Based in Rhode Island and Portugal, I photograph weddings across the East Coast and throughout Europe. I work with couples who want more than pretty pictures, they want imagery that feels personal, intentional, and full of life.
From intimate seaside ceremonies in New England to multi-day celebrations in Portugal and Italy, I’m drawn to weddings that feel meaningful, lived-in, and deeply human.
My approach is documentary at heart, with an editorial eye. I focus on presence, intuition, and real connection, taking the time to understand who you are, your people, and the energy of your day. The goal is simple, to capture your wedding not just as it looked, but as it felt.
Time moves quickly, but photography lets you return to the in-between moments, the quiet glances, the laughter, the beautiful imperfections that make your story yours.
I believe your wedding should be documented with honesty, artistry, and care. This isn’t just what I do, it’s how I see the world.
East Coast & Europe Wedding Photographer
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Marilia Lima / Photographer & Storyteller
Born and raised in Brazil, I found my way to photography while visiting family in England. What began as curiosity quickly became a calling, and I’ve been photographing ever since.
Outside of photography, I’m a mother to my son, River. He’s my grounding force, the reason I slow down, pay attention, and stay connected to what matters most. That perspective shapes how I photograph weddings, with care, patience, and presence.
My work blends modern elegance with a sense of nostalgia. I’m drawn to honest moments, human connection, and imagery that feels intentional rather than overly polished. I’m not interested in perfection, I’m interested in truth.
Whether I’m photographing a vineyard wedding, a city celebration, or something completely unexpected, my goal is always the same, to create images that feel timeless, emotional, and deeply personal.
I’m a photographer, artist, and visual storyteller. I document moments as they truly unfold.
What inspired me
- A Story From My Heart
When I was 20 and living in Brazil, I entered a photography contest with one simple requirement, photograph a colored tree. My grandfather immediately insisted we go find the right one together.
What followed became a small adventure. We drove, searched, talked, laughed, and eventually found the tree. I made the photograph, and it later won the contest and earned an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in São Paulo.
But what stays with me isn’t the prize. It’s that moment with my grandfather. Every time I see the photograph, I’m brought back to the heat of the afternoon, the wind catching his hat, and the quiet pride we shared. The image holds the memory in a way nothing else could.
That experience shaped how I see photography. It isn’t about perfect images, it’s about preserving moments, relationships, and the people we love.
That’s what I want to create for you, photographs that become memory holders, bringing you back to the moments that matter most, long after the day has passed.
THINGS I love
- In The Whole Wide World
When I’m not photographing people, I’m usually with my family and friends, cooking, sharing meals, drinking good wine, and slowing down. Food has always been a love language in my life, especially the kind that brings me back to Brazil. Fresh bread and pão de queijo will always feel like home.
I’m a mother to River, and watching him grow has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It’s taught me patience, presence, and the importance of paying attention to the small, fleeting moments.
I stay deeply connected to my culture and roots, and photography gives me the freedom to travel, explore new places, and meet people from all over the world. I don’t think I could do this work without movement, curiosity, and a sense of wonder.
At the heart of it all, I love stories. Big or small, quiet or loud. That’s what photography is for me, a way to honor real life as it unfolds.
Behind the Lens
- Your trusted photographer storyteller, and friend
The quiet excitement before a wedding day never gets old. It’s a privilege to be invited into one of the most meaningful days of your life, and I approach it with care, intention, and respect.
On your wedding day, my role is to be present without being intrusive. I arrive early, read the room, and move with calm confidence so everything unfolds naturally. I’ll guide you when needed and step back when it matters most.
From getting ready to the final moments of the night, I’m there to document the real story as it happens, the emotion, the energy, the in-between moments you might not even notice in the moment.
More than just your photographer, I’m someone you can trust. I care deeply about your experience, and I photograph your day the same way I would want mine documented, honestly, thoughtfully, and with heart.
MY Philosophy ...
Most couples come to me with the same concern, “We don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera, but we love beautiful photographs.”
My approach is designed for exactly that. Your wedding day isn’t a photoshoot, but that doesn’t mean your images can’t feel refined, intentional, and elevated.
I work in a way that feels natural and unforced, offering quiet direction when it’s helpful and space when it’s not. Portraits are efficient, relaxed, and guided with care, so they never take over your day or pull you away from the people you’re there to celebrate with.
The result is imagery that feels editorial without feeling staged, honest without feeling messy. Photographs that flatter you, even if you don’t love being photographed, and reflect your day as it truly felt.
You don’t need to know how to pose or perform. You just need to show up as you are. I’ll take care of the rest.
Photography should always honor the humanity of the moment.
"Marília was so peaceful and patient, didn’t ask us to do poses she simply and truly captured the moments magically making it look like art."
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MARch 14, 2021
Daiane & Chris
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"I appreciate that she didn't just take the shots we asked for, but looked for unique and stunning out-of-the-box ways to capture the energy and excitement of our day; she has a very discerning eye and makes great suggestions. "
June 9, 2018
Eileen & Ricky
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"The pictures are elegant and timeless, and to be honest... could have gone to vogue. It was so perfect it brought tears to my eyes. she was able to capture the essence of our relationship without being forced or posed."
April 5, 2021
Tyzza & Cristian
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