Returning to Calabria to get married

For many people, getting married in Calabria means coming back home. Traditions, roots, and family are the keywords that instantly make you think of home a feeling you can’t wait to share even with those who have never set foot in Calabria before. This is exactly that kind of wedding: one that speaks of home, of Claudia's home, which is now Alessandro's home too.

Fun Fact: Bagnara Calabra and the tradition of the Veiled Madonna

It might seem bizarre, but one of the most frequent religious traditions in Bagnara is taking a few shots in front of a statue of the Madonna as her veil is uncovered. So, yes, once you leave the wedding church, you head straight to... a second church! Fortunately for me, as a photographer, it's an excellent spot for a few couple portraits before heading to the reception.

Wedding traditions in Bagnara Calabra

Another tradition typical of this area is morning weddings. Yes, even at 45 degrees in August. Don't ask me why, but deep down, I’m starting to think it’s just to test everyone's spiritual strength—I don't see any other reason XD

What are the challenges of taking wedding photos at lunchtime in summer?

The harsh summer light definitely creates panda-style shadows under the eyes. It has happened to me several times that the bride felt unwell due to the excessive heat, forcing us to interrupt the session and head straight to the venue. Last but not least, too much light leads to tense faces and squinting eyes.

There are challenges for us photographers too: when there is too much light, we can't see the camera screens clearly, so we have to rely entirely on our experience and the data our camera settings provide. Furthermore, prolonged sun exposure can cause the gear's temperature to spike, and past a certain threshold, the cameras just shut down.

How to handle photographs under the sun at lunchtime?

There are a few tricks I often use, depending on the location, to find the right balance between the couple's well-being and successful photos. If you'd like to know how we manage the day's timeline in all conditions, you'll find many answers in our FAQ First of all, if possible, I suggest shaded spots. Using sunglasses is crucial, not just for style, but especially to prevent squinting eyes. To soften harsh shadows, I suggest the couple bring a large white paper umbrella. Generally speaking, a lunchtime photo session in the summer should last as short as possible to avoid sunburns, heat strokes, and exhaustion.

Is it better to get married in the morning or in the evening?

There is no universal answer; it must be evaluated case by case based on the location, the season, and the overall wedding timeline. For instance, Claudia and Alessandro made an excellent choice by opting for May for their morning wedding, ensuring a wonderful climate and pleasant temperatures.

In Brief: Weddings in Calabria and Lunchtime Photography

How do you approach the photographic style for a wedding steeped in strong local traditions? We deeply respect the region's roots (such as the Veiled Madonna rituals in Bagnara and morning weddings, even in the height of summer), but we do so by applying rigorous artistic direction for an unconventional wedding. We avoid clichéd poses: we document the event with an editorial and visceral approach, combining the warmth of the South with a contemporary and functional visual aesthetic.

What is Drimage's approach to daytime summer weddings? Simona (photography) and Giuseppe (filmmaking) design the visual timeline to transform the harsh midday light into a narrative element, not an obstacle. We leverage cinematic techniques and practical tricks to avoid the classic "squinting" effect, ensuring the couple receives an authentic, impactful, and completely stress-free reportage.

Do you want an unconventional wedding without giving up tradition?

Enjoy the party.

We'll take care of the rest, transforming every lighting situation into a spontaneous story.

Let's talk about your project