A Hungarian and Spanish celebration, from the Buda riverfront to the dance floor

Réka and Alfonso brought warmth, humour and plenty of affection to their wedding in Budapest. Hungarian and Spanish cultures came together throughout the celebration, from the people gathered around them to the energy of the evening party.

I photographed their day from Réka’s preparations on the Buda side of the river through to their celebration at Spoon Boat Restaurant. Their ease with each other gave the photographs much of their character.

Getting Ready on the Buda Side

Our story began on a small street between Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge. During Réka’s preparations, views towards Chain Bridge and St Stephen’s Basilica placed Budapest in the background of the photographs from the very beginning.

These images introduced the city through the place where her wedding day started. The riverfront and familiar landmarks became part of the preparations, before the celebration continued at the basilica.

Gábor Herendi, a long-standing friend, was their master of ceremonies. It was a pleasure to work alongside someone we knew, whose guidance helped the events flow throughout the day.

Portraits with Plenty of Affection

Réka and Alfonso made the portrait session particularly enjoyable. Whenever I suggested a warm embrace, they would turn it into a full-hearted kiss.

That became one of the things I remember most clearly about photographing them. A small suggestion was enough to give them a starting point; they brought their own affection and energy to what followed.

The photographs reflect that closeness. Their gestures and the way they responded to each other gave even the more carefully composed portraits a personal quality.

From St Stephen’s Basilica to Spoon Boat

Réka and Alfonso celebrated their marriage at St Stephen’s Basilica, before continuing the evening at Spoon Boat Restaurant on the Danube.

The two locations gave the day different settings: the basilica for the wedding ceremony and the boat for an evening of celebration beside the city. Budapest remained present throughout, connecting the preparations, the ceremony and the reception.

An Enthusiastic Dance Floor

At Spoon, the party brought everyone together. The dancing was energetic and playful, with guests throwing themselves into the celebration.

For me, the evening continued the warmth I had already seen between Réka and Alfonso during their portraits. Their enthusiasm carried into the gathering around them, giving us photographs full of movement and shared enjoyment.

Réka and Alfonso, thank you for your trust, your humour and the affection you shared so openly throughout the day.

¡Vamos, chicos! ¡Os queremos!