Dancing wedding portraits

Some wedding portraits feel still, almost like painted scenes. Others burst with energy, joy, and personality. This photograph belongs firmly in the second category—a dancing wedding portrait taken after a civil ceremony at Château de Chillon, near Aigle in Switzerland.

The Story

After exchanging vows, the couple stepped outside into the sunshine, framed by the shutters and flowers of this historic castle. They began telling me about Switzerland’s 1st August celebrations, the country’s National Day. Their faces lit up as they laughed about one particular memory: dancing on tables, surrounded by music, fireworks, and friends late into the night.

That story captured who they are—spirited, spontaneous, and full of joy. So rather than asking them to hold still for formal portraits, I suggested we weave that memory into their photographs. They didn’t hesitate for a second. In no time at all, the courtyard was filled with laughter, movement, and the playful rhythm of two people who know how to celebrate life together.

Lived Moments

Her soft pink dress lifted with every twirl, catching the light as she moved. He grinned wider with every step, joining her in a dance that felt both carefree and deeply connected. These weren’t staged poses; they were lived moments—natural, unguarded, and brimming with personality.

The backdrop of Château de Chillon added a wonderful contrast. Its timeless walls and green shutters stood steady and still, while the couple danced in front of them, bringing motion and life to a place steeped in history. It was as if the castle held their joy, adding it to centuries of stories within its walls.

For me, this is what makes a dancing wedding portrait so powerful. It’s not just a photograph—it’s a memory captured in motion, one that shows the essence of a relationship. Every time I look at this image, I don’t just see a couple on their wedding day. I feel their laughter, their rhythm, and their courage to dance wherever life takes them.