Wedding supplier spotlight: Wonder & Magic Photography/Videography
Meet Emmylie and Richie – the talented husband-and-wife duo behind Wonder & Magic photography and videography. Here, they shine a light on their business and share some professional tips for posing for the camera on your big day.
Tell us a bit about your background. Were you always interested in photography/videography?
“I am originally from Boa Vista in Roraima in northern Brazil. I graduated with a law degree and thought I would follow in my mom’s footsteps and become a lawyer, but photography has always been my passion. My dad loves photography too and always had cameras at home. I used to dress up with a friend and do small photo sessions. Films were also a major part of my life. My grandmother and my dad owned a video store so I grew up watching a lot of films. I moved to Ireland 12 years ago to improve my skills as a photographer and at the end of my photography course, my teacher recommended me to a bride and that was it… I fell in love with wedding photography! Not a surprise really, as I always loved anything related to weddings and some of my favourite programs to watch were Say Yes To The Dress and Don’t Tell The Bride.” – Emmylie
“I have a diploma in interior architecture and furniture design. Photography was a large part of my art portfolio to get into college. After I left college, I started assisting several well-known photographers across various disciplines, from fashion and advertising to food and weddings. My dad and uncles have always been into photography and I have inherited a love for cameras and taking pictures from them. While we use the most up-to-date Canon mirrorless cameras I still regularly shoot film, both 35mm and medium format 120. I have several landscapes currently on display as part of the ‘Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again’ exhibition at the Bank of Ireland Cultural & Heritage Centre in Westmoreland St, Dublin.” – Richie
How did you meet? What inspired you to start your business together?
“Like many modern love stories, we met online, on a dating app. At the time, I had photographed my first wedding, Richie had been in business for a few years and we had been dating already. He offered to take me to some of these weddings so I could improve. Working together happened quite naturally. A few years later we decided it was time to start offering wedding films too as most of our couples were asking for recommendations to match our style of photos.”
How long have you both been in the industry?
“I have been a photographer for 15 years now, 11 years of which I’ve been photographing weddings. Richie has been in the wedding industry as a photographer for 17 years. He has also done lots of work for IMAGE and other publications over the years.”
What is it like working with your spouse? Any advice for other couples who want to work together?
“It’s been great. At this stage, we know each other so well and have done hundreds of weddings together, so we only need a certain look to know what the other is thinking. We inspire each other a lot and work seamlessly together, so when couples book us for photos and video, for example, they will receive imagery that is consistent with our aesthetic and style – which might not always happen when you book two different companies. The only bad side of it is that there’s no cut-off talking about weddings and we constantly catch ourselves discussing work at home in our free time.
“Our biggest advice for couples who want to work together would be: like a marriage, communication is key, so always communicate to make sure you’re on the same page. Play to each other’s strengths, assigning tasks based on each other’s strongest skills. Look for constructive feedback on areas that can be improved as this will help refine your collaboration. Lastly, as with everything in life, enjoy the journey, as working with your partner can be an enriching experience for you as a couple. Also, always celebrate your achievements as a team!”
Photographers are often there when things go wrong on the wedding day. Do you step in and help brides/grooms on the day?
“Yes, for us, the experience our couples have on the day is the most important thing. We don’t want them worrying about the small things – the day goes by too fast. We have years of expertise and have seen so much happen… whether it’s an intimate wedding or a multi-day celebration, we always make sure we understand what our couple’s priorities are and are always prepared for whatever comes. We have had brides ask for a steamer on the morning of the wedding and we can help with that as we keep one in the car. We also bring a sewing kit and Emmylie has lost count of how many times she’s used it at weddings… she has fixed buttons, and helped with broken zippers and split trousers. Things happen! We also have a styling kit with ring boxes and props that we use to display our couple’s beautiful accessories so they have gorgeous mementoes of their details.”
Any tips for how brides/grooms can be more photogenic on the day, specifically for couples who are camera shy?
“For both in general: a little practice in front of a mirror prior to the wedding won’t hurt! Try a few different poses that feel natural and comfortable to you. Remember your posture, lean forward slightly to avoid a double chin. If you’re conscious of your tummy area, move it slightly away from the camera. Brides, put your weight on your back leg and bend the front one for a nice silhouette. Grooms, don’t forget to remove everything from your trouser pockets.
“One of our biggest pieces of advice for camera-shy couples is to allow themselves a little privacy during their portraits. Couples usually spend quite a bit of time apart from each other during the wedding, talking to different groups of people, so this is one of the only opportunities you’ll have to be away from all of your guests just the two of you – enjoy it! Engage with each other, focusing on your partner rather than the camera. Genuine interactions often make for the best photos. Trust your photographer/videographer, relax and have fun.”
How can a couple make the most of the limited photo time they have?
“Our style is a mix of documentary and editorial photography. We focus on our couple’s connection and the unscripted moments of their day. We also understand when to step forward, giving them gentle direction, and when to step back, so we capture it all naturally. Our approach ensures that couples are relaxed and fully immersed in the moment.”
Photography by Wonder & Magic
To learn more about Wonder & Magic, browse their portfolio or book them for your wedding, visit their website.
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