This Valentine’s Day blog post revolves a little around me, the person you are considering to capture the most special day of your life through photography. It's all about my heartfelt approach to wedding photography and why this day holds such immense importance. When I'm photographing weddings, emotions flood over me. I find myself swallowing back tears, trying to maintain my composure while doing my job. You see, I am married too! So when I see my couples standing there, blissfully unaware, it fills me with a sense of wonder. Contrary to what you might think, it's not because I believe marriage is tough and they have no idea. No, it's because I believe they don't fully comprehend the depth of the words they exchange. Their happiness and excitement overshadow the profoundness of those vows. In these moments, memories of my own life and my incredible husband come crashing back. When the officiant speaks of love and holding each other through joy and sorrow, I remember all the times my husband lifted me up, made me laugh when I wanted to cry, and provided me a shoulder to lean on. And when they utter the words "in sickness and in health," my mind races to the countless times my husband held my hand in doctors' offices, assuring me that everything would be okay. Together, we've built an ocean of beautiful memories. When I think about my couples, I can't help but imagine the incredible memories they will create too. This fills me with an overwhelming sense of joy, and tears of happiness threaten to spill. This is precisely what I strive to capture with my camera – the beginning of a lifelong journey, filled with precious moments and an unbreakable bond. I want my couples to keep these photographs close to their hearts, serving as a reminder of the trust they share. On those tough days, when love seems challenging, they can glance at a portrait from their wedding day and remember their vows, reminding themselves that it's just a rough patch, and it too shall pass. So, let me be there to capture the essence of your love, the beauty of this incredible milestone, and the joy that will accompany you on this journey. *These personal photos, taken by different professional photographers, it serves as a testament to the importance I place on preserving and capturing significant moments in my own life.

Lari's session held a special place in my heart, as I have known her for quite some time now. My affection for her and her son Nathan runs deep, and I had the pleasure of capturing their moments together on a previous occasion. It was truly an honor to photograph them once again during this beautiful chapter of Lari's life - her second pregnancy. We put in a great deal of effort to ensure that everything was perfect for her session. Carefully selecting the outfits, we paid meticulous attention to detail. We created a harmonious color palette, and I convinced Lari that immersing herself in the ocean water would be a truly unique and captivating idea, considering the organic nature of pregnancy. In my maternity sessions, I strive to focus on the pregnant belly and embracing the miracle of motherhood, rather than drawing attention to the clothes. It is about celebrating the beauty and grandeur of generating life within oneself. I find that water symbolizes both fluidity and lightness, as well as strength - a metaphor that resonates deeply with women during the gestational period. So, what are your thoughts? Wasn't Lari's session truly breathtaking?

Ceremony and reception entrances are always exciting, but don't forget about your exit! Your wedding send-off can be just as memorable and fun. Friends and family can create a receiving line and "send off" the couple with a celebratory item. From tossing flower petals to waving sparklers, there are endless creative ideas to choose from. The result is a photo-worthy moment that leaves a lasting impression. Trust me, it's easy to execute and will make your wedding day even more special! According to my own experience in the wedding industry, you can customize the send-off in any way that suits your personality (as everything else in your wedding planning). Don’t get confused, a couple can have two send-offs, one at the end of the ceremony and one at the end of the reception, the second one being less common! A send-off in the end of the ceremony is very tradition, while a send-off at the end of the reception became famous in the past few years and is mostly done with some kind of light as most receptions goes throughout the night! It is also referred as “sparkler exit”, or “fake exit” because sometimes it is done only to allow the photographer to capture the photos and it doesn’t actually mean that the party has ended! Now, let's explore some fun and unique ideas for your unforgettable, unique, and elegant wedding exit: 1. Toss Flower Petals: The tradition of the flower petal toss is not limited to just the flower girls at the beginning of the ceremony. It can also be a delightful and celebratory way to bid you farewell to the reception, after you have exchanged your vows and shared your first kiss. To create a harmonious look, choose petals in colors that complement your aisle decorations and opt for seasonal varieties. When your friends shower you with petals and you pause for a kiss, the radiant smiles of the newlyweds create stunning photographs. I cannot even begin to express how beautiful it is! 2. Launch Confetti: Setting off a canon of confetti will create an explosion of color and texture, leading to incredible photos. You can bring this idea to your dance floor, so friends and family can celebrate your new marriage while breaking it down to a killer soundtrack. I love silver and gold confetti for glamorous and contemporary nuptials. 3. Throw Glitter: For a truly memorable ending to your special day, consider walking through a shimmering sea of glitter. To ensure the best visual impact in photos and an easier cleanup process, opt for large-size glitter instead of the regular-sized one. However, it's important to note that if you choose glitter for your send-off idea, it is likely to stick to your hair and skin, particularly if you've been dancing and are sweaty. So, while it can create a stunning effect, be prepared for some glittery remnants on your body. 4. Blow Bubbles: For a unique and mess-free alternative, consider bubbles. They create a magical atmosphere and can double as favors for your guests. Bubbles aren't just for daytime celebrations; with enough lighting, they'll shine even in the dark. If you really want to up the ante, buy or rent a bubble machine. 5. Sparkler exit: The waving of sparklers is a timeless and classic way to bid farewell to the reception at a wedding. These mesmerizing flames can add a touch of glamour to a casual event or bring a sense of whimsy to the end of the celebration. To make the sparklers truly shine, hold them up against the night sky or coordinate them with the bright lights of a city backdrop. The less external light there is, the more impressive the sparklers will appear. Your photographer will be familiar with capturing sparkler exits, so don't hesitate to ask them to show you at least one picture they have taken of this type of send-off. It can be a bit challenging to capture the perfect shot! When purchasing sparklers, opt for the longest and biggest ones available, preferably at least 24 inches long. Regular-sized sparklers (10 inches) burn out quickly, and by the time the last person in line lights theirs, the first person's sparkler may have already burned out. This results in less light for photography and less excitement overall. As a thoughtful touch, consider presenting extra sparkler sticks in custom wrappers with your name or monogram as a wedding favor idea. Make sure to inform your wedding planner of the time and location of the wedding exit so that they can communicate it to the wedding party. Your wedding party should be equipped with long sparklers and EZ reach lighters, as regular matches won't suffice. Please refrain from purchasing cute and personalized matches, as they are not suitable for this purpose and may be too slow. Additionally, some people may light their sparklers faster than others, which can cause issues. 6. Wave Ribbon Wands: Give your guests ribbon wands to wave as you make your grand exit. This adds a rustic and whimsical flair to your wedding, and it's a great alternative to streamers. Plus, it won't leave any litter behind. You can easily make these colorful wands as a DIY project, adding a personal touch to your special day. 7. Rice Toss: This is the most traditional send-off idea. Showering the newlyweds with rice is a practice that dates back to Roman times. It symbolizes fertility and prosperity for your marriage. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also creates a cinematic feel in your wedding photos. Just be cautious if the send-off happens on a slippery surface. Remember, your wedding exit should reflect your personality and style as a couple. Choose an idea that resonates with you and creates a memorable moment for everyone involved. Coordinate with your wedding planner or coordinator to ensure a smooth execution of your chosen send-off idea. Communicate the details to your guests so they can participate and be ready with the necessary items, such as petals, confetti, sparklers, or ribbon wands. To capture the best photos of your wedding exit, work closely with your photographer. Discuss the timing, lighting, and positioning to ensure they capture the magical moments as you make your grand exit. They may suggest additional lighting equipment or specific angles to enhance the visual impact of your send-off. Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the moment! Your wedding exit is a celebration of your love and the start of your new journey together. Take a deep breath, hold hands with your partner, and soak in the joy and excitement as you bid farewell to your loved ones. It's a moment you'll cherish forever.

If you want your pictures to really showcase your love story, we have some ideas to help you plan the perfect engagement session. Let us help you prepare for your session by sending us over the answers to the following questions: • Where did you first meet? If you want to add some sentimental value to your session, tell me about how you first met. If it was at a local place, we can stop by during your session and recreate the scene • What do you like to do together? What kinds of activities do you enjoy doing together? This will help us to create memorable photos for you. Do you love riding your bikes together or racing model airplanes? Do you go to the park and push each other on the swings or playing laser tag together? Tell us your hobbies and we will try to incorporate them. • Where/how did he propose? We would love to recreate this moment for you during your session. This is the moment you decided to spend the rest of your lives together. This is important, especially if we were not able to capture this moment as it was actually happening. We want you to be able to share your proposal story with photos to go along with it! •What are your common interests? By informing us of your interests, we can add a more personal touch to your photos. Are you both fans of the same sports team? Are you really into comic books or video games? Do you work in the same profession? • Do you have any pets together? If so, they make a perfect addition to your session. We welcome your pets in your e-session. • Do you have 'a spot'? You know that place where you always wind up going on date night? Where was your first kiss? What is your favorite hang out spot? Tell us your favorite go-to locations and we can check them out to see if they would be good spots for a photo shoot.

Your wedding day is a reflection of your unique style and personality. It's a celebration of love that should encapsulate the overall ambiance and appearance you desire. From the smallest details like place cards to the grandeur of the venue, attire, and color scheme, every decision you make during the planning process will shape the look and feel of your special day. It's crucial to establish your wedding aesthetic early on to ensure a cohesive and harmonious celebration. Imagine having a traditional ballroom reception while aiming for a rustic-themed wedding. The two concepts clash, creating a dissonance that may not resonate with your vision. On the other hand, selecting a picturesque wooden lodge nestled away from the hustle and bustle of a busy city would perfectly align with your desired aesthetic. By deciding on your wedding vibe from the start, you simplify the rest of the planning process. In fact, vendors greatly appreciate it when couples have a clear theme in mind before hiring them. Establishing your wedding aesthetic early on is essential. It sets the tone for your entire celebration and ensures that all elements work harmoniously together. By doing so, you provide a clear direction for your vendors, making their job easier and ultimately creating the wedding of your dreams. UNLOCKING THE SECRETS TO SELECTING YOUR WEDDING DAY VIBE With countless wedding styles to choose from, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Whether you prefer classic, rustic, beachy, vintage, or even a themed wedding, careful planning and a cohesive feel are essential. A beautifully curated Pinterest board or Instagram profile will showcase photos with a consistent color palette and overall theme, creating a visually pleasing aesthetic. While it may require some effort, the end result will be a memorable and delightful celebration. CONSIDER THE SEASON In addition to choosing your wedding aesthetic, it's important to consider the time of year you've selected for your special day. While it's not necessary to align your aesthetic with the season, it can be a fun and creative approach. For instance, a winter wonderland theme would be enchanting for a January wedding, while a rustic or autumn theme would perfectly complement an October celebration. You can also use the season as inspiration for your color choices, attire, and even the menu, adding an extra touch of cohesiveness to your overall vision. Keep in mind that if you opt for an outdoor wedding, the colors of the season will naturally be reflected in your photographs. For instance, if you're not fond of orange, an October wedding may not be the best choice for you. ALIGNING YOUR VENUE WITH YOUR WEDDING VIBE: A CRUCIAL CONSIDERATION When choosing your wedding aesthetic, don't forget to take your venue into account. Your venue will play one of the most significant roles in setting the tone and capturing the essence of your special day in photographs. You ls wedding pictures will have the vibe of your venue! If you already have a specific venue in mind, it's essential to ensure that your chosen vibe complements and harmonizes with the venue's existing decor. Carefully assess the style and ambiance of your venue. Are you dreaming of a beach wedding or a glamorous ballroom with dazzling chandeliers? While the ballroom may be ideal for a formal affair, it may not align with a trendy tropical-themed reception. In such cases, you may need to make adjustments to your vision to ensure it seamlessly fits with your chosen venue. In order to seamlessly blend with your selected venue, it might be necessary to fine-tune your vision. EMBRACE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF If you're someone who prefers a casual and laid-back lifestyle, it's best to avoid a formal theme for your wedding. Stay true to your personal style to ensure that you won't look back in the future and question your choices. If you and your partner enjoy keeping up with the latest trends, feel free to incorporate some of the newest wedding trends. However, if you lean towards a more traditional and reserved approach, stick to what you genuinely love! By doing so, you'll feel more at ease on your special day and continue to cherish your photos for years to come. Timelessness it is my favorite concept! STAY TRUE TO YOUR PASSIONS Take a moment to observe your surroundings, both in your home and wardrobe. Which colors do you naturally gravitate towards? Are you drawn to vibrant and lively shades, soft and delicate pastels, or the timeless elegance of neutrals? Do you find yourself inclined towards clean and minimalist designs or bold and striking patterns? Does your personal style lean towards the rustic charm of nature or the sleek sophistication of modernity? Perhaps you recently attended a friend's wedding and were captivated by something that resonated deeply with your own sense of aesthetics. By exploring the things that you love, you can uncover a distinct vibe or aesthetic that truly reflects your individuality. Adrielly Maia Monteiro

Planning a wedding can drain your bank account faster than a kid in a candy store. And let's be honest, who wants to spend a fortune on a single day? But hold up, before you start cutting corners, let's talk about one thing you shouldn't skimp on: photography. Trust me, you don't want to end up with blurry, awkwardly framed pictures that make you cringe every time you look at them. Think about it, once the confetti settles and the last slice of cake disappears, what's left? Memories, my friend. And how do you preserve those memories? Through photographs, of course! These snapshots will be your ticket to reliving the magic, showing off to your relatives, and flexing on social media. So why settle for mediocre when you can have the best? Now, I know what you're thinking. "Why not just ask my buddy with a fancy camera to do it for free?" Well, my friend, it's not as simple as it seems. Photography is an art, and it takes more than just a fancy camera to capture those priceless moments. Professionals have mastered the art of using their equipment like a boss. They know all the tricks of the trade – the perfect timing, the right lighting, and all those fancy techniques that make your photos pop. These pros have put in the blood, sweat, and tears (okay, maybe not blood, but definitely sweat) to hone their skills. They've spent countless hours perfecting their craft, so they know exactly how to make you look like a million bucks without any hesitation. Trust me, you don't want your wedding album to be filled with shots that make you go, "What were we thinking?" Professionals know how to use all their equipment, and use it properly. They've got it down pat - knowing exactly what to bring, nailing the perfect timing, and effortlessly playing with different lighting techniques. Their years of experience and countless hours of hard work have honed their skills to perfection. They know how to capture the most amazing photos for you without any hesitation. So, my dear soon-to-be-wedded couple, don't let the regret of saving a few bucks haunt you. Invest in a kickass photographer who will capture every tear, every laugh, and every embarrassing dance move. Because when it comes to your wedding day, you deserve nothing but the best. And hey, who knows, maybe your photographer will even throw in a few extra laughs to make your memories even more unforgettable. Experience is invaluable, especially when it comes to capturing weddings. Seasoned professionals have a keen understanding of what to expect and can anticipate the next moments with ease. They are well-prepared to handle any unexpected situations that may arise on the fly. In fact, they meticulously plan out all the shot locations ahead of your big day, ensuring a seamless flow during the actual shoot. Chaos is the last thing anyone wants, and these pros make sure everything runs smoothly. Even the most seasoned wedding planners can't always control every little detail. It's like trying to wrangle a herd of wild unicorns - you never know what surprises will pop up! Ah, the infamous "what if" scenarios - the stuff of nightmares! What if the photographer suddenly falls ill? What if their camera decides to throw a tantrum? Fear not, for professional photographers always have a trusty Plan B up their sleeves. They come prepared with backup options like a second shooter, a network of reliable photographers they can call in case of emergencies, and enough spare cameras and equipment to rival a Hollywood set. Your friend might mean well, but they probably don't have these connections or the budget to handle such unexpected hiccups. So, why not invest your trust and your hard-earned budget into something that will last a lifetime? Choosing a professional photographer will undoubtedly be one of the best decisions you make for your wedding. After all, we only get to create this magical day once, so let us make it a day you'll always remember as nothing short of perfection. Adrielly Maia Monteiro

When you marry the love of your life, you ask all of your closest friends and family to be there to rejoice with you and witness your union. You want them to be there to share this special moment with you; you want to see their faces, their grins, and their tears of joy and excitement as you walk down the aisle. You don't want to glance back down the aisle and find people taking shots of you with cameras and phones covering their faces. I've witnessed many situations where a guest's phone is sticking out into the aisle, obstructing not just the moment but also the images I'm capturing as your photographer. I strongly recommend having an unplugged ceremony to avoid phones dangling down the aisle and to allow guests to be more present. There are a few ways to inform your guests if you decide to have an unplugged wedding. Tell them early through the invite by adding a line that says, “We would love you to be there, but we are having an unplugged wedding, please don’t take any photos during the ceremony.” You can also request that the officiant make a brief announcement requesting guests to turn off their phones and refrain from taking photos.