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Authentic, candid wedding photography by Madalena Leles Cohen—made with a creative mind, a warm heart and twenty years of stories.
Samba is a rhythm. Joy is a feeling.
The heart behind the camera
I’m Madalena—a Brazilian-Canadian photographer based in Vancouver. I notice the hands squeezing under the table, the laugh just before the portrait and the people who make your celebration feel like home.
Meet Madalena →A glimpse into the work
The wild dance floor. The quiet breath before the vows. The portrait that feels like art—and still feels completely like you.
You have special eyes.
— Amy Arbus
Brazilian heart · Vancouver homeHello, I’m Madalena
Photography carried me from Brazil’s biggest travel magazine to nearly 600 wedding days around the world. Vancouver became home in 2013, but the colour, rhythm and warmth of Brazil still live in every frame.
You don’t need to know how to pose. You need room to be present with your people. I’ll bring calm direction when you want it and disappear into the moment when you don’t.
The SambaJoy experience
Thoughtful planning, relaxed company and honest photographs—without turning your wedding into an all-day photo shoot.
Before
You share the people, places and feelings that matter. We shape a calm, photo-friendly plan together.
During
I guide when it helps, step back when it doesn’t and keep an eye on everything happening between the big moments.
After
Previews arrive while the energy is fresh. Your finished gallery brings back the people, rhythm and atmosphere.
Real weddings · Local knowledge
A little of the place. A lot of the people. Explore real celebrations and find a setting that feels like you.
01The Vancouver Club
Downtown Vancouver · Candlelight · Happy tears
View this wedding ↗
02Fergie’s Café · Squamish
Forest ceremony · Clear-top tent · Britt + Jordan
View this story ↗
03North Arm Farm · Pemberton
Mount Currie · Summer fields · A real wedding
View this story ↗Loving words
“We are absolutely blown away by our wedding photos.”
Chantal Whitaker · Google review
Read more love notes ↗Perfect—you can simply be yourselves. I’ll offer clear, gentle direction when it helps, then make space for the real moments to happen.
Rain is part of Vancouver, and it can be beautiful. We build flexibility into the plan and use light, architecture and weather creatively.
Yes. I photograph weddings across British Columbia and destinations worldwide, from the Gulf Islands and Whistler to Brazil and beyond.
Absolutely. A full gallery shows consistency from getting ready through the dance floor—not only a handful of favourite portraits.
Send your date, venue and a little about the two of you. I’ll reply with availability and the collection that best fits your plans.
Your people, as they are
How did you meet? Where are you getting married? What do you want the photographs to feel like twenty years from now?
Start the conversationPersonal replies from Madalena · Usually within 24–48 hours