Stephanie and Spencer travelled from the United States to celebrate their wedding in Brazil, bringing together their American and Brazilian families for a destination wedding that felt stylish, emotional, and full of energy.
Hosted at the stunning Mansão Alvite in Rio de Janeiro, the day unfolded with panoramic views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, creating one of the most iconic wedding backdrops the city has to offer.
I documented the celebration as a third photographer for @marcusribeiro_fotografo
in both digital and 35mm film, focusing on the atmosphere, venue details, and all the natural in-between moments that made the day feel so special.
The day began with Stephanie getting ready inside one of the beautiful suites at Mansão Alvite. The soft interiors, classic white walls, and large windows overlooking Rio created the perfect setting for those quiet bridal moments. We started with candid moments of her getting ready, final touches, and a series of portraits by the window, where the city skyline naturally became part of the story.
Before guests arrived, we also took the opportunity to walk through the empty venue, capturing quiet portraits and details of the space while everything still felt calm and untouched. It was the perfect way to highlight the elegant interiors, the ceremony styling, and the breathtaking Rio views before the celebration fully came to life.
From there, I moved into photographing the wedding design throughout the venue. One of the most striking parts of the day was the ceremony setup, with the wooden aisle lined with lush white florals and framed by the panoramic Rio de Janeiro views. With Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance and Christ the Redeemer visible across the skyline, the entire ceremony space felt cinematic and deeply connected to the city.
The reception details carried that same elegant atmosphere. Inside, the tablescape styling, floral arrangements, and candlelit interiors created a timeless editorial look, while the dessert table beautifully blended both cultures. Alongside the wedding cake, there was a mix of Brazilian sweets like brigadeiros and beijinhos with more classic American-inspired desserts, which made the styling feel personal and unique to their families.
As guests began arriving, the energy naturally shifted. The ceremony itself felt incredibly emotional, with both families fully present in the moment and the iconic Rio skyline surrounding them. The floral aisle, the mountain views, and the warmth between guests made this part of the day feel especially memorable. After the vows, everyone gathered for confetti and celebratory moments just outside, which flowed beautifully into family and group portraits.
From there, we moved into portraits with the bridesmaids and groomsmen, followed by relaxed couple portraits around the pool and gardens. This part of Mansão Alvite is perfect for wedding portraits because it gives so much variety while still keeping the Rio landscape in the background. Some of my favourite frames from the day came from the poolside, where the city, the greenery, and the water reflections all came together.
As the evening moved inside, the celebration became even more vibrant. After the opening of the dance floor, Stephanie and Spencer shared their cake cutting surrounded by family and friends before she changed into her second dress, which shifted the mood into full party mode.
From there, the energy naturally built into the dance floor opening and their first dance, followed by beautiful parent dances — Stephanie dancing with her mum and Spencer sharing a dance with his mum — which added another emotional layer to the evening before the party fully began.
Later, Stephanie changed into her second dress, and from that moment the night shifted completely into full party mode. Although there was a DJ, one of the most memorable parts of the celebration was how the guests naturally took over the music for a big part of the night, making the dance floor feel spontaneous, joyful, and deeply personal.
If you’re planning your wedding at Mansão Alvite in Rio de Janeiro or dreaming of a destination celebration anywhere in the world, I’d love to document it in a way that feels elegant, natural, and deeply connected to place.
I’m a London-based wedding photographer available for destination weddings across Brazil, Europe, and worldwide, capturing celebrations in both digital and 35mm film.
