5 Ideas to Make Your Wedding Feel More You — From a Multicultural Wedding Photography Experience in Portugal

Last summer, while I was in the Netherlands for work, I spent a lovely day in Zeeland with Sarah and Ahmed. We did a couple photo session on the beach, but it ended up being much more than that. We wandered, talked, shared stories, and laughed a lot. They were so funny, it is always so easy for me to bond with people that are funny and have a good sense of humor, and I loved their personalities right away. On the drive to the shoot, we ended up listening to Italian songs—Ahmed grew up in Sicily, and having just spent five months there the winter before, it felt like a little reunion through music. I remember leaving that day thinking how rare it is to meet people you feel so comfortable around, so quickly.

So when they messaged me months later to ask if I’d be their wedding photographer in Portugal the following spring, I was honestly honored—and so excited to be part of their story again.

The Night Before: Pizza, Henna, and Dance Rehearsals

The night before the wedding was a perfect blend of relaxed and lively at Quinta do Paradiso. Everyone gathered for pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven, the perfect comfort food to kick off the celebrations. After the women finished the henna ceremony—hands gently decorated in intricate designs, surrounded by laughter and music—everyone came together to rehearse the dances they’d planned for the next day. The venue buzzed with energy, joy, and a warm sense of family and friendship.

Wedding Day Morning: Getting Ready and First Look

The wedding day started with the intimate moments of getting ready. Friends and family were buzzing around, helping Sarah and Ahmed prepare with calm and laughter. When they had their first look, a few guests couldn’t resist trying to sneak a peek—it was funny and sweet, a reminder of how loved and supported they are.

Afterwards, we headed to the beach for some couple portraits. Against the stunning backdrop of the sea and the beach in Praia de Albarquel, Sarah and Ahmed read their vows—filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt promises that felt incredibly real and raw.

Ceremony and Celebrations: Love in Every Detail

When we returned to the venue Quinta do Paradiso, everything was perfectly in place and guests were ready and excited about the ceremony. Ahmed made a memorable entrance with his best mans, and Sarah was walked down the aisle by her parents—a beautiful moment full of emotion and tradition. After the ceremony and the exchange took place—an intimate ritual symbolizing unity and celebration- congratulations were in order. It was a sweet mix of laugher and tears and joy and love.

Dinner followed, filled with delicious Pakistani dishes that had everyone going back for seconds. Later, Sarah and Ahmed cut their wedding cake — a beautifully made tiramisu — and also treated their guests to pastéis de nata, a nod to their Portuguese setting. As the sun dipped low and wrapped the venue in golden light, we slipped away for group portraits, capturing everyone glowing in that soft, magical hour.

Dancing into the Night: Joy and Celebration

Before the dancing started, Sarah and Ahmed surprised everyone with a deeply personal gift: a handwritten letter for each guest. Watching people read those letters, some tearing up, some smiling warmly—it was one of the most touching moments of the entire day. The love and appreciation in the room were palpable. It was simply beautiful to witness.

Then came the dancing. Following Pakistani wedding traditions, about 30 dances were performed by the guests—each one carefully prepared as a gift for Sarah and Ahmed. Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious.

Having met them before and sharing that earlier connection made being part of their wedding so special. It wasn’t just a job—it felt like being part of the family, because not only them, but also the guests were just so nice and kind and inclusive towards me, and for this I am deeply grateful.

Sarah and Ahmed, thank you for trusting me to capture these moments—from that beach in Zeeland to your incredible day by the sea in Portugal. It was an honour to be part of your journey.

What Made This Wedding So Special — and What You Can Take from It

Every wedding has its own rhythm, and Sarah & Ahmed’s day was full of moments that felt deeply personal and intentional. Here are a few ideas you might want to borrow or reflect on for your own celebration:

1. Infuse Your Cultures — Naturally

Sarah’s Pakistani roots and Ahmed’s Moroccan-Sicilian background weren’t added in—they shaped the whole day, from the henna night to the food, music. If you and your partner come from different cultures, don’t be afraid to blend traditions in a way that feels true to you.

2. Plan a First Look (Even If Guests Try to Peep!)

The first look offered Sarah and Ahmed a quiet moment together before the buzz of the day kicked off. It created space for intimacy and grounding. Many couples say it helps ease the nerves and adds something very special to the flow of the day.

3. Choose a Setting That Reflects You

They chose a venue near the sea, which fit their personalities. The beach portraits and private vow reading were unforgettable. Whether it’s a forest, a mountain, or your childhood garden, pick a place that feels like you. The unique setup for these special moments will truly make for an unforgettable memory.

4. Write Personal Notes to Your Guests

The handwritten letters they gifted their guests had people in tears. It was such a beautiful, generous gesture that made everyone feel part of their journey. If you have a smaller guest list, or even if you just write to your parents or closest friends, this idea is so worth stealing.

5. Let Your People Dance for You

The 30 (!!) dances their guests prepared made the evening unforgettable. It was joyful, funny, emotional—and such a vibrant way to close the day. Don’t worry if your friends aren’t professional dancers—it’s the love and fun that matters.

And For Me?

Having met Sarah and Ahmed a year before — doing a couple shoot on a Dutch beach, blasting Italian songs in the car, spending a sunny day exploring Zeeland — this wedding wasn’t just “a job.” It was like showing up for a friend and being gifted a front-row seat to their love story.

So if you’re planning a wedding, I hope this story leaves you with more than just pretty photos in your mind. I hope it reminds you that your wedding doesn’t need to follow a script. It just needs to feel like you — with all the chaos, color, laughter, quiet moments, and the love you want to share.

If you'd like help bringing that to life, or you just want to chat about how to make your wedding feel more you, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.

With love,Andreea