I have to confess that this wedding was very special to me. I am lucky to say that every couple who chooses me to be their wedding photographer and the guardian of their memories is incredible. This is not flattery; it comes from knowing exactly what I want to focus on and being honest from the beginning about what I do, why I do it, how I do it and what I do not do. I may lose potential clients along the way, but when the couple and I want the same thing, we understand each other perfectly on the wedding day—and that shows in every photograph.
I met Paco, Noelia and little César at the Palacio de Congresos Wedding Fair. That weekend was madness: I spoke to almost fifty couples, but I remember talking with them while César tried to run around the stand, and I remember how naturally we connected.
Later, when we met for their pre-wedding session during a hike in the Peña de Francia, Paco told me something I love hearing. From the moment they met me, they knew I had to be their wedding photographer—not only because they loved the natural feel of my photographs, but because they liked who I was.
I am not exaggerating when I say it was one of the loveliest weddings I have had the privilege of photographing, although my opinion is not exactly impartial. It was a very special wedding. I drove Paco to the hotel to get ready and ended up zipping up Noelia’s dress during a brief moment of tension, so in many ways I felt like one more member of the wedding.
I also remember Noelia calling first thing that morning to tell me not to go to the hairdresser: they were only going to wash her hair. She asked me to stay with Paco and César while she went to a local shop to buy things for a little surprise for the children. To a local shop, on her wedding day, with rollers in her hair, TO MAKE A SURPRISE FOR THE CHILDREN. I know I need say no more, but I will share a few details before leaving you with photographs of this extraordinary family of three.
The surprise was a set of small hot-air balloons on which they would write the name of every young guest. I love the fact that, only hours before the wedding, her priority was to give the children one more thoughtful detail.
When it was time to go to the hotel, we had to collect the balloons, so Paco and I went to pick them up. Then it was time to get ready—or at least to take turns, because little César was in the middle of everything.
The getting-ready photographs speak for themselves. I will only explain one of my favourites: Noelia straightening her hair as soon as the hairdresser left the room. It did not matter that we all told her she looked perfect and that her hair would settle as the hours passed. She knew what she wanted and how she wanted to get married. She did not hesitate for a second, and her expression of complete happiness says it all.
Another distinctive feature was the ceremony officiant: Noelia’s own father, who not only was her father and walked her down the aisle, but also led the ceremony. Calling it an intimate or personal ceremony does not begin to describe it.
After a brief rebellious moment when César refused to let go of the rings, Paco and Noelia gave each other a quick but emphatic “I do”. Now it was time to celebrate!
The celebration took place at Hospes Palacio de San Esteban, with cocktails in the gardens and dinner and dancing in one of the salons. One more small detail: that evening I had dinner while Game of Thrones played on one of the hotel screens.
After dinner, as usual, the newlyweds took to the dance floor for their first dance, a waltz. But I think the most interesting part happened immediately afterwards. What was it? I will leave you with the photographs so you can find out!
