Marco & Jenna Wedding: When Italy & Portugal come together.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless beautiful moments, but one wedding last October stands out in a particularly meaningful way. It wasn’t just the stunning couple or the incredible cultural fusion—it was also a celebration that hit very close to home.

As a Portuguese immigrant living in Montreal, shooting this Italian-Portuguese wedding brought me back to my roots, blending the best of both my heritage and my adopted home. The wedding was a perfect celebration of love, family, and traditions, set against the vibrant backdrop of Montreal. Despite the rain, we were able to capture some truly magical moments that will stay with me forever.

The Perfect Blend of Italian & Portuguese Traditions

From the moment I started in the Marco’s house, early in the morning, and then went on to Jenna’s house, I felt a sense of familiarity and warmth that made this wedding truly special. The couple’s Italian and Portuguese backgrounds were beautifully woven into the day, making it a celebration of rich traditions, love, and family, and of course, good food. Lots of it. Everywhere. A feast to the eyes. Being Portuguese myself, I could instantly connect with the warmth and importance of family that both cultures hold so dear.

It was amazing to witness how these two cultures came together, not only in the food and music but also in the love and respect shown by their families. There’s something uniquely powerful about the way Italians and Portuguese cherish family—everyone is made to feel like part of the same close-knit circle. It made my job as a photographer feel even more rewarding, as I was able to capture not just the couple’s love, but the love shared by two families, united in celebration.

Emotion-Filled Moments

Emotion is at the heart of every great wedding, and this one was no exception. From the groom’s tearful smile as he saw his bride for the first time, to the heartfelt speeches that echoed with gratitude, love, and admiration, the emotions were palpable.

What made these moments even more special for me as a photographer was the personal connection I felt. As someone who is Portuguese, I could truly understand the significance of certain traditions and gestures—the way the family rallied around the couple, the little moments of affection exchanged between loved ones, and the pride in seeing two cultures come together. These emotions, captured in my photos, told a story that was both deeply personal and universal. The ceremony, in this beautiful Church north of Montreal, filled with friends and family, amazing heavenly light from its windows, and a very kind priest, who gave us some humorous moments, like when he called Jenna, Victoria. That’s one to remember.

A Feast for the Senses: Italian & Portuguese Cuisine

When you combine Italian and Portuguese heritage, one thing is for certain: the food is going to be incredible! This wedding was no exception. Guests were treated to a mouthwatering array of dishes that celebrated the best of both culinary traditions. From Portuguese pastel de Natas, to the rich, savory flavors of Italian pasta and risotto, every dish was a feast for the senses. And the pastry. Nothing can beat good italian/portuguese pastry.

As a photographer with a deep love for Portuguese cuisine, I can tell you that nothing brings people together quite like a great meal. The joy on everyone’s faces as they dug into these amazing dishes was something I couldn’t help but capture. Food isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about tradition, family, and creating lasting memories together—and this wedding had all of that in abundance.

Rain Didn’t Stop the Magic

Marco & Jenna posing, on their wedding day

Although we had some unexpected rain, it didn’t stop the magic of the day. We had a short break in the rain, which allowed us to take a few epic shots outside. Being a master of light, shooting indoors at any location isn’t a problem for me. Good lighting, directions and a beautiful couple will work wonders. As proven in these images. From the Church a hotel reception hall, we captured truly stunning images.

As someone who’s shot many weddings in Montreal, I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability of the weather here. Whether it’s snow, rain, or sunshine, the most important thing is the love that fills the air—and in this case, the rain only seemed to enhance the feeling of closeness and connection between the couple and their families.

Incredible Entertainment & a Party to Remember

Entertainment Stars logo on a large screen

Of course, no wedding would be complete without a lively celebration, and this one was no different. Marco Lavecchia and his team of DJ’s and MC,s always deliver spectacular entertainment that had everyone on their feet, dancing and singing along. The energy was electric, the games that Marco and his team come up with are always incredibly fun, so I couldn’t help but capture the joy in every smile, every laugh, and every spontaneous dance move.

For me, as a photographer, it was a true joy to see how both Italian and Portuguese influences shaped the entertainment. The blend of traditional and contemporary music created an unforgettable atmosphere, where guests of all ages joined in to celebrate the couple’s love.

A Bride “MUITO LINDA” & a “AZZIMATO” Groom.

Now, let’s talk about the couple—because they were absolutely stunning. Jenna looked nothing short of magical in her gown. It was the perfect balance of elegance and timeless beauty, as it usually is the case with Ma Cherie Blue bridal gowns, and she wore it with such grace. You could see how much love and excitement she had for her big day, and it made for some unforgettable photos. Followed by a group of bridesmaids ready to help and hype Jenna. Family and good friends means everything for Jenna. The emotions on her dad’s face when he first saw her daughter with her gown. The tears of love when Jenna’s mom was helping her button the gown up. Even I couldn’t help a tear in my eye. Or was it a mosquito?

Jenna, the Bride

The groom, on the other hand, could have stepped straight out of a James Bond movie—dashing, suave, and every bit the leading man. In fact, his tuxedo from Classy formal wear, reminded me of something straight from Casino Royale, adding to the glamour of the day. He even drove a Ferrari. Pretty hot stuff. But don’t get it twisted. Marco has an incredible sense of humour. He’s constantly laughing and joking around. Has an incredibly positive vibe. And I loved the fact that Marco is also a comic books geek, like myself. ANDD he is also incredibly devoted to his friends and family. He loves Jenna with every cell in his being. The emotion on his face as he was writing her a later, for her to read later, showed us how much this man is devoted to her. Together, they were the perfect blend of nerdiness, elegancy, glamour, sexy, gorgeous and fun. Think of a fusion of Pastel de Nata with a Cannoli.

Marco, the groom

Yup, that good.

This wedding was a deeply personal experience for me. As a Portuguese immigrant, photographing these type of weddings in Montreal feels like a beautiful blend of my past and present. The culture, the family, the food—it all came together in a way that made me feel like I was home. Capturing these moments, from the intimate emotions to the vibrant celebration, was an absolute honor.

Group portrait of after the wedding ceremony of Marco & Jenna

For Marco & Jenna, their wedding wasn’t just a day to celebrate love—it was a day that united two families, two cultures, and two hearts. And for me, it was a reminder of the power of tradition, connection, and the magic that happens when love takes center stage.

If you are planning your wedding and are shopping around for a wedding photographer, count on us to capture every single moment. From candid moments, to posing directions, we offer a full array of Incredible images, experience and a good time.
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This wedding wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work from all the vendors. Here’s a list of all of them, including a link to their websites.
Gown- Ma Cherie Blue https://macheriebleue.com
Tuxedo- Classy Formalwear https://classy.ca
Ferrari- Vanguard Luxuri Rentals https://vanguardluxuryrentals.com
Venue & Catering- Plaza Le Rizz https://www.lerizz.com
Hair stylist- @_vstylez_
Make Up- @_jenn.makeup