MELISSA & BOBBY ELOPEMENT IN THE AZORES

Some places have a way of making you slow down, take a deep breath, and just exist in the moment. São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, is one of those places. For Melissa and Bobby, an elopement wasn’t just about saying their vows—it was about immersing themselves in the wild beauty of nature, embracing the unknown, and letting the adventure unfold.

The Love Story

Melissa and Bobby weren’t looking for a traditional wedding. They craved something untamed, a day that felt more like an experience than an event. Drawn to the Azores for its dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes, and ever-changing light, they knew this was the place to begin their next chapter together.

  • A newlywed couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand along a winding dirt road beside a tranquil lake, surrounded by lush green hills and grazing cows in the countryside.
  • A bride and groom walk arm in arm along a scenic dirt path surrounded by greenery, laughing and sharing a joyful moment.
  • A black and white close-up portrait of a newlywed couple embracing, with the bride gazing into the distance and the groom smiling contentedly.
  • A newlywed couple embraces under lush green foliage and tree roots, with the groom holding the bride in a warm embrace against a natural rock backdrop.
  • A newlywed couple embraces at sunset, gazing into each other’s eyes with warm smiles, as the bride’s lace dress catches the golden light.
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a stone ledge, overlooking a breathtaking lake and lush green mountains under a bright blue sky.

the Perfect Venue

They didn’t need a venue; the island itself was the perfect background. Towering cliffs, emerald-green lakes, and black sand beaches made every location feel cinematic. From the legendary Sete Cidades Lagoon, where blue and green waters meet, to the rugged volcanic pools of Ponta da Ferraria, every stop offered a new perspective on the island’s raw beauty. As the sun dipped low, we ended the day at Mosteiros Beach, where golden light and crashing waves created a dreamlike finale.

  • A picturesque coastal village with whitewashed houses, a historic black-and-white church, and rolling green hills overlooking the ocean under a bright blue sky.
  • A scenic view of a peaceful lake surrounded by lush green mountains, with a stone bridge crossing the water, framed by overhanging tree branches.
  • A rugged cliffside with birds soaring above against a soft, cloudy sky, capturing a dramatic and wild coastal landscape.
  • A close-up of vibrant blue hydrangea flowers in full bloom, surrounded by lush green leaves with a soft-focus natural background.
  • Two towering sea stacks rising from the ocean at sunset, framed by pastel-colored clouds and gentle waves in the background.
  • A breathtaking panoramic view of a deep blue lake surrounded by rolling green mountains and a small village, framed by tropical plants in the foreground under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

The Elopement Plan

With no rigid schedule, the day flowed with the rhythm of the island. Morning brought a slow, scenic drive through misty forests before arriving at Sete Cidades, where Melissa and Bobby exchanged vows in solitude.

A leisurely picnic at Ponta da Ferraria followed—an intimate pause to soak it all in before chasing the sun to the island’s westernmost shores. The evening unfolded at Mosteiros, where they waded barefoot in the tide.

  • A bride with golden hair and a delicate lace dress reads her wedding vows from a small booklet, smiling softly as she stands in the golden sunlight.
  • A bride and groom embrace barefoot on a black sand beach, smiling at each other as waves crash nearby, with two dramatic sea stacks rising in the ocean at sunset.
  • A newlywed couple enjoys a relaxed outdoor picnic, clinking champagne glasses and sharing a joyful moment on a bohemian-style setup with cozy cushions and rustic decor.
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a rugged volcanic landscape, with the bride’s delicate lace dress and flowing veil trailing behind her in the golden sunset light.
  • A bride and groom exchange vows in an intimate coastal elopement ceremony on a rugged volcanic shoreline, with a celebrant officiating against a backdrop of towering cliffs and the ocean.
  • A groom gently helps his bride across rocky lava fields as they share a joyful and adventurous moment, bathed in the golden light of sunset.

The Attire

Melissa and Bobby’s outfits felt effortless yet refined, perfectly in sync with the Azores’ rugged landscapes. Light fabrics moved with the Atlantic breeze, while earthy tones blended seamlessly with the island’s muted palette. Nothing felt forced—just natural, comfortable, and undeniably them.

  • A pair of elegant bridal heels and a flowing veil draped over a rattan chair.
  • Bride in a lace wedding dress admires her bouquet against a minimalist white backdrop.
  • Groom smiles while buttoning his shirt, with his wedding vest hanging in the background.
  • A newlywed couple walks across volcanic terrain, the bride lifting her lace dress while holding hands with the groom.
  • A black and white image of a bride and groom walking hand in hand over rugged volcanic rocks, smiling.
  • Black and white close-up of the bride lifting the hem of her lace wedding dress, revealing bare feet.
  • Close-up of handwritten wedding vows in a vow book placed on a wooden surface.
  • Groom in a light grey vest and navy tie leaning casually against a white wall, smiling.

Capturing the Moments


The Azores has a way of keeping you on your toes—one moment the skies are stormy, the next they’re a perfect shade of blue. I let the island dictate the mood, working with shifting light and rolling clouds to capture the ever-changing scenery. There was no rush, no pressure—just two people, a breathtaking place, and the quiet joy of being exactly where they were meant to be.

  • A bride getting her makeup done while FaceTiming a loved one, showing an excited reaction on the phone screen.
  • A groom smiling while waiting for his bride, captured in black and white with a creative blurred foreground.
  • A newlywed couple sits on a stone wall overlooking a scenic lake, surrounded by tourists taking photos.
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a rugged volcanic landscape, bathed in warm sunset light.
  • Black and white image of a bride standing on a rocky shoreline, her veil flowing dramatically in the wind.
  • A bride and groom exchanging vows on a cliffside with the ocean in the background, both smiling warmly at each other.

Vendors

shooting locations

Sete Cidades Lagoon
Ponta da Ferraria
Mosteiros Beach

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