An Architect's Vision in Wedding Photography: by Jorge Vela

Finding the Backdrop
Upon entering the winery, the biggest challenge was narrowing down the frames, as every single corner had an impressive architectural value. This image was born out of natural synergy with Vicente, the videographer for the day and a close friend. He suggested playing with distances, light, and the contrast between lines and shadows. We set up a two-plane composition: the groom in the background, backlit to create contrast with his dark suit, and the bride in the foreground, wrapped in shadow so her white dress would pop organically. The result is a photograph with remarkable depth and mystery.

The Gear and Details

Camera & Lenses: Canon EOS R6 Mark II with Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens

Flash: Godox V1

Coverage: Solo shot over 12 hours

Photographer: Jorge Vela

Setting the Scene

“The creative direction was entirely led by the couple themselves. Being architects, they designed the space using 3D rendering software, combining photography and digital rendering to project the final atmosphere of the event with millimetric precision.

For the dinner, they arranged a single long imperial table at the foot of the castle. Lilies served as the main floral motif, present in both the table arrangements and the bridal bouquet. The bouquet also featured a handcrafted blown glass lily at its center, adding a contemporary touch that broke away from traditional arrangements. During the cocktail hour, this concept carried over to a round table styled with black and white lilies, paired symmetrically with black and white wine glasses, creating a seamless synthesis between floral design and the winery's identity.”

Getting Ready

“I approach the getting ready phase from a place of calm and closeness. I like conversing with the couple early on to break the barrier of the camera; I prefer them to feel like they have a human being by their side rather than a photo-taking machine.

Visually, I place the most importance on cleaning up the space and removing visual clutter that could distract. Over the years, I've learned that the simplest images are the ones that stand the test of time best. Before taking a single photo, I take time to study the room: analyzing backgrounds, choosing angles where light falls soft and diffused (avoiding pressing the couple right against windows), and moving furniture if needed to clear the frame. I seek elegance through simplicity; that is my life philosophy and how I understand my photography.”

‘INTERIOR DESIGN EYE’
This photo is one of my personal favorites from the entire wedding. I’ve always been drawn to architecture and interior design; I firmly believe that part of our job during getting ready is to pause and observe our surroundings to understand how the space can elevate the couple's story. When I saw these two large-scale paintings in the hotel hall, I immediately knew they were the perfect opportunity to create a composition built on symmetry and geometric rigor, a subtle nod to the couple's profession as architects.

Ceremony

“The ceremony took place at Convent del Carmen, an ecclesiastical space located right next to the reception venue. The interior had low, dim lighting, but I chose not to use flash. I believe that unless you're in absolute darkness, using flash during a religious ceremony is intrusive and disrupts the solemnity of the moment.

To handle the low light without losing the natural atmosphere, I prioritized shooting at lower shutter speeds supported by burst shooting and higher ISO settings. Since I covered the wedding solo, I managed logistics by positioning myself ahead of time near the altar to capture the entry of the couple from a clean, controlled perspective.”

Portraits

“During portrait sessions, I like blending crisp, tack-sharp portraits with shots taken at lower shutter speeds. This technical variation adds dynamism and visual richness, making the final gallery feel more complete and textured.”

‘PRE-DETERMINED SHOT’
We had this frame in mind since our very first video call, as the couple was fascinated by this architectural corner. I designed the composition to guide the viewer’s eye downward through the light: starting at the top with the groom in shadow, and descending to the bride, whose bright figure stood out as she sinuously moved her dress while walking. This scheme creates a fluid journey through space and contrast.

‘PAYING ATTENTION’
I captured this image on our way down to the lower level of the winery. It's a prime example of why we must stay observant during downtime between locations; often, unscripted moments carry a higher narrative value than posed ones. We weren't expecting such a dim elevator ride, but looking down, the bright white bouquet popped strikingly against the dark floor. Extracting a detail from its usual context through spontaneous observation often yields far stronger results than orchestrated still lifes.

Reception

“The only tricky element during the reception was a green artificial light illuminating the castle facade, which clashed slightly with the warm tones of the table. To overcome this, I intuitively framed shots looking outward from the castle, preserving color consistency across the scene.

Technically, I chose not to use flash during dinner, sticking to the same discretion I applied during the ceremony. Working with ambient light allows guests to forget the camera is there, unwind, and let moments unfold naturally.”

‘GETTING CLOSE’
I took this shot during the party, right when Carolina switched to a larger pair of statement earrings. This was originally meant to be a discarded frame within a much wider shot. Photographers often discard interesting photos without taking a moment to isolate small, powerful details, even if it means sacrificing resolution or image size. Quite often, a drastic crop that highlights a visually compelling fragment adds far more narrative value than throwing the photo away. I hold a special affection for this shot precisely because of the reflection it demanded during post-processing.

Closing Thoughts

“I feel increasingly drawn to intimate weddings. They possess a unique, cozy aura that is difficult to recreate in large-scale events.

This wedding was special for several reasons. First, the importance of surrounding yourself with top-tier professionals who push you to be better. In a job that can often feel lonely, moving in the same direction as your team is essential. Sharing the day on video with Vicente from Yellow Dackel was key: when there is complete harmony between creators, it not only reflects in the flow of the work, but the couple notices it too and relaxes completely.

Second, the strength of the visual design: when you combine the majesty of a castle, a contemporary winery designed by prestigious architects, a historic stone church, and floral styling executed down to the millimeter, the backdrop is unbeatable. Yet beyond aesthetic beauty, our true responsibility as photographers is to understand the couple's vision, internalize it, and tell their story with purpose.

Lastly, I consider it fundamental to embrace the responsibility that we are documenting an unrepeatable day. Weddings aren't about delivering technically flawless photos, but about building a safe space where couples can truly be themselves. If that genuine connection is missing, it doesn't matter how stunning the venue is or how lavish the styling: the images won't have a soul. Reading the energy of the day, collaborating seamlessly with other vendors, and letting everything flow organically is what guarantees an honest narrative. In the end, the achievement isn't in fabricating pretty memories, but in having the judgment and sensitivity to capture the truth of what actually happened.

— Jorge Vela