The preparations began a few hours before the ceremony in a classic wedding rhythm. The men got ready separately while the women had their hair and makeup done.
Later, Adam waited at the ceremony space as Aimee arrived with her father. It was a simple but emotional moment, without any unnecessary staging.
The ceremony began close to sunset, but the light was still very strong. Parasols became more than practical protection from the heat. They also added colour, movement, and a light summer feeling to the photographs.
In these conditions, it is important not to wait for "perfect" light, but to know how to use bright sun, shadows, and the space around the couple.
After the ceremony, we found about half an hour to leave the villa for a separate photoshoot. This time was not only for Aimee and Adam's portraits. Their friends came with us, so we created plenty of fun, lively photographs with the whole group, as well as a few quieter images of the newlyweds together.
While we were away for the photoshoot, the second photographer stayed with the guests during cocktail hour. They photographed conversations, laughter, hugs, and the natural moments before dinner. This approach meant that no important part of the day was missed: the couple had time for themselves and their friends, while the guests remained part of the wedding story too.
In the evening, everyone came together for the reception. There were warm speeches, laughter, and dancing, followed by a fire show to close the day. The performers spinning fire torches made a memorable final moment.
For me as a Wedding Photographer Lisbon, weddings like this are especially valuable. Experience working in strong sun helps me plan calmly for challenging Portuguese light as well. In Cascais, along the Algarve coast, or at open locations near Lisbon, the sun can be intense, while wind and the character of the location can change the original plan.
As a Wedding Photographer Portugal and Destination Wedding Photographer, I think about more than a beautiful location. I consider the ceremony time, the direction of the sun, the opportunity to create portraits away from the guests, and how to organise the photography team so the day remains easy for the couple. Even difficult light can become an advantage when the photography is planned properly.
Aimee and Adam's wedding was a reminder that a powerful wedding story does not come from perfect conditions. It comes from the people, their emotions, close friends around them, and a photographer who knows how to work with the real light, weather, and rhythm of the day.
