The Wedding Photography Experience

 

 

You want your wedding photos to reflect the intention and emotion behind your day. You appreciate the balance of documentary and editorial styles that capture raw, authentic moments without looking contrived. Finding a photographer who blends effortlessly into your celebration and helps you feel at ease can be overwhelming. I'm here to offer an empathetic, inclusive, and grounded experience from the moment you reach out to the delivery of your timeless images.

Wedding guests laughing during reception dinner at destination wedding in Cassis, France
Wedding guests mingling under tents during evening wedding reception
Jewish wedding ceremony with bride and groom smiling under the chuppah, groom wearing tallit, in Sintra, Portugal
Golden sunset view over countryside wedding venue in Portugal
Bride and groom embracing in golden field during sunset wedding session, in Sao Lourenço do Barrocal, Portugal
Bride running through rain during outdoor wedding reception in Portugal at night
Bride standing barefoot in wedding dress on grass during outdoor celebration
Guests seated at long tables during outdoor garden wedding reception in Sintra, Portugal
Bride walking through garden path in wedding dress during outdoor ceremony
Wedding reception dinner seen through open doors at outdoor venue, in Lisbon Portugal
Wedding guest reacting emotionally during reception speech
Wedding rings placed on textured surface during wedding day preparations
Garden setting at outdoor wedding venue in Portugal with trees and stone balustrade

FOR LOVERS WHO VALUE MEANING AND RAW MOMENTS OVER THE PERFORMATIVE


Bride and groom walking on wooden boardwalk surrounded by wildflowers during wedding at Aethos Ericeira
Groomsmen celebrate joyfully raising drinks in black and white photo at wedding reception tent.

As a photographer devoted to storytelling, my best work happens when you’re fully present in the magic of your wedding day. It’s not just about taking photographs, it’s about preserving the moments that truly reflect who you are, exactly as they unfold. With a mindful and unobtrusive approach, I capture subtle glances, unspoken emotions, and the quiet in-between moments you might otherwise miss.

 

WHEN WORKING WITH ME YOU ALWAYS GET

 

 

  • Timeless, intentional photography that blends documentary and editorial sensibilities to create images that feel honest, natural, and enduring.


  • An empathetic and inclusive approach, ensuring you feel not only comfortable, but genuinely supported throughout your experience. All love is always welcome here.


  • A personalized, hands-on experience from your first inquiry to the careful delivery of your final gallery.


  • Clear, thoughtful communication and gentle guidance every step of the way.



  • A refined artistic vision that transforms fleeting moments into photographs you will return to for years to come.


  • The option to include photography and videography coverage designed to work seamlessly together.


 

Bride and groom sharing an intimate moment during wedding reception dinner in Lisbon, Portugal

MY APPROACH

 

 

 

 

My process begins with truly getting to know you and understanding what matters most to you. This allows me to gather the essential details needed to shape my approach around your story and your vision. In the months leading up to your wedding, we’ll remain in close contact through messages, phone, or Zoom, whatever feels most natural to you, so I can stay connected to your plans and check in on how you’re feeling along the way.


By the time your wedding day arrives, I’m fully prepared, fully present, and ready to document your celebration with intention and care.

 

Couple wearing traditional Korean hanbok standing near pond with cherry blossoms and pavilion in Seoul, South Korea
Candid black and white photo of wedding party laughing and celebrating outdoors in Cassis, France

My approach is rooted in observation. Being present, attentive, and respectful of what naturally unfolds. I draw inspiration from the moments that make your day uniquely yours, and I take pride in being an observer rather than a director.


My goal is for your photographs to do more than simply remind you of your day. I want them to make you feel it again, and to allow anyone who sees them to experience the emotion, atmosphere, and story as if they were truly there.

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Couple wearing traditional Korean hanbok during wedding ceremony in Seoul, South Korea

"Madalena is an incredible poet, photographer, and person. She shot our wedding in South Korea and absolutely captured our special day in a way which we are so thankful for. Her photography is magical-realism and its definitely unique to her. She also has one of the kindest and humble souls. She was at all times totally professional and understanding. Given it was her first ever Korean wedding photoshoot, she caught every moment as if she was her 100th."





hayun & paul

Seoul, South Korea



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Bride and groom sitting together on a teal bench, laughing and toasting with champagne in an elegant room with framed artwork.

“We spent the day on Sunday going through the photos and couldn't be happier! You've managed to capture the emotion and essence of the day so beautifully. It has honestly felt like re-living the day! We are soooo immensely grateful and can't thank you enough!"

CHELSEA & SAM

Hoi An, Vietnam

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KIND WORDS

Couple in wedding attire sharing a romantic moment in a vineyard with a large oak tree at golden hour.

"I’m so grateful we chose Madalena to tell the story of our wedding, a weekend we get to relive for many years to come just how it was, she captured every moment in their most natural form, she is always present without making herself noticed which allowed her to capture the laughs, the cries, the funny moments and the happiness we felt that weekend. Madalena is truly talented with her attentive eye to detail, her professionalism is so thoughtful and the passion for what she does is so obvious."





JOANA & WILL

London, UK


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WEDDINGS AND ELOPEMENTS

ELOPEMENT COVERAGE

Starting at 2500€

WEDDING COVERAGE

Starting at 4000€

COUPLE / FAMILY SESSIONS

Starting at 500€

average client investment

Photography~ 7000€

Photography + Videography  ~ 9500€

Your wedding is more than a single day, it is a meaningful journey made up of moments that deserve to be captured with intention, creativity, and care. Whether you are planning a multi-day celebration, an intimate elopement, or something entirely your own, my offerings are thoughtfully tailored to tell your story in a way that feels natural, personal, and authentically you.


From the quiet anticipation of the morning to the joy and energy of the dance floor, I approach each celebration with a documentary sensibility, blending in gently while preserving the true essence of your day. Together, we will create something timeless — a collection of memories that will be felt for generations to come.


Alongside photography, I also offer thoughtfully crafted videography, allowing your celebration to be preserved not only in images, but in movement, sound, and atmosphere.


 

Planning a Destination Wedding or

a Full Wedding Weekend?

 

 

 

 


For couples planning a destination celebration or a full wedding weekend, I offer tailored coverage designed around your vision and the rhythm of your celebration. Simply share your plans in the contact form, and I will prepare a personalised proposal created specifically for your day.

 

 

 

 

common questions

 

HOW CAN WE BOOK YOU?

After you fill out my contact form with as much detail as possible, I’ll send over a personalized proposal with carefully curated options for you to review. I’ll also guide you toward the collection that I feel best reflects your plans and vision.


Your date is officially secured once I receive the signed contract and a 50% non-refundable retainer. The remaining balance is divided into two payments: one due 10 days before your wedding, and the final one during your wedding weekend. Flexible payment plans are always available if needed.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED, AND DO YOU TRAVEL?

I’m based in Lisbon, Portugal, with deep roots on the west coast in Ericeira, and I photograph weddings across the country and abroad.

Destination weddings are a meaningful part of my work. Mexico was my most recent destination, and I’m always excited for the next adventure. If you’re planning a wedding beyond Portugal, I would truly love to hear more about your plans.

Currently dreaming of a wedding in New Zealand, Iceland, or the Scottish Highlands.

Do you offer videography as well?

Yes. Alongside photography, I also offer videography coverage for couples who wish to document their celebration in motion. Both are approached with the same calm, documentary sensibility and attention to storytelling.

 

Destination Wedding Photography in Portugal and worldwide