PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM | The Vernacular

Apr 23
3 min read

Based in Lisbon, The Vernacular approaches each wedding with a blend of intuition and purpose, observing what unfolds naturally, while knowing when a subtle shift can elevate a moment. Through photography and film, they capture weddings, driven by a genuine passion for preserving memories. The Vernacular documents love stories across Europe and beyond.

Tell us about The Vernacular!

My background in photography and cinema shaped the way I see, not just images, but time, atmosphere, and meaning. I started with analogue photography, learning through film, the darkroom, and the physical process of making an image.

The Vernacular comes from vernacular photography, the kind found in family albums. Images that aren’t perfect, sometimes blurred or unexpected, but deeply meaningful because they hold real life. That idea continues to guide how I see and what I choose to preserve.

What would you like couples to know about you?

I’m someone who’s naturally curious about people and their stories. Part of my work around vernacular photography started with one of my grandmothers, whom I never had the chance to meet. Therefore, I took on the challenge to build a visual investigation around her life through uncovering photos of her which leads to interviewing people who know her which leads to discovering fragments, memories, and even secrets that had been left behind.

I’ve always loved the energy of the city, but I recently moved to the countryside, where I’m now slowly designing our garden and learning how to grow things. I also love to travel, and I want to understand a place through its culture, what it tastes like, what it looks like, and how it feels. Art, in all its forms, is a constant presence in my life. I’ve also always been drawn to working with my hands, whether it’s ceramics, painting, baking or small creative experiments that come and go over time. Also, I never say no to ice cream!

Where are you based?

Lisbon, Portugal.

How would you describe your style?

My work moves between documentary and editorial, instinct and composition, honesty and control. I follow what’s real, framing it with care, balancing emotion, light, and composition so that each image feels effortless, but never accidental.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by art in many forms: cinema, fashion, architecture, and the history of photography. I often return to vernacular photography, and photographers like Saul Leiter have shaped the way I think about colour, light, and subtlety. But above all, I’m inspired by people, their stories, their individuality, their quiet dynamics, and the intimacy of what exists between them.

How would you describe your working style?

I move with the rhythm of the day, always aware of what’s happening and what a moment can become. I observe quietly, I adapt easily, and when needed, I guide through small, subtle shifts that elevate the image without interrupting the flow. I pay close attention to detail, not just visually, but emotionally. The in-between moments, the gestures, the atmosphere, the energy between people. The goal is always the same: for people to feel present, confident, and at ease while being captured in a way that feels both natural and considered.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

Both. I primarily work digitally, while also incorporating film for its texture and depth. I offer video coverage, including Super 8 for a nostalgic, cinematic layer.

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?

Yes. Every wedding is unique, so I craft proposals that reflect each couple’s story, personality, and priorities. Many include additional events beyond the wedding day, allowing me to capture the full story.

Where would you love to travel to for work?

Mexico, Japan, Morocco, Vietnam, New York, South Africa, and Italy, but also, anywhere that allows me to explore, discover new perspectives, and immerse myself in the textures, light, and stories of a place while capturing the essence of a couple’s day.

What is your advice to couples getting married?

Make your wedding your own. Not what’s expected, not what’s safe. Be present. Relax. Surround yourself with people you love. Embrace your quirks, your passions, your aesthetic. Take risks. Let the day reflect who you are. Don’t be afraid to make choices that feel true to you, even if they’re unconventional.

With intention behind what you create, everything falls naturally into place, and that’s what makes both the experience and the images truly lasting.