PHOTOGRAPHER | Anni M

Anni M Photography is a documentary wedding photographer with an editorial twist, based between Malaga, Spain, and Florence, Italy, and captures weddings all around the world. She loves photographing unique weddings and couples and strives for authenticity in her photos. Anni M Photography creates a fun, safe, and trusting environment to capture her couples' once-in-a-lifetime moments. She invites her couples to have the freedom to bring ideas so they can create together.

Tell us about Anni M Photography!

The comment I get the most is how all my couples truly look like themselves in every photo. I love documenting the moments and people just as they are. Life is full of beauty and I'm so grateful that it's my job to show it. I work with a lot of couples that value style, storytelling, unique experiences and showing their personality with original wedding photos.

Do you travel for weddings?

As a Europe based photographer I document weddings and elopements here but also worldwide. So far my upcoming travels include Mexico, Sicily, Kenya, Mallorca and Greece. I am originally from Finland and used to live in Australia, New Zealand and Scotland and always loved travelling. I am so glad that I get to combine exploring new countries and cities with my wedding work. I never know which country I get to experience that year and it's exciting to meet all my lovely couples.

How would you describe your style?

My style is real life but elevated and made into visual poetry. Art of memories that you can frame on your walls. Leaving space for real emotions and documenting the day as it is but mixing it with more guidance portrait sessions. Everyone always tells me I am super easy and calming to work with. I love these comments since wedding days can be quite hectic. However, when I can create a calm space for my couples to experience the wedding adventure and really take in what they are feeling, my job is done. Capturing it is easy but making space for it all to unravel is where the magic lies.

What is your most memorable career moment?

My most memorable career moment was in the autumn of last year. It was one of my biggest and most unique weddings yet. The sun was setting and the florist had lit about 200 candles in snake shaped tables in a 15th century venue in the heart of Granada. There was a group of modern dancers practicing with the music from the movie Inception. I walked to the start of the tables while everyone left for me to capture the dinner setup. I just stood there in awe, Time by Hans Zimmer was playing in the background and I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be doing exactly what I was supposed to do.

What inspires you?

One of the things that inspire me the most is originality. Styles that compliment what is already there. Discovering what you actually like and dislike and knowing yourself and trusting your own path. I love the quote:'' Wherever you go, there you are'' by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Just reminds me that we are all on our own journeys experiencing the same world. And I love seeing and capturing what makes those journeys unique. I also love stories behind curated details, oil paintings, architecture and the endless possibilities that there is to create art.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

Both, absolutely loving film photography at the moment and mixing the two together effortlessly. Aerial drone photography is also such a fun addition to capture the scenery for my wedding stories. My team also makes amazing wedding films that are an extension of my work and style. Documentary style with a hint of editorial but keeping it true to all our couples. I absolutely love delivering a cohesive well curated collection of film & digital images and wedding films!

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?

Since most of my couples have multi day wedding experiences to document, the packages are tailored to each but all come with a 24 hour sneak peek! I usually have a range of three packages to choose from and then we tailor each one to each couple so that all travel and hotels will also be covered as well. I limit my weddings to 20 a year to have time to sit down, brainstorm and offer guidance with timelines etc. Every one of my couples is very special to me and I want to give each wedding the energy it deserves.

What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?

Film photography and 24 hour photo delivery. I'm so excited for the photos myself and for me it's so much fun to send out the next day sneak peeks to my couples, they love it too and show them to their friends and family the next day at the pool parties! I also love to get involved when it comes to outfit planning, ceremony space decor, accessories and just give ideas to explore! I also always send out my 60 page wedding guide where I have collected all my tips over the years, for example if you have an open back dress, don't wear a bra even in the morning so there are no marks on your skin and much more. I am very proud of the guide and my couples enjoy it a lot too!

Where would you love to travel to for work?

I'm in love with my current destinations but would love to explore California, Sri Lanka or Musée Rodin museum in Paris or the iconic TWA hotel at the JFK in New York as my wedding destinations and venues next! To be honest I love travelling everywhere. What I love the most is meeting my couples with different ideas and how to bring their style into the wedding and then creating a piece of art of their experience. I love working with couples and vendors that are excited to bring their vision to life and inspired to create.

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Don't second guess yourself. Your wedding is yours so make it look like you and bring your wildest dreams to life, make it iconic. Draw inspiration from your favourite film, painting or style era. Or do you have a special location in mind, like a childhood field in the middle of the countryside or a movie theatre or someplace special for you. Pick at least one special feature for your wedding, a cake cutting with a movie projector, your signature cocktails on a pedestal, creative food decor or something like that!

Don't be afraid of being different or for something not to go exactly as planned. What is most important is to spend the time with your loved ones and the rest is up to you! They will enjoy you looking and feeling like the most content version of yourself so do what makes you feel full and alive.

And enjoy the process!

Anni M Photography

Website: annimartikainenphotography.com

Instagram: @annimphotography