Maxime Hotel Lisbon Engagement Session • A Stylish Pre-Wedding Shoot

Cinematic engagement photography in Lisbon, inspired by vintage glamour and a couple’s playful connection.

When Rakhi and Arun, a fun loving couple from Boston, reached out through their wedding planner Diana Julião, I immediately felt this session would be something special. Planning their destination wedding in Portugal for 2026, they were looking for an engagement session in Lisbon that could reflect their chemistry, personality and natural connection before the wedding day.

During our first online meeting, they shared a mood board with some of their favourite references, giving me a glimpse into their world, playful, theatrical and completely in sync. One of their inspirations was the iconic energy of Jay Z and Beyoncé, which became the starting point for shaping a cinematic story of their own.

As soon as they mentioned a bar setting, Maxime Hotel in Lisbon came to mind. With its velvety reds, intimate lighting and vintage atmosphere, it felt like the perfect stage for their engagement session. The hotel team welcomed us with great care, making the entire experience feel seamless and memorable for the couple.

From there, I built a visual narrative inspired by their energy, moving from classic bar moments to more spontaneous and personal details, like a playful game of UNO and their shared love for pizza.

The result is a collection of images where cinematic elegance meets personality, shaped by warm tones, movement and a genuine sense of connection.