Welcome June: and engagement sessions

It’s been 398 days, 1 hour, 33 minutes, and 17 seconds since I last wrote to you. Same spot as always, same cappuccino as always, and a candle burning… as always.

Labrinth is playing today. And it’s funny how, within just a year, the world can feel completely different. Through the good and the not so good, I choose to focus on what moves me, what inspires me, and what restores my hope in humanity.

We went to the Moon and back. We had already landed there with the Apollo missions, but Artemis II was the first time our generation got to follow something like this up close. Even though we didn’t step on the Moon this time, we went further and saw it from new perspectives. I cried. It was so beautiful. And once again, I was reminded that it’s the emotion behind the stories we live and witness that truly moves us.

Since June is my favourite month of the year, I had to return to this little corner where I freely share my journey through the world of love stories, weddings, and all the little je ne sais quoi that makes them special. And speaking of emotion, yesterday I received a message from a bride who became emotional while watching her engagement session film. So I decided to write about them.

The first session of the season

The first couple I had the chance to film for the 2026 season were Diana and Fábio. When they first reached out, they already had a very clear vision of the atmosphere they wanted for their day: genuine and tender, fun and vibrant, with a cinematic touch. I immediately knew the session would follow that direction, which suited my style perfectly.

The idea

When I met with the couple, they shared the references they had in mind. After speaking with the photographer as well, we settled on the location. This time, there was no need to create a moodboard, as they had already sent their ideas and we were all aligned.

In other cases, after the initial meeting, I try to find a location that truly fits the couple, either for its aesthetic value or because it connects to part of their story. Once the location is set, we move on to looks and outfits, where I usually prepare moodboards and guidelines.

The day of the shoot

I always start with simple moments, with only the lightest guidance: walking, a slow dance, or the groom lifting the bride and spinning her around. These are moments that help them relax and get comfortable in front of the camera.

Then I move into a more intentional direction. My inspiration comes from films, so my guidance tends to create continuous actions with a beginning, middle, and end. Sometimes, to help them step into the moment, I tell them their own story, the one they shared with me in our meetings. It’s a bit like directing actors. I give them cues, such as asking them to look into each other’s eyes as they walk. And what often happens is that later in the shoot, they start doing it naturally. The action becomes instinctive. On the wedding day, something rehearsed during the engagement session becomes second nature. And that is exactly how I believe it should be, since direction should be kept to a minimum on the special day.

I’m always attentive to the in-between moments, those genuine, unrepeatable instants I try to anticipate and capture.

Lastly, positive feedback throughout the shoot is essential. It’s common for people to feel they are not photogenic, and that belief often prevents them from fully relaxing. Part of my role is to give them the energy and reassurance they need to feel confident, comfortable, and at ease.

The creative process

I begin by selecting the footage that best helps me tell that couple’s story. Then I choose the music, or combination of tracks, that fits the key moments.

One of my favourite parts is writing the voice-over. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I love writing, and crafting a voice over is a process I find particularly meaningful. I try to avoid being too literal in relation to the visuals. Instead, I aim for something that brings out the couple’s story and matches the overall mood of the shoot. I start by selecting a few words that define them, and build from there. Then I look for a voice-over artist whose tone fits the project. 

Once the footage, music, and voice are in place, everything else becomes an intuitive process leading to the final piece.

The importance of engagement sessions

My engagement sessions are an offer to my couples, so creatively they follow my own visual language. They are moments where I can be more editorial and explore my creativity freely.

Some photographers and filmmakers provide these sessions as an add-on, which is perfectly fine. If you are a couple and have the opportunity to include one, do it. These sessions are a great way to get to know the people you will be working with on your wedding day, to become comfortable with our presence and the camera, and to start seeing us as part of your day, which makes everything feel much more natural.

I’ll leave you with the Monastery Dreams session for inspiration.