I’ll be totally honest – before Lizzie & Dave’s big day, I wasn’t 100% sure destination weddings were for me. The heat, the travel, the sheer stress of making sure my camera kit got safely through airport security made me wonder if it was worth the extra faff. Spoiler: it was all completely fine in the end!
But when their enquiry landed in my inbox, there was no way I was saying no. Lizzie is the third sister in the same family whose wedding I’ve photographed, and by now they honestly feel like family themselves. To be invited to capture such another huge milestone for them was beyond special – I wasn’t about to miss it. (You can see twin sister Sarah’s wedding here and big sister Rachel’s here.)
And you know what? I absolutely LOVED it.
The sunshine. The slower pace. The joy of everyone making a holiday out of the wedding, including us. It had a whole different vibe to a UK wedding – relaxed, joyful and full of celebration from start to finish. Guests weren’t just there for one day; they’d flown out to Portugal to soak up every moment. And the atmosphere reflected that.
The Highlights
There are so many memories from Lizzie & Dave’s wedding that I’ll never forget:
- The ceremony sing-alongs, courtesy of the amazing Rock My Reception, who had everyone belting out tunes with the biggest smiles.
- A mid-dinner conga line that snaked its way around the tables (and didn’t stop until everyone was up and dancing!).
- That incredible Portuguese sunshine, which gave us golden light for portraits and the kind of atmosphere you just can’t replicate.
It was the perfect mix of heartfelt moments, belly laughs and full-on PARTY – everything I love about a wedding day.
Here’s the gallery but keep reading for the pros and cons of a destination wedding, and why you should take a UK photographer with you!
Thinking about a destination wedding?
If you’re wondering whether a wedding abroad is right for you, here are a few pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Built-in holiday: Your wedding becomes more than a day – it’s a whole trip for you and your guests.
- Gorgeous settings: Beaches, vineyards, mountain views, historic towns – the backdrop is instantly stunning.
- Relaxed vibes: With everyone in holiday mode, the whole day feels a little slower, sunnier and more laid back.
Cons:
- Logistics: Flights, accommodation, and transporting outfits, décor or suppliers can take more planning.
- Weather: The sunshine is glorious… but heat can sometimes be a challenge (especially in formal wear!).
- Guest list: Not everyone will be able to travel, so numbers may be smaller.
- The Legals: You will still need to get legally married in the UK, Lizzie and Dave chose to have theirs at a country pub and celebrate with family members who wouldn’t be able to travel. Some couples just go to the registry office and keep it simple. There are loads of options.
Why take a UK photographer with you?
You might be wondering why couples often fly their UK photographer out rather than hiring someone local. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Consistency: You know exactly the style and approach you’re getting, rather than the risk of a mismatch.
- Connection: If you’ve already met for a chat or an engagement shoot, you’ve built that trust before the wedding.
- Communication: No language barriers, no crossed wires – just a relaxed, easy experience.
- Storytelling: For me, it’s not just about turning up with a camera. By photographing multiple weddings within the same family, I’ve built a connection that made Lizzie & Dave’s day feel even more meaningful.
Big news
Lizzie & Dave’s wedding has completely changed my mind about destination weddings. I’ve officially opened my diary for 1–2 destination weddings a year. So if you’re planning your dream wedding abroad and fancy having a friendly Yorkshire lass (armed with factor 50 and plenty of camera batteries) along for the ride – I’m in!
Get in touch and let’s chat about your plans – whether that’s in Portugal, Italy, France or somewhere further afield.
