Breaking Tradition: A Two-Day Bridal Shoot in Berlin

Not every couple follows tradition when planning their wedding — and that’s exactly what made Alison and Ryan's two-day bridal photography shoot in Berlin so personal.

They chose not to share their wedding publicly, focusing instead on creating a private and meaningful experience. Berlin was the natural choice for their shoot. It’s where they fell in love, and now, after building a life together in England, they returned to the city to reflect that journey.

Day One: Capturing Berlin

The first day was about capturing Berlin’s iconic landmarks and Ryan and Alison's natural chemistry. We started near the Brandenburg Gate in the early morning light, which softened the imposing architecture and created a timeless atmosphere.

Direction and 'staging' was minimal, closer to a fly on the wall with a good lens so that they could stay in their moment, hang out and enjoy the sights. While I love a staged shoot, to truly encapsulate a moment I prefer a candid shoot. They make the best shots at weddings, when your guests don't feel recorded and their natural smile and energy shines through, capturing them in their element.

We walked down Unter den Linden, where the tree-lined boulevard added depth to the shots. I switched between long and wide lenses on my Lumix, painting with bokeh.

Ryan and Alison leaned against the pillars of Berlin Cathedral, sharing quiet laughter. By this point the camera didn't exist and they were completely comfortable with my presence, and we were blessed with 18degree sunshine.

At Museum Island, the couple’s comfort with 'the shoot' became even more visible. As a wedding videographer I'm accustomed to asking a couple questions to not only build our rapport, but to put those wistful memories and future dreams in the subtext of the day. It keeps a faint, absent smile in eyes so that those loving moments and adoring glances in the candid photos tell a thousand stories.

Between shots, Alison and Ryan reminisced about their early days together in Berlin — late nights at local bars and long walks along the Spree. Playing gigs, and memories of artist friends. The shoot felt relaxed and genuine, with the city’s history forming the perfect backdrop.

I used all my strength to not mention historical facts about Napoleon in Berlin. It was like holding in a sneeze.

Day Two: Quiet Moments and Creative Backdrops

For the second day, the focus shifted to more intimate, creative shots. I already had the shots that I knew they'd love, so at this point it was more about capturing this moment in time, ahead of the wedding with their whole future together ahead of them.

The East Side Gallery provided a colourful and expressive background. The couple stood in front of the murals, adding their own story to Berlin’s artistic legacy. The Oberbaum Bridge offered a striking contrast of red brick and steel, with the Spree River below creating a calm, reflective atmosphere.

The temperature dropped to two degrees, but rather than spoil the shoot, it created a cosier mood, cuddling and closeness. The light cooled and added a sharp, cinematic quality to the images. We ended the day in Tiergarten, where the leafless trees framed the couple as they exchanged quiet glances as time stayed still. The setting felt natural and unforced, highlighting the authenticity of their connection and that there was nowhere they'd rather be.

A Personal Take on Tradition

By choosing Berlin, the couple created a wedding experience that reflected their story rather than meeting expectations. The decision to keep their wedding private wasn’t about secrecy — it was about preserving the intimacy of the moment. The photographs reflect that choice, capturing real emotion and personal history without the need for an audience.

Your wedding story doesn’t have to follow tradition. What matters is creating something that feels true to you — and when you do, the result will be unforgettable.

It never feels like work. By the end of our time together, I'd shared a beautiful experience with two new friends at such an exciting moment in their life together.

My destination wedding videography and photography services are available internationally. In the UK, we're based between Derbyshire, Manchester, Cheshire and Yorkshire, and you'll catch me regularly in Europe and in USA in Houston and Tacoma.

Enquire today for availability.