In my journey as a wedding photographer, I have experienced moments that left me speechless, but the wedding I recently photographed in São Miguel, Azores, exceeded all expectations. Coming from the island of Madeira, I embarked on this adventure with great enthusiasm, knowing that each wedding is a new story to be told, but I could never have imagined how out of the box this one would be.
I arrived in São Miguel two days before the big celebration, eager to explore the stunning scenery the island has to offer. My plan was simple: find the most beautiful places and capture the essence of this couple’s love against the stunning Azorean landscapes. I spent hours exploring the island’s hidden corners, imagining the perfect photos, from breathtaking viewpoints, among the blue hydrangeas and crystal-clear lagoons.
However, on the day of the wedding, I was completely surprised. When I met the bride and groom at the charming Airbnb they had chosen to celebrate their day, I realized that all my meticulous plans were about to be thrown out the window. Instead of carefully planned photoshoots, the couple simply wanted to enjoy the moment, the space, and the people they loved, without any script to follow. And what a crazy day unfolded from there!
There was laughter, tears of joy, dancing and lots of fun. The vibe of pure happiness was palpable in every corner. The highlight of the day was perhaps the most unexpected of all moments: the bride, with her infectious energy, decided to tattoo one of the guests! Yes, that’s exactly what happened. And for me, that moment encapsulated the spirit of the day – a day where anything could happen, where the celebration of love was free and without show off.
This wedding will undoubtedly remain forever etched in my memory as one of the most unique and extraordinary I have ever had the honor of photographing. And for me, it was the perfect wedding.
