dosmasenlamesa: Photographing Weddings as Lived Experiences

AUTHOR: Natali Grace Levine

READING TIME: 5 min 47 sec

PUBLICATION DATE: 01/24/2026

UPDATED: 01/24/2026

Content

Some creative partnerships feel destined from the very first moment, and for Andrea Bernardita and David, that moment arrived in 2011. Both were living in Madrid when their paths crossed through one of Spain’s most renowned photography schools, where Andrea was working at the time. What began as a professional connection soon revealed something deeper — a shared visual language that extended far beyond photography.

They found themselves drawn to the same artistic references, from Matisse and Goya to Diane Arbus, Mark Steinmetz, and Rinko Kawauchi. That mutual admiration for art, emotion, and subtlety naturally led them to collaborate. As their creative bond strengthened, so did their personal one — and eventually, their shared vision gave birth to a name that would quietly become known in the international wedding world: dosmasenlamesa.

“In Spanish, it conveys closeness and openness,” they explain. “It reflects our desire for couples to feel comfortable with us, almost as if we were part of their circle.”

Originally, much of their early work came from friends, which made the name feel even more fitting. While their clientele has evolved and their projects have grown in scale, their philosophy has remained remarkably consistent: to create timeless images that reflect not only each couple’s personality, but also the atmosphere surrounding them.

Fifteen Years of Trust, Time, and a Distinct Visual Language

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Photo by @dosmasenlamesa
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Photo by @dosmasenlamesa

Dosmasenlamesa is not a brand built overnight. It is the result of more than fifteen years of working together as a deeply connected team, guided by time, trust, and a shared artistic vision. Over the years, they have developed a distinctive visual language rooted in observation, emotional intelligence, and a deep appreciation for visual culture.

Our work moves beyond trends and spectacle, focusing instead on images that hold meaning, atmosphere, and emotional truth.

Rather than chasing the latest aesthetics, they approach weddings as lived experiences — moments to be felt before they are photographed. Each celebration is treated with sensitivity, honesty, and respect, allowing stories to unfold naturally instead of being staged for perfection.

This commitment to depth, both human and visual, has led to recognition by international publications. Still, for the team, accolades are never the goal. “Recognition is never the goal, but a reflection of staying faithful to our values and to the way we see the world.”

A Style Defined by Emotion, Not Trends

If there is one phrase that defines dosmasenlamesa’s photography, it is quiet authenticity. Their images are not about spectacle or grand gestures, but about subtle moments — glances, pauses, fleeting emotions, and unspoken connections.

“We photograph weddings as lived experiences,” they share. “Our process is slow and intentional, allowing space for real connection and for images to emerge naturally.”

They prioritize atmosphere over perfection and emotional truth over curated poses. At the core of everything they do is people. By building genuine relationships with their couples, they create work that feels personal, timeless, and deeply true to who their clients are.

Tools of the Craft: Cameras, Lenses, and Visual Consistency

Technology evolves, and so does their equipment — but dosmasenlamesa remains intentionally consistent in how they see and frame the world.

Their primary cameras vary across the team. Bernardita and Andrea both work with Canon systems, while David uses a Leica M11-P as his main camera. Each photographer also carries a Leica Q3 or Q43 as a secondary body, ensuring flexibility without sacrificing visual cohesion.

When it comes to lenses, they shoot exclusively with primes. The 35mm and 50mm focal lengths form the foundation of their visual language, offering intimacy and balance. In recent years, the 28mm has also become increasingly important in their work, allowing them to capture broader atmospheres without losing emotional closeness.

Post-Production with Restraint and Respect for Reality

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Photo by @dosmasenlamesa
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Photo by @dosmasenlamesa

In their early years, the team aimed to make digital images resemble film. Over time, their philosophy evolved.

“Today, we embrace the distinct qualities of both film and digital rather than trying to make one imitate the other.”

All film is sent to professional laboratories in Spain for development and scanning. Digital post-production, on the other hand, is handled entirely in-house. Their editing process is intentionally restrained. Using Lightroom, they make minimal adjustments, focusing on preserving natural tones and maintaining organic textures that reflect how they truly perceive the world.

Why Photography Still Feels Like Home

For dosmasenlamesa, photography is not simply a profession. It is a way of engaging with life itself.

“We truly cannot imagine ourselves doing anything else. Photography is not just a profession for us; it is a deep, enduring passion that stays with us around the clock.”

Through photography, they have explored other artistic disciplines, continuously refining and nurturing their visual language. What keeps them inspired is the delicate balance between simplicity and difficulty. While anyone can take a photograph, creating one that is honest, intentional, and meaningful requires patience, attention, and constant self-questioning.

It is this balance — between simplicity and difficulty — that keeps us fully committed and endlessly engaged with the medium.

A Thoughtful, Human-Centered Approach to Clients

Every couple is different, and dosmasenlamesa treats each collaboration as a unique creative partnership. Their process begins long before the wedding day, with in-depth conversations designed to understand who their clients are and how they wish to be represented.

Together, they create a shared moodboard that may include images, poems, film stills, and fragments of text. This layered, mixed-media approach allows them to connect with each couple’s sensibility while remaining open to everything that unfolds naturally on the day itself.

On the wedding day, during the preparation hours, each photographer works independently, responding intuitively to the atmosphere, pace, and intimacy of the person they are accompanying. Direction is subtle and light-touch, often guided by natural light rather than rigid posing.

As the day progresses, they work side by side in a fluid, complementary rhythm. One remains immersed in the emotional narrative, while the other focuses on quieter, poetic details that might otherwise go unnoticed. This balance between documentary observation and refined editorial sensibility is fundamental to their visual coherence.

“Working as a unified team — rather than within a hierarchical structure — allows for a visual coherence and emotional sensitivity that are fundamental to our practice.”

Custom Packages for Truly Unique Celebrations

Dosmasenlamesa believes that no two weddings — and no two couples — are ever the same. That’s why custom packages are not an extra, but a core part of their philosophy.

“Creating custom packages is essential, especially for a luxury brand working internationally.”

By working closely with couples, they tailor every aspect of coverage — from hours to locations and special moments — to reflect each celebration’s unique rhythm, priorities, and vision. This personalized approach ensures a seamless experience while maintaining the high standard of care and attention that defines their work.

Gentle Advice for Couples

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Photo by @dosmasenlamesa
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Photo by @dosmasenlamesa

Their guidance for couples preparing for a wedding or photoshoot is beautifully simple and deeply human:

“Stay present and protect the experience of your day — after all, it belongs to you.”

They encourage couples to take pauses, breathe, hold hands, and step away for a few quiet minutes together if needed. The goal is not to perform for the camera, but to live the moment fully — trusting that honest images will naturally follow.

“Let your photographers support you gently, capturing images that are honest and authentic, so you can experience the day fully and remember it not just for how it looked, but for how it truly felt.”

Destination Weddings and Dreams of New Horizons

Dosmasenlamesa has already photographed weddings in extraordinary locations, including Japan — an experience that continues to hold a special place in their hearts.

Looking ahead, they feel drawn to destinations like India, Africa, and New Zealand — places rich in landscapes, cultures, and untold stories waiting to be discovered. For them, each new destination offers the chance to see the world through fresh eyes and to bring new perspectives into their work.

A Philosophy That Transcends the Wedding Day

At its core, dosmasenlamesa is not about trends, spectacle, or awards. It is about people, trust, and emotional truth.

We work closely with our couples, building relationships based on trust and shared sensitivity, and creating work that feels personal, timeless, and true to who they are.

Recognition may follow, but it is never the motivation. Instead, it is simply the result of staying faithful to their values and to the way they see the world — quietly, poetically, and with enduring depth.

For couples searching for wedding photography that feels soulful, honest, and profoundly human, dosmasenlamesa offers something rare: not just images, but visual stories that continue to resonate long after the day itself has passed.

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