Timeless storytelling through photo and film
Based in Italy, Erica and Manu capture weddings through a seamless blend of photography and film, guided by an editorial eye and a deep appreciation for authentic emotion. Their work feels timeless yet natural, preserving the atmosphere, connection, and quiet magic of each celebration. Driven by a passion for storytelling and years of working side by side, they approach every wedding with intuition and artistry, creating imagery that reflects each couple’s unique essence. In this Q&A, Erica and Manu share the ideas and inspiration behind their collaborative approach to documenting modern love.
How would you describe your visual style, and what draws you to weddings as a space for creative storytelling?
Our style is a mix of editorial and reportage. We aim to shoot stunning, magazine-worthy pictures while also capturing the day as it naturally happens. We want to create timeless photos that really bring out the glamour and emotions of the wedding.
We love using both digital and film photography because we think combining them gives a unique, original feel that fits perfectly with our vision of creating timeless images.
We love weddings for all the feelings they bring out, plus all the different people, personalities, and cultures that come together. We’re also totally into the fashion and gorgeous outfits you get to see on these big days. So much heart, creativity and style go into a wedding, and we want to capture all that hard work in our photos.
What excites you most about working in the wedding world right now?
Weddings are getting super personal these days, letting creativity and personality really shine through. We get more creative and inspired at these weddings too, because we build trust with the couple and their family and friends, letting us capture those intimate, one-of-a-kind moments. It’s exciting how weddings are becoming more creative and experimental now. We absolutely love being able to be creative while capturing real emotions.
How do you balance strong creative direction with allowing real moments to unfold naturally?
With over 10 years under our belt, we’ve figured out how to mix strong creative direction with letting real moments happen naturally. First thing we do is talk to the couple, ask for any inspiration and know what they expect from their pictures.
We then get to the creative part, creating a moodboard for their day!
On the wedding day, we make sure the couple enjoys themselves. The moment of couple pictures should be fun, intimate, and something they genuinely enjoy, not just another box to tick off. We’ve learned how to guide couples to nail those stunning editorial shots without any stress, so they can just be themselves. That relaxed vibe really comes through in the photos. We put in the work to get those amazing shots, but it’s all about keeping it stress free and fun, and that’s something our experience has taught us.
What details or in-between moments do you instinctively gravitate towards when photographing a wedding?
We’re all about those genuine moments between people—like a quick glance, a smile, or holding hands. We also love the little things, like how a dress moves or the details in the decor. Capturing the story behind certain objects is our thing too, like when couples tell us about a bracelet that belonged to grandma or shoes bought on a trip together. Plus, we adore catching those adorable guest reactions during the ceremony. Think of a newlywed couple exchanging a sweet look during the vows or parents finding each other’s hands without even looking. It’s those connections that make up the emotional web that only a wedding can create.
What influences outside of weddings shape the way you see and create images?
We’re influenced by movies, fashion, and art. Most of our winter is spent going to galleries, exhibitions, and the cinema. We get inspired by amazing photographers, whether they’re in fashion, war photography, or other fields. We love reading books, flipping through fashion magazines, wandering around our beautiful city of Turin, traveling to new places, and discovering new restaurants. There’s no single source of inspiration, it’s all about feeding our brains, hearts, and souls, and pouring it all back into our passion, which is our job.
What is the biggest advantage for couples who choose to work with you?
When couples work with us, they totally feel comfortable and relaxed, all while knowing they’ll get the pictures they want, expect, and even the ones they didn’t know they wanted. From what we’ve learned, their experience on their wedding day is what matters most. They should totally be themselves, while also feeling guided and secure. They can trust us to capture timeless photos and real emotions, and they’ll see themselves looking absolutely stunning. This trust allows them to embrace every moment, knowing that each laugh, tear, and smile will be preserved in a way that reflects their unique love story. Our approach is not just about taking pictures, it’s about creating an atmosphere where couples feel free to express their emotions, surrounded by the people they love most.
What kinds of stories, moods or settings are you hoping to capture more of in the coming years?
We hope to capture more international and queer stories. We love having a diverse portfolio and absolutely adore traveling. Meeting people who feel free to express themselves is such a privilege, and shooting their special day is a real honor. We’re big fans of multi-day events, especially destination weddings. There’s just something magical about the bonds and shared experiences of guests and families coming together for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration with their loved ones.
How do you hope your images feel when they are first seen, and when they are revisited years later?
We hope our pictures take you back to that day, letting you relive those once-in-a-lifetime moments, really seeing yourself and what you felt. Photos can be doors back in time, back to a feeling, We’re always aware of this, and that’s the kind of magic we want to share with our clients. Plus, we really want them to see how amazing they are.
What keeps you creatively energised between weddings?
Between weddings, we like to recharge by checking out exhibitions, exploring new spots, relaxing, enjoying good food, and letting our creativity run wild. We also dive into personal projects to try new things and weave some fresh ideas into our work. It’s during these moments of exploration and relaxation that we find inspiration in the unexpected, a forgotten alleyway that tells a story, a dish that bursts with flavor, or an art piece that challenges our perspective. These experiences infuse our photography with a unique blend of creativity and authenticity. We believe that stepping outside the routine allows us to return to our work with renewed passion and a broader vision, ready to capture the essence of each couple’s unique journey with fresh eyes and an open heart. Whether it’s sipping espresso in a café or wandering through a gallery, every little adventure adds a touch of magic to the stories we create.
What advice would you give to couples who are looking for a wedding photographer?
Check out the photographer’s portfolio first, then focus on who they are. Do you vibe with them? How do they work? Are they experienced? At the end of the day, what really matters to couples is the experience they’ll have. You want a photographer who gets that and is there for you. A photographer you can rely on, both as a person and as a professional.
Discover more by visiting ericaandmanu.com and @ericaandmanu. Explore Erica & Manu on the Together Journal Online Directory.
