When Rakhi and Arun, a fun-loving couple from Boston, reached out through their wedding planner Diana Julião, I knew this session would be special. They’re getting married in Portugal in 2026, and before their big day, they wanted a unique engagement shoot to capture their chemistry and playful connection.
During our first online meeting, they shared a mood board with their on favorite pictures, which gave me a great glimpse into their personalities, cheeky, theatrical, and totally in sync. Also, one of the couples inspirations for their engagement pictures was the iconic Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and that became the seed for a cinematic story of their own.
The moment they mentioned a bar setting, Maxime Hotel in Lisbon instantly came to mind. With its velvety reds, dim lighting, and vintage charm, it felt like a movie set waiting for their scene. The hotel graciously welcomed us, and I must give a huge thanks to the staff, they were absolutely wonderful and helped make the experience even more memorable for the couple.
From there, I crafted a visual narrative tailored to Rakhi and Arun’s energy, from classic bar moments to quirky touches like a spontaneous game of UNO and their shared love for pizza (yes, Rakhi is a true pizza connoisseur, also known as The Pepperoni Queen).
The result? A blend of cinematic elegance and personal flair, wrapped in warm tones and genuine connection.
Cinematic storytelling with editorial flair, the perfect match for a bold and stylish engagement session.
the story I envisioned for this shoot
A chance meeting in a hotel…
a spark, a connection, and a night that changes everything.
They meet at the hotel by chance. Arun is just passing through, while Rakhi feels completely at home. This is her world, and she moves through it with elegance and ease. He notices her, intrigued, captivated by her presence.
At first, it’s just fleeting glances. His curiosity, her confident, playful aura. Then, a spontaneous conversation at the bar begins, and suddenly, they are inseparable. The connection is instant and electric.
From the first spark to late-night whispers, the evening unfolds like a scene from a movie. There’s playful tension, laughter echoing through the halls, and a late night pizza. By the end of the night, nothing feels the same. From that moment on, they are inseparable.
Ready to tell your love story like a movie?
the team Behind the SCENES
Art Director & Photographer - Regina Wedding Photographer
Location - Maxime Hotel Lisbon
MUA & Hair - Tania de Sousa Hairstylist
Wedding Planner - Diana Julião Tailored Events
