Have you ever been to a Pinterest wedding where everyone (including the photographer) cried the whole ceremony? Well I have.
I first met Manu and André in Amsterdam, where they live. I was visiting, and we had the opportunity to do their engagement photoshoot there.
They stole a special place in my heart. They were the nicest couple ever and getting to know their love story was an absolute honour. They both met in Barcelona, where they worked together, and instantly fell in love with each other. Eventually, they decided to move to Amsterdam to start their life together. After the engagement photoshoot, we sat down for drinks and Manu started telling "What attracted me in your work is that the brides aren't all the same." she continued "And believe me, I don't want to be like every other bride. I want our wedding to be beautiful and super relaxed at the same time." And oh boy, was she right.
When I arrived to the hotel where Manu was getting ready, to my surprise, who was there? The one and only, André. Yup, this couple did not care about superstition. They were together, and I think if it weren't for logistics, they would probably get ready together. Manu was the most relaxed bride EVER. "Rita, do you think I can iron my dress on the bed?".
Manu did her own makeup. I asked if it was because she loved doing her own makeup and did not trust any other makeup artist. "Oh no, I just thought it might be easier if I did it myself". She almost forgot to put her setting spray to make sure the makeup lasted the whole day, but we can all agree that she was absolutely GORGEOUS!
And for a Pinterest wedding, we need nothing less than a Pinterest wedding dress. Manu wanted to stand out from everyone but at the same time to have a wedding dress that she could wear in other occasions. Her choice was to go with a set from Shona Joy, and with the most beautiful bouquet made by Mande uma Flor. This combination was so beautiful, so special and so timeless.
On the other hand, André was filled up with nerves. He was getting ready at the venue with his best men. And believe me, they were trying their best to keep their tears to themselves while sharing gifts and stories of their shared childhood. And since this is a Pinterest Wedding, of course the groom's suit has to be perfectly aligned with the colour pallet. His choice was a sober brown suit from Suits Supply.
And with a groom's preparation like this, you can tell that by the time the ceremony started, I was already feeling emotional. The wedding took place at Casa Vila Verde. The guest were received by a nice glass of cocktail or cucumber water. The ceremony took place in a garden, right near the vineyard. Manu and André chose their friends to celebrate their wedding. It was super emotional, and I can guarantee that I saw everybody sharing a tear at some time. Including me. Knowing these beautiful people, their story and their love for each other, it was impossible to hold the tears. Their friends and family did beautiful speeches, and this became one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever witnessed.
But of course, it was also possible to share a laugh when Manu and André realized they forgot their vows in the room.
So, when we did our photoshoot, I suggested Manu and André that they bring their vows and read it to each other. Like a separate, more intimate, second ceremony. And so they did. They read their vows to each other, they felt emotional, they shared kisses, laughs and hugs, and I had the privilege to witness to it all in the front row.
The party carried on until late hours, and although I think that the pictures may speak for themselves, you will see that they were very "Pinterest wedding" meets "outside the box". You could tell that they really put though in every single thing of their wedding. And all the guests were part of it. Everyone enjoyed themselves, partied until morning, and it was a wedding that I will never forget.
So, Manu and André, thank you for giving me the opportunity to see you getting married, to seat at the table with your guests and feeling like one of your friends, for choosing me. For everything.
EN 
PT