When Ariana, my best friend from university, told me she was getting married to Camilo, I was beyond excited for her. But when she asked me to be her wedding photographer, I felt a rush of emotions that went beyond excitement—it was a mix of honor, pride, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. Ari had seen my journey from the very beginning, back when I left Colombia and a nearly finished bachelor’s degree to pursue my dream of becoming a professional photographer in Switzerland. She knew the long hours, the passion, and the dedication I put into mastering my craft. For her to trust me with capturing one of the most important days of her life was both a huge honor and a profound responsibility. And so, I traveled back to Colombia, camera in hand, ready to embrace the challenge.

As the wedding day approached, Ari and I exchanged countless messages. She would often send me Instagram reels filled with dreamy photo ideas, each one more magical than the last. While it was exciting to see her vision unfold, I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of pressure. She wasn’t just expecting good photos—she was expecting magic, and I knew I had to deliver. Despite my confidence in the skills I had honed through my professional training, a small voice in my head kept whispering worries about what could go wrong. But I decided to go all in. Not only did I promise her stunning photos, but I also offered to design a printable wedding album and even create a short professional video of her big day. It was a bold move—how would I manage to juggle both photography and videography at the same time? Well, you’ll have to keep reading to find out. Of course, everything was formalized in a detailed contract, outlining every aspect—what, who, when, why, and how much—leaving no room for surprises.

With the contract signed and tickets in hand, the journey from Switzerland to Colombia felt monumental. I knew this wedding was going to be a big deal, but before the big day, I decided to make the most of my trip. I embarked on a two-week adventure, reconnecting with old school friends in Bogotá, visiting a close friend in Pereira, and exploring Colombia’s stunning natural beauty—like the breathtaking Parque Cocora in Salento, Quindío, and the relaxing Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal. My travels took me to the bustling city of Medellín and finally to my hometown, Barranquilla, where I spent time with family and friends. It was a joyful prelude to the wedding, but as the day grew closer, so did my nerves. I arrived with two professional cameras—one for photography and one for video—and although I had no idea how I’d manage both simultaneously, I pushed that worry aside for later. Equipped with my trusty Godox AD300pro and Godox V1 flashes, and more than enough batteries, I felt prepared—but the fear of something going wrong still lingered in the back of my mind.

The wedding day finally arrived, and I made sure to dress the part. I invested in a sharp suit and elegant shoes—it felt like the right move. After all, not only was I the photographer, but I was also a guest at my best friend’s wedding. How often can you say you’re both working and celebrating at the same time? But five days before the wedding, I realized I needed a hand, especially with the video. So, I reached out to an old friend who lived nearby, someone I knew from his incredible work with video projects, music, and clothing brands. Thankfully, he agreed to assist me with the video, and maybe even some photos, understanding that my budget wasn’t the best. We struck a great deal, and just like that, the worry of juggling both photography and videography disappeared. With his help, I was able to confidently capture both mediums. Now, I officially offer wedding videography as part of my services—and I’ve even built a network of professionals in Switzerland to support my growing business. Oh, and did I mention I have my own registered company? Well, that’s a story for another blog.

The day was finally here, and I arrived at the hotel where the couple was getting ready. Two separate rooms: one buzzing with beautiful women, laughter, and excitement, and the other filled with the quiet focus of the groom and his friends. I started by capturing the small yet significant details—the shoes, the rings, the accessories, and flowers, though the bride’s bouquet was mysteriously missing at first! I moved through each space, photographing the men as they shared moments together, and the women in their own joyful preparations. After these intimate behind-the-scenes moments, we left the hotel and headed straight for the villa. There she was—Ari, my best friend, almost ready. The sea stretched out in front of us, calm but full of promise, as if waiting for this moment to come alive. Everything was perfect. My friend, assisting with the videography, was already there, capturing B-roll footage, and everything flowed seamlessly. But the most exhilarating moment, without a doubt, was when Ari stepped out of that door, arm in arm with her father. My heart was racing—I was shooting, but I was just as nervous as I was thrilled. The anticipation in the air was electric.

As soon as Ari and Camilo took their seats, I felt everything settle. I could focus on the reactions, the emotions on the faces of their loved ones, and the breathtaking setting around us. And then came the moment everyone was waiting for: they exchanged rings, sealed their love with a kiss, and, as they made their way through a shower of petals, it felt like time slowed down just enough for me to capture each fleeting, joyful second. These are the moments I live for—the ones that carry so much emotion in a single frame. The guests rushed in, everyone wanting their picture with the newlyweds. My friend kept the video rolling, while I moved through the crowd, snapping away. At some point, I even managed to get a picture of myself with Ari and Camilo, though I don’t remember who took it in the whirlwind of it all. The night ended with their first dance, a sweeping moment set to a beautiful song, with the sunset fading behind us. I embraced the challenge of low light and played with long exposure shots, adding movement and emotion to every frame. In that moment, watching their joy unfold through my lens, I knew I had captured something truly special. Everything was perfect—my nerves had melted away, and I felt like I had accomplished something incredible.

When it came time to deliver the final product, I ended up giving Ari and Camilo nearly 800 pictures—far more than we had originally agreed upon in the contract. But how could I stick to a number when it was my best friend’s wedding? Every shot felt precious, and I didn’t want to hold back. This was a new experience for all of us, and for this occasion, the more photos, the better. Ari, Camilo, and both of their families were thrilled with the images, showering me with heartfelt comments. Ari even told me how grateful she was that I had been the one to capture her special day, which meant the world to me. The day after the wedding, we took it a step further and traveled to a nearby city for a spontaneous elopement-style shoot. To see those pictures and read more about that adventure, you can follow this link. I delivered the wedding photos within three weeks and the elopement photos just two weeks later. While I can’t promise such quick turnarounds for every wedding, I know that with every couple, everything will be set down clearly on paper, signed, and ready—because the details matter just as much as the magic of the day.

The Photographer with the Bride and Groom

A special photo of the photographer with the happy bride and groom.

Reflecting on this first experience,

I can truly say I feel like I was born to do this job. Taking on the responsibility of photographing Ari’s wedding wasn’t just a job—it was a journey of commitment, from the extensive planning to the long-distance travel and the emotional investment that came with it. Every moment, from the joyful tears of her sister to the laughter shared between friends, felt deeply personal. I even found myself getting emotional, not only during the wedding but also while editing. At one point, I played their first dance song on repeat as I edited those photos, and yes, I shed a few tears. Maybe it’s because Ari is my friend, but I think it’s more than that. I’ve realized that I love capturing weddings because they’re filled with the real, raw moments of life. These are the memories we look back on with fondness, the timeless moments we get to relive, whether through a photo or a snippet of video. My hope is that this journey inspires you to follow your heart and do what you love, just as I have. As for me, I’ll keep capturing life’s beautiful moments for as long as I can.