One of my favorite European countries to travel to is Spain. I feel very fortunate to have photographed now two destination weddings in the country. The culture is warm, welcoming and understated, yet at the same time colorful and vibrant. In many ways this is how I would describe Eunice and Will. When a couple undertakes the logistical challenges of planning a destination wedding, it's usually because the actual location has intense personal meaning. Shortly after college, they lived in Spain for two years before moving to Chicago. Traveling with them and their bridal party was like visiting with locals. We spent a few days in Madrid first, where they took us to their favorite spots for tapas and sangria. Good people make all the difference, and their eclectic group of family and guests were just that. At every point during the trip, I felt more like a guest than simply the photographer.
The wedding took place in the town of Zamora, a few hours drive northeast of Madrid. One of the more unique and beautiful locations I've been to, the ceremony was actually inside Castillo de Zamora, (castle ruins in the center of town). Equally historic, the reception was held at the Parador Hotel, which is a 15th century palace built over the ruins of a Muslin citadel. Everywhere I looked, there was beauty and a story to be told. I will be eternally grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to document their wedding journey, and it was an experience I will never forget.
Ceremony: Castillo de Zamora
Reception: Parador de Zamora