUGAL

The wedding rings in a box among a bouquet of flowers at Quinta do Pé da Serra in a composition by the wedding photographer in Sintra.

Photographs of some of the objects that were part of the wedding day


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Much More Than Accessories: Objects with Soul on the Wedding Day

On the lid of a white box, a bracelet, earrings and necklace for the bride getting married at Quinta do Pé da Serra in Sintra.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve spent years capturing unique and emotional moments. Over time, I’ve come to realize something beyond the visual: certain objects carry an almost spiritual presence, a kind of energy that affects both the person who wears them and those who observe them. These objects are part of the couple’s story and, in wedding photographs, they are much more than accessories.

Objects That Belong to Us: More Than Just Items

The bride's shoes on a table top decorated in blue with bouquets of flowers.

There are objects that, due to their emotional connection, go beyond any functional or aesthetic definition. As a wedding photographer, I’ve learned that they tell silent stories — they are extensions of the person carrying them.

Why are these objects so special?

  • They represent memories, legacies, and feelings passed down through generations.
  • When used on the wedding day, they become symbols of continuity, union, and affection.
  • A simple touch or gesture transforms the moment into a meaningful ritual.
  • They stop being “things” and become part of the bride or groom’s being.

An inherited ring, a grandmother’s bracelet, the groom’s father’s cufflinks, or a hand-embroidered handkerchief — all these carry emotional value that far exceeds their appearance.

Objects with Soul: Living Symbols on the Wedding Day

Decorative elements with glass polyhedrons and silver wire, for the wedding day at Quinta do Pé da Serra in Sintra.

Some objects seem to have a kind of soul. They are emotional anchors, carrying fragments of identity from those who wear or keep them.

Objects that change those who carry them

  • They offer comfort and a sense of belonging, as if carrying a living history.
  • They become discreet but powerful protagonists in wedding moments.
  • In wedding photography, some details evoke deep emotions.

These objects almost become “characters.” Discreet, but impossible to ignore.

Bride and Groom: More Than Appearance, It’s an Emotional Connection

When the bride puts on her grandmother’s earrings or the groom adjusts his father’s watch, something changes. The moment deepens. The gaze shines with emotion.

How do these objects manifest on the wedding day

  • They complete not only the look but the heart.
  • They tell family stories of love, memory, and continuity.
  • For wedding guests, they stir feelings of recognition and warmth.

Simple acts — putting on a necklace, adjusting a veil, pinning a brooch — become symbolic gestures that mark a new stage in life.

Capturing These Objects at the Start

Upon arriving at the wedding ceremony venue, one of my first steps is to observe and capture these objects. They are often carefully laid out, ready to play their part.

Why capture them early?

  • They tell a story before the ceremony begins.
  • They are often overlooked, yet represent immense emotion.
  • They are unique to each couple and deserve to be immortalized.

These objects are too meaningful to be forgotten.

Beyond Aesthetics: Objects as Protagonists

In wedding photography, accessories and objects take on a silent protagonism. They speak without words. They say, “I remember you,” “you are with me today,” “this is yours too.”

Key moments in small details

  • Rings were placed in an old box full of family history.
  • A bouquet tied with a ribbon that belonged to the bride’s mother.
  • A prayer book that has accompanied the family in joyful and difficult times.

These elements can turn a simple photo into something eternal.

Conclusion: When an Object Is Worth More Than a Thousand Words

As a wedding photographer, I’ve learned that the smallest details make the biggest difference. Objects with a soul, those that define and complete us, deserve a special and sensitive focus. They are part of the emotional narrative of the wedding, and capturing them is essential.

They are silent witnesses of love, past, present, and future. They hold pieces of the soul of those who carry them — and also of my mission as a photographer: to preserve memories truthfully and emotionally.


Let’s talk about your wedding day.

On your wedding day, there will also be objects that are essential to your story — and I’ll be there to capture them with the care and sensitivity they deserve. If you want every detail recorded with soul, get in touch. I’d love to meet you and learn what makes your day unique.


  • You can see a full wedding story:


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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