AS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN MALLORCA
HOW DID WEDDINGS IN 2019 GO?
Amazing! Firstly, looking back on my Mallorca weddings in 2019 I’m so appreciative to have the best clients ever who trust me and my team to fully to capture their day and allow us to enter their inner circle while giving space for creativity. Secondly, I’ve had primarily finca weddings that deeply reflect the underpinnings of Mallorca. The finca weddings tend to be elegant with an upscale rustic vibe which aligns well with fincas.
Our wedding coverage included a few destination trips for the team to the South of France and the Peninsula. We covered everything from luxury weddings in large rustic venues to small and intimate weddings in small fincas. Elopements have become increasingly popular, especially with Canadians and Americans and those are extra special because there are no limits so the ceremonies could be on a mountaintop or beachside.
WHAT WERE YOUR 2019 HIGHLIGHTS?
Looking back over 2019, I would say that the whole year was amazing and the highlights were the great venues, decor and especially the down-to-earth nature of our clients and vendors overall. Mallorca weddings are unique and have the underpinnings of Spanish culture in these incredible countryside venues.
WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE VENUES AND WHY?
My favourite venues are countryside fincas where the bride and groom can do everything from getting ready all the way through to their party. Spending the entire day in one venue affords the couple and guests more time to relax and enjoy their day rather than transporting from one place to another. The colours of Mallorca are stunning, much like Tuscany or South of France, with deep greens, shades of beiges and of course the blue Spanish sky. There are literally hundreds of venues for Mallorca weddings and here is a list of a few favourites which is definitely not exhaustive!
- Finca Alaiar in Sencelles
- Son Togores in Bunyola
- Son Berga in Alaro
- Son Mir close to Palma
- Cas Xorc in Soller
- Son Termens in Bunyola
DID YOU DO OR TRY ANYTHING DIFFERENT THIS YEAR?
This year I optimized the aperitivo time by covering the couple’s session first before the group shots. In this way the couple have some magical time to enjoy together right after the ceremony when they are fresh and energised.
Nearly all of my clients this year hired a 2nd photographer to cover the guys getting ready through to the guests being seated. This way I can stay with the bride until she walks up the aisle. The 2nd photographers cover the guys getting ready, guests arrival, decor and venue ambience, different ceremony angles and the aperitivo during the couple’s session and group shots. I can see a huge benefit to the diversity of the galleries with two photographers and believe it will become a norm and standard in the future.
CAN YOU SHOW US A FEW FAVOURITE PHOTOS AND SAY WHY?
This is one of Europe’s top wedding destination venues, Son Marroig and the sea views are so romantic for a Mallorca wedding. I knew right away when I was booked that I wanted this image. The soft light and the trailing train give the photo a soft and romantic feel yet their stance is solid.
These solid walls are a military fortress turned into a 5-star venue and the couple is crossing a small bridge that connects the two sides. In the background is the Mediterranean and the mountains of the Tramuntana behind. The photo tells the story of their environment on a very important day.
In every wedding gallery one shot should show the venue in wide angle. Here you can see the view from the mountaintop in Soller and all its surroundings with the sea in the distance. I love that they are running across quaint wooden bridge holding hands in their wedding attire.
I love how this photo shows their venue and wedding attire so well. When they look back on this photo in years to come it will conjure up memories of their day that bring them back to this space.
This shot is beautiful for their silhouette against the fairy lights of the doorway. These big wooden doors at Son Berga reflect the yellow light which frames them and makes them the center of attention in the photo. Above you see the Spanish-tiled rooftop and below them the cobblestone, both of which are unique to a Spanish experience. All these details say finca wedding.
This venue gets two of my top images for the year. Here I love the varied pastel colours of the bridesmaids dresses. The overall aesthetic is light and airy yet the structure of the pergola and the bride and groom’s stance is strong. The bridesmaids are playful and their pyramid shape shows leads the eyes directly to the couple at the top.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LIVING IN MALLORCA?
I probably couldn’t count the reasons!. I moved here in 2010 from Hong Kong, which I equally love for different reasons. I’m originally American and grew up in nature in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by tall trees and wild nature. Mallorca’s landscapes are so diverse and varied yet the island is so small (and there are no bears!). It’s a multi-cultural place full of events and activity while being aesthetically beautiful. The sense of community amongst professionals is also a huge bonus as most vendors know each other for many years and in the end of the day everyone benefits from community. For a photographer, it’s a dream!
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE MOMENT FROM 2019?
This year I shot quite a few proposals and they were so beautiful. I integrate the proposals into a photo session so that the person being proposed to is dressed up for the occasion. I often bring a bottle of cava for celebrating that my assistant suprises them with while I shoot photos of them toasting and drinking and having joyful and new moments together.
WHAT TRENDS DID YOU NOTICE THIS YEAR?
There were less fluffy bridal gowns and more down to earth elegance that is comfortable and beautiful for the summer heat of Mallorca. There have been fewer veils as well, which gives the bride more space for natural movement and feeling light on the feet. The bridesmaids of 2019 wore silky flowy long dresses in light pastels while the groomsmen wore all shades of blues. Linens will forever be a popular choice in the summer heat for the guys. There are always fewer wedding cakes and more rituals that are important to the couple or the family than traditional ones. The language of the celebrants is a welcome change moving from a patriarchal tone of “You (groom) may now kiss the bride” to more humanist phrases like, to “You may now share a kiss” .
WHAT WILL YOU DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT YEAR?
My photography approach is largely photojournalistic, meaning that I move the moments instead of directing moments and I love this approach and feel most creative working in this way. The couple’s session is always loosely directed and the results look like un-posed moments. Above all this year of 2020 I would like to add a portrait component right after the getting ready which would be intentional portraiture with a fashion editorial approach.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2020?
A happy client is what brings me the most joy and that is more important than marrying in a luxurious world renowned venue or a small intimate finca. Therefore the satisfaction of a job well done is a happy client and ultimately that is my goal and my best accolade. I look forward to more of that!
The Aimee K Team has grown successfully and our community continues to deepen both professionally and in friendship. I also had the opportunity again to work with vendors that are incredibly talented and creative – from florist to makeup artists, caterers, musicians and planners. I’m proud to say that here on the island of Mallorca the vendors offer top-notch quality services and clients can rest assured that it’s a small island and we all know and support each other. In conclusion I do believe the year of 2020 is going to be great!
