Engagement Session in the Azores (Terceira)
A Story Beyond Traditions
Engagement in Terceira, Azores: An Intimate Story Captured by Adrian Vilanova, Wedding & Elopement Photographer
As a photographer, I believe the most powerful stories are not the “perfect” ones where everything goes according to plan, but those where a couple makes the story truly theirs. Terceira, one of the Azores’ lesser-known islands, offers breathtaking landscapes, a calm atmosphere, and a rich culture and gastronomy that make every moment unique. This is where I had the chance to capture Manny and Hayley’s story.
They first contacted me about a marriage proposal. More like a way to seal their bond during their trip from the US. I had several conversations with Manny, carefully shaping the plans for that day. But then he told me the rings would not arrive in time, and they had decided to cancel everything. For a moment, I thought their story would remain untold.
Later, I felt I had to share what was truly on my mind: that their story was even more meaningful without rings, because it was only about them. Their connection, their love, their experience. No symbols, no traditions, just a memory created for themselves. I wasn’t thinking about the work or the booking anymore, only about how powerful it would be to live and remember that day. To my joy, they embraced the idea.
The day before, I explored the places I had in mind, paying attention to the light and the small details that make each spot unique. When the day came, everything felt effortless. Manny and Hayley could just enjoy themselves, without worrying about anything else.
On that morning, we started near Angra do Heroísmo, in a small and cozy cabin surrounded by banana plantations. From there, we set off to explore the island in a relaxed way, discovering some of Terceira’s most stunning places. At Monte Brasil, they shared quiet moments together with panoramic views over the ocean, the city, and the harbor below. Later, we drove towards Miradouro da Serra do Cume, where I had found a secluded spot far from the tourists – just open fields, volcanic landscapes, and the two of them completely present with each other.
Our journey ended in Biscoitos, with its dramatic black rock beaches and the fierce Atlantic wind wrapping around them. There, holding on to each other, they created scenes that felt straight out of a movie. Raw, powerful, and unforgettable.
The next day, I had dinner with them, sharing laughter and stories. Today, Manny and Hayley are friends, and I look forward to seeing them again.
For me, what made this story so powerful is that it wasn’t about rings or expectations, it was about love, presence, and authenticity. A memory built for them, and only for them.
As an elopement photographer in the Azores, what I offer goes far beyond photography. I help couples design an experience: suggesting the best spots, finding the right light and timing, and creating a space where they can live their day fully while I capture it naturally. It’s what I love most about my work, and I can’t wait to meet the next couple ready to write their own story in the Azores.
Don't miss the video.
At the end of this gallery, you’ll find a very special video of Manny and Hayley. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it with them.
In photographs, their love is eternal, framed in light and landscape. In motion, it breathes. The sound of the sea, the weight of an embrace, the fleeting moments between. Together, they complete the story.