May 22, 2019
Spain From the Eyes of a Photographer
I recently returned from a magical trip to Spain. The main purpose of this trip was to document a breathtaking wedding in Barcelona for one of my darling couples, which I promise to share with you very soon. But of course, my wandering and exploratory heart dragged my mom and baby along so we could spend a few extra days getting to know this beautiful side of the world a little better. To be completely honest, traveling internationally with a one-year old was NOT easy. In fact, I’ve told myself never again. But that’s a big lie. I’ve recuperated and I’m ready for the next international wedding. I will never turn down an opportunity that allows me to become better, braver, that feasts my eyes and fills my heart with a stronger sense of resolve and perspective in what I do. They say not to mix business with pleasure. But in this case, I’ve made business my pleasure and pleasure my business.
Spain in unbelievable. It’s everything you’d imagine it to be. Filled to the brim with romantic corners, vibrant colors, endless people watching, neighborhoods with characteristics that are unequivocally theirs, I always experience unforgettable days in this country. If you have been following me for a while, you know that Sean and I came here two years ago to recover from a heartbreaking miscarriage. Pre-baby June, of course. So to be back the in same cities with June made me see the same Spain but through a different lens. This time, I felt very much awake and the city was more colorful than I remembered. The sounds were clearer, the pace was slower. I saw everything with a new found perspective, new love, new joy, and new intentions. So today’s post is dedicated to all the wonders of Spain. These photos are only half of what I experienced during my trip because I truly feel that I lived in the moment and refrained from bringing out my iPhone or camera each and every time. Everything else remains in my memory.
The 13-hour flight from Denver to Barcelona was not ideal. June did well but it was the most uncomfortable flight for me. Just grateful though that we made it safely and in one piece. My many words of advice…do not take Norwegian Airlines. Buy an extra seat for baby for 8+ hour flights. Pack more snacks than you think are enough. I’ll be looking forward to the day I can fly first class for my international weddings 🙂 #goals
The Gothic Cathedral in Barcelona took my breath away. Just staring at the crumbling cinder blocks, clustered columns, and aging gargoyles took me to the year 1144 when they begin building this beautiful thing.
Every little detail gave me life.
As soon as we landed, we headed straight to the Gothic Quarters to scout for a location for the creative wedding shoot. The creative wedding shoot allowed me to spend time with the couple prior to the actual wedding day and really make each pose un-rushed and intentional.
Directly across from the cathedral was this building. I have no idea what kind of building it was but I just loved the juxtapose between old and new.
And of course, we got thirsty so Cava was a big hit.
June made some friends very quickly. She was a hit!
My sweet sweet mother not only watched baby June for me while I worked but she was also my stand-in model. I needed to make sure these spots were the most optimal for my clients. Thanks mama <3
I remembered seeing this exact spot with Sean two years ago when it was just us two. We walked through these alleys during sunrise and the sun beamed directly through the tunnel just above the couple in this photo. So before even arriving here, I knew this was definitely going to be a spot. Of course, when we arrived it was peak tourist time! But I worked them in to the photo to help tell the story of this beautiful city.
Some more sneak-peeks. Currently working on edits and can’t wait to share them all with you!
But can I just say…what a stunning bride and groom.
We moved the couple to Arc de Triumph.
Once we wrapped up the shoot, June and I took some photos together here.
We visited Sagrada Familia and holy cannoli…can you believe this structure? This Roman Catholic church designed my Antoni Gaudi (prominent Spanish architect to Catalan modernism) began it’s construction in 1882 and is still on it’s way to completion. The projected date for completion is 2026. Looking forward to coming back again with Sean and grown-up June.
Just a few details of the interior space of Sagrada Familia.
The colors were unbelievable. The ceilings were so high. The echos were so loud. Such a beautiful space.
As we exited the cathedral, I looked back up one more time to admire all the little details big and small.
Pretty sure June could care less about all the historical sites but one day she will.
My light <3
We spent a few days in Sevilla, Spain. One of the most romantic cities I’ve ever been to. We stayed at an adorable and quaint hotel called Hotel Amadeus. It was classical music themed so the interior was decked out with instruments, score sheets, and portraits of composers. It was amazing!
We let June hang out on the bed for quite a while. And it served as the perfect photoshoot opportunity.
The key to our rooms were SO incredibly heavy. But the detail was perfect so I didn’t mind carrying it around one bit!
We toured the city and couldn’t get enough of what it had to offer.
This beautiful woman just casually flamenco dancing on a beautiful corner of the cathedral. Her moves were powerful.
Could you imagine living in one of these buildings? So amazing.
My mama posing like it ain’t nothing.
We found orange trees scattered through out the street. So of course, June chased after the oranges that had fallen on the ground and would want to take a bite.
Face of determination right here.
Just a window but to me more than a window…it is art.
We also visited Real Alcazar in Sevilla. It’s a royal palace (originally Moorish) that was built in the 10th century. You might recognize it better as the Water Gardens in the capital of Dorne. GoT fans, anyone?
700 years and every detail is as beautiful as ever.
Every ceiling in the palace looked something like this. Unbelievable.
June was fascinated by the small pond in the corner of the palace garden. Fish and ducks were a hit.
And all the walls covered with ornate and bold colors like these.
This was the pool for royalties. Can you imagine taking a dip in here???
If walls could talk what would they say?
The people of Spain love to eat and drink—my kind of people.
We survived off of coffee. Coffee, coffee, and more coffee.
Break time.
Some of my favorite memories of Sevilla was just hanging out on the deck pool with June and my mama. We had the perfect view of the old town landscape and just laid there admiring all of it.
And admired this beautiful face too. Thanks for sticking by me through my hustle baby June. I do all this for you. <3
You make everything look so beautiful 😍
Aww Taelor, everything is as beautiful as it looks in these photos! That’s what is so unreal about Europe. Untouched beauty <3
Beautiful pictures!! I’ve been to Barcelona and Sevilla, and I am getting ready to go to Porto, Portugal next October to walk all the way to Santiago de Compostela, and then visit a few towns around Spain. I love going there!
Isn’t it just so beautiful in those cities? I wish I had more time to see more of Spain but I’m so happy and feel so lucky to have been able to check at least Barcelona and Sevilla out on this trip. I’m so excited for you and your Portugal trip! That’s also on my bucketlist as well! Enjoy yourself! You deserve it 🙂