Dune
All images © Dear Margarida
Like many other creatives in the search for like-minded people, I met Margarida Sampaio (the photographer behind Dear Margarida) on Instagram and then worked up some courage to invite her to collaborate in the elopement editorial I was organizing on behalf of Oficina.
Dune would be my second editorial but an absolute first in terms of art direction. I was feeling brave and confident but also weary of having impostor syndrome strike in the near future. Dune was to be shot sometime during the summer months which is never easy and I had to juggle the availability of multiple people - plus, I realised quite late that both of my favourite printers would be closed for holidays so I had one extra thing to work out.
Dune is an inspiration photoshoot for modern and adventurous couples who, like me and Margarida, think that the wedding industry is too full of itself: full of egos, expectations, impositions, stress and regretable expenses.
With this shoot I did by best to highlight the services of Oficina - fully bespoke stationery, decor and accessories and creative direction applyed to events - and Margarida - documental photography, full of light and emotion.
The shoot was inspired by post-impressionist art and the rusticity of the Portuguese seaside. I divised a romantic picnic in the dunes and set to create a chilled atmosphere with an effortless feel: thrifted buoys, vintage ceramic, wood boards, wicker baskets and a reclaimed broken window that I painted by hand. The set was completed with an assortment of regional food items, perfect for a picnic - including sweet Porto wine to toast - I handpainted the bottle as well.
As we were against having a bride caked with makeup and fake lashes and wearing an expensive uncorfortable dress, we opted to show how a women is no less beautiful wearing minimal makup and a flattering but confortable high-street dress - that was perfectly in tune with the set. Her bouquet consisted of European marram grass, an abundant (and sometimes invasive) species that grows on the dunes and was carefully picked in order not to damage its root system. The remaining props and accessories were also handmade by me.
We were graced with mild weather and an almost empty beach which both made our job much easier. In the end I feel that everything paid of: Margarida and Oficina got fresh promotional images and our sweethearts got lovely photos to share with the grandkids. Miguel, my partner, who took part as an assistant also got my ethernal gratitude - and an awful backpain.