Andreia & José: A Love Story Born in the Middle of the Pandemic

imgnabais

Sep 4

2 min read

Between dunes, motherhood, the beach...and "I do" in Vila Nova de Gaia

There are stories that don't begin with a striking encounter, but that build slowly, over the years, until one day they make complete sense.

Ours with Andreia began in May 2013, at the University of Beira Interior, in Covilhã.

We weren't really friends. We were acquaintances, the kind of people who cross paths in the same hallways and know each other by name, without the friendship ever quite deepening. But there was something that stayed with us over the years: I always followed her work as a model, and admired her for it; she always followed my journey as a photographer, first on my own, and later alongside Liliana.

It was in October 2019 that this mutual admiration turned, for the first time, into working together. Andreia agreed to model for a workshop I taught in the Aveiro area, and that's where we photographed together for the first time.

Photography Workshop // Aveiro

We stayed in touch after that, as happens with so many friendships that build from a distance.

And it was with genuine happiness that I learned Andreia had found the love of her life, José, in the middle of the pandemic, when good news tasted even sweeter.

Not long after, that happiness multiplied: Carlota was on her way! And it was precisely at that maternity photoshoot, now in 2024, that the four of us met for the first time, all together: Andreia introduced us to the love of her life, and I introduced mine.

A meeting that began as work and became, in itself, a beautiful memory to keep.

Maternity Session // Póvoa de Varzim

The proposal wasn't long in coming.

In 2025, as decisive as ever, Andreia came to talk to us and told us, without hesitation: "It's happening next year. It's decided!"

The short notice was no obstacle. Quite the opposite. Everything went perfectly, and by June 2026 we were already doing their engagement photoshoot, on the beach, joined by a delightful third guest!

Engagement Session // Espinho

Finally, on July 17, 2026, the wedding took place in Grijó (Vila Nova de Gaia), at The Astoria - Histórias com Alma. The weather was on our side from start to finish, and at the end of the day the sunset treated us once again, gifting Andreia and José with a magical, movie-worthy scene.

And giving us some of the most beautiful photographs we've ever taken.

Wedding // The Astoria

It was a privilege to follow this whole journey, from the first clicks in Aveiro to the day Andreia and José said "yes" to one another.

Getting to tell a story with so many years of mutual admiration behind it, and on top of that watching a new friendship with José be born in the middle of it, is one of the greatest gifts this work gives us.

Thank you, Andreia and José, for letting us be part of your story, from beginning to end.