A WEDDING CEREMONY, CHAPTER 2, by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON
Photos of the first people to arrive at the wedding ceremony in Lisbon’s Castelo de S. Jorge for the decorations
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
The magic of being a wedding photographer: when everything starts from nothing
Being a wedding photographer is much more than carrying cameras and capturing images. It means being present on one of the most important days in two people’s lives, telling a true story with emotion, detail, and authenticity. Most of the time, when I arrive at the wedding venue, I find a team of professionals putting the final touches on the preparations. Decorators, florists, musicians, and other experts work in harmony to ensure the perfect setting for the big moment.
However, occasionally, unusual situations arise. Like the time I arrived early, as always, at the designated location for the wedding ceremony, and nothing — not a single flower, chair, or sign that something important was about to happen there.
When nothing indicates a wedding is about to take place
The immediate thought is inevitable: “Did I get the wrong location?” As a wedding photographer, this doubt can be briefly unsettling. The schedule was well-organized, the time confirmed, the address double-checked… But the place was empty. No sign of the bride, groom, wedding guests, or any ceremony decoration.
And it is precisely in these moments that the attentive eye and instinct of someone who lives to tell stories through wedding photography come into play.
Key points that make a difference:
- Arriving early helps identify and adapt to unexpected situations, such as delays or last-minute changes.
- The start of a wedding day is not always grand — sometimes, it begins with silence and emptiness.
- Being a wedding photographer requires the sensitivity to capture the “before” as well as the “during.”
The scene transforms before our eyes
Almost magically, people begin to arrive. Some with flowers, others with tables, still others with cables, fabrics, arches. In an instant, that space that moments ago seemed deserted begins to gain form and purpose. Anxiety gives way to excitement. After all, this is indeed where the wedding ceremony will take place.
The wedding photographer then becomes a true reporter. Observing, anticipating, preparing to capture the genuine moments about to unfold. It’s at this stage that the atmosphere completely transforms.
Witnessing this evolution is a privilege:
- Watching an empty space become a wedding setting is to witness the power of teamwork.
- The photographer’s presence from the first moments allows for a full narrative.
- A sharp eye captures small details that often go unnoticed: parents’ nerves, friends’ laughter, the sparkle in the couple’s eyes.
The role of guests and family on the big day
With the arrival of the wedding guests, the atmosphere warms up. Parents, siblings, uncles, childhood friends – everyone plays their role in the grand staging of real life. The bride is helped by friends and family to get ready with love and care. The groom, between hugs and jokes, gains calm and confidence.
Here, too, arise the most natural, spontaneous, and genuine photographs. Moments of connection, affection, sharing. Wedding photography thrives on these unrepeatable seconds that show love in its purest form.
Highlights that make a difference:
- The bond between the couple and their guests is key for great photographs.
- Every simple gesture can generate an image with great emotional impact.
- The photographer’s discreet yet attentive presence is essential for capturing authenticity.
The beauty of improvisation and truth on the wedding day
The most interesting thing about being a wedding photographer is realizing that, no matter how well-planned everything is, the day is always full of surprises. And that’s where the magic lies. Because in the unplanned details, the nervous laughter, the spontaneous tears, wedding photography comes alive.
That castle, once home to tales of knights and Moorish princesses, becomes a real setting for a modern-day wedding. A place full of meaning, where past and present meet to celebrate love.
Conclusion:
Being a wedding photographer means being ready for anything: for silence and celebration, for planning and improvisation. It means transforming the unexpected into imagery, detail into memory. And above all, knowing how to be where it all begins — even if, at first glance, it seems like nothing will happen.
Take me with you on your special day
Are you planning your wedding day? Do you want an authentic, sensitive, and emotional visual record? Contact me and take me with you. As a wedding photographer, I’ll be there to capture everything your eyes might miss in the moment — but your heart will cherish forever.
- You can see a full wedding story:
- The place booked and then prepared for the ceremony was at the Castelo de S. Jorge in Lisbon. The photos are from there.
