Melanie & Luca
A modern wedding With Bold Colours at Finca Monasterio, Sotogrande, Spain
Editorial and documentary wedding photography on film and digital format
As we arrived to finca Monasterio, the space was filled with sun, beautiful landscapes and a calm atmosphere. The story of the space is historic, but when it is paired with a modern vision, it creates something really special. Melanie and Luca’s day was exactly that. Effortless, bold, and full of personality from the very beginning. We documented everything across film, digital, and video, including drone. The approach was a mix of editorial portraits, guided moments, and a strong documentary eye, so nothing ever felt forced, but everything still looked intentional.
The morning
When we arrived, Luca was still in his swimsuit, heading upstairs to start getting ready with his two groomsmen. It already felt relaxed. No rush, no chaos, just a really good energy in the room. The getting ready was calm in the best way. They were drinking bourbon, laughing and figuring out bow ties. It never felt overcrowded, which made such a difference in how everything looked and felt in the photos.There was also a quiet emotional moment when his mum gave him his cufflinks. Those small gestures always end up meaning the most.
When we entered Melanies side, she was sitting and smiling on the makeup chair. Everyone was together, helping her into her dress, adjusting jewellery, and everyone could not stop looking at her and how beautiful she looked in her dress! She was glowing the whole time and it was one of those rooms where you could feel how excited everyone was for her.
First look and portraits
Their first look happened in front of the old monastery doors, and it was one of those moments that was just unforgettable. Simple, emotional, real. After that, we moved into portraits, but in a way that never takes over the day. We had time before guests arrived, which meant we could explore the gardens and actually enjoy the space instead of rushing through it.
The portraits were a mix of direction and letting things unfold. Walking, pausing, looking at each other, just being in it. That balance is where everything starts to feel natural while still looking elevated. It was also the first time they saw each other properly, and you could see it. That kind of energy is impossible to fake. And we were there to capture it all, how lucky!
Ceremony and atmosphere
As guests arrived, the energy shifted into that soft pre ceremony buzz. The ceremony space itself was beautiful in a very raw way. The florals were artistic and slightly whimsical, but still refined. Nothing felt excessive. Everything worked with the space instead of competing with it.
And what I loved most was that nothing blocked the architecture. No distractions, just the setting itself and the people in it. The ceremony was intimate and emotional, and you could feel the shift right after. That moment where everything relaxes and everyone just exhales.
Cocktail hour in the sunshine
We kept things moving straight into cocktail hour with a quick family photo session in the middle which is something I always encourage. The day should be experienced, not paused for too long.
Melanie and Lucas joined their guests, and that is where so many of the in between moments happen. Wine in hand, laughter, hugs, conversations, the kind of things you never want to miss.
The light coming through the building at that time was everything. Warm, soft, and hitting all the bold colours in the outfits in the best way. It felt vibrant but still elegant.
Dinner & sunset
Dinner was set in a space that felt almost tropical with the palm trees and the way the light moved through it. The florals carried through beautifully, tying everything together without ever feeling too much. We stepped away briefly for sunset portraits by the pool, just enough time to create something special without pulling them away from their guests for long.
That balance matters. The portraits are important, but so is being fully present at your own wedding.
The party
The evening started with the first dances. Melanie with her dad, Luca with his mum, both really sweet and full of feeling. Then it was their turn, and that is when everything shifted again. The energy lifted, the dance floor filled instantly, and from that point on it was just pure celebration. Everyone was all in. No holding back, just enjoying the moment and each other.
What made this day stand out was not just how it looked, but how it felt to be there. A mix of bold style, soft light, honest moments, and a pace that allowed everything to actually be experienced.
This is always the goal.
To create imagery that feels elevated and intentional, while still letting the day unfold naturally. Documented across film and digital, with a balance of editorial and documentary storytelling, this is what modern destination weddings in Europe can feel like.
Photography mixed digitals and 35mm film 🎞️
Wedding planner: Weddings by Casey Nerja | Venue & catering: Finca Monasterio
Make up & hair: Bethania Bridal | Steaming services: Coco Steam Services
Florals: Blurred Studio | DJ: Dj Alex Barroso
