An Exclusive Interview with Maddy Christina: Capturing Love Across Continents
In the dynamic world of destination weddings, few photographers capture the essence of romance and elegance quite like Maddy Christina. With 13 years dedicated to preserving unforgettable moments, Maddy has cultivated a distinctive style that transcends borders, making her a sought-after name for discerning couples worldwide.
Originally building her expertise in Luxembourg and specializing early in destination events, Maddy's journey has taken her from the glamour of Monaco to the vibrant, cosmopolitan hub of Dubai. Her move to Dubai in October 2019 underscores her commitment to embracing new horizons and connecting with diverse cultures, a move driven by the city's unique entrepreneurial spirit and fast-paced environment that resonates deeply with her own artistic vision. Beyond her individual work, Maddy has also expanded her reach by establishing an agency in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating her significant footprint in the Middle Eastern wedding scene.
Maddy's approach to photography is an obsession with elegance and refinement, ensuring every image is a timeless piece of art. Her use of film photography lends a unique softness and special tones to her work. Rooted in her background within the French luxury industry, she prioritizes unparalleled customer service and dedicates herself to a limited number of weddings each year, guaranteeing personalized attention and an exceptional experience for every client. For Maddy, the true magic unfolds not on the wedding day itself, but when couples first behold their photographs, reliving emotions and recognizing the enduring value of their shared memories.
Join us as we delve deeper into Maddy Christina's world, where she shares her unique perspective on capturing love stories, navigating the global wedding landscape, and offers invaluable advice for brides-to-be dreaming of their perfect day.
How did you start your career in wedding photography and when?
I started photography in 2012, but my passion had always been storytelling. Whether through music composition, screenwriting or visual narratives, I was always looking for ways to express emotions and moments. Photography came later, almost by accident.
I began with video, then moved into photography through a small studio near the Luxembourg border, where I was shooting family and children sessions. From the very beginning, creating a complete experience was already a priority. We included makeup, hairstyling and styling, which helped me understand the value of transforming a simple session into something truly meaningful.
I discovered weddings a bit by chance, during a workshop with a photographer who was fully focused on that world. It opened my eyes. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it so much. But I completely fell in love with the mix of emotions that unfold in just one day, especially in Western weddings at that time.
Later, I moved to Monaco to work with a more international clientele, often coming from the US to get married on the French Riviera. At the same time, I started developing my business in Dubai and across the Middle East, which naturally led me to structure my calendar between summer weddings in Europe and winter weddings in the GCC.
When I arrived in Dubai, I discovered an entirely new culture. Weddings in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain completely fascinated me. The elegance, the traditions, the human connections. It brought so much richness to my work and to my vision. That is how I became the photographer I am today.
What prompted you recently to move to Dubai and expand your wedding photography services?
I had been traveling non-stop for years, shooting weddings across Europe, Asia and the US. One day, one of my couples living in Dubai and getting married in Paris asked me to come to the UAE for their after-wedding session. I remember stepping out of the airport and immediately feeling something I couldn’t explain. It just felt right. I felt aligned. The energy, the diversity, the mindset, the creativity, the freedom. It was everything I didn’t know I was looking for.
Dubai moves fast, just like my brain does. People are ambitious, driven, open. There’s space to create and innovate, which is exactly what I needed at that point in my career.
At the same time, I realized that many weddings and events here are confirmed at the very last minute. It was becoming difficult to manage those requests while being based in Monaco. So I started spending more and more time in the UAE, until it became obvious I needed to be here during the winter season.
I officially moved to Dubai in October 2019, and I’m deeply grateful for the people I’ve met since then. I’ve had the privilege of working with extraordinary partners who are now real friends, and building something strong and meaningful in the region.
What style do you specialise in and what differentiates your work from others?
It’s hard to describe my style in one word because it’s genuinely a mix. I love capturing real, candid moments as they happen, with all their raw emotion. But at the same time, I’m also very drawn to aesthetics and structure. I love fashion. I love posing. Not the stiff kind, but the kind that enhances people and helps them feel confident and beautiful in front of the camera. I’ve actually written a book on bridal posing because it’s something I care deeply about and love to teach.
My galleries are never one-dimensional. There’s a mix of documentary, editorial, detail shots and styled portraits. I don’t want to choose between something emotional and something refined. I want both. Because weddings are both.
If I had to choose just two words to describe my work, I would say elegant and timeless. I want my images to feel beautiful today and still make sense in twenty years. I’m not interested in trends that won’t last.
What really makes the difference, though, is the experience. We work with very few couples each year so we can be fully present for each of them. We are not a production crew. We keep it personal and calm, and we make sure our clients feel seen, heard and cared for. That’s what allows us to create images that truly matter.
What is your favorite moment during a wedding experience with your client?
It used to be the moment when my couples discovered their pictures. Seeing them relive everything with fresh eyes, crying, laughing, feeling all the emotions at once... it was something I really loved. But today, with a fully international clientele, I don’t often get to be there for that moment anymore. So things have shifted.
From a purely photographic and creative perspective, my favorite moment is actually the party. People always expect the ceremony or the portraits to be the highlight, but for me, it’s the dance floor. It’s when people let go. When they stop thinking about how they look or what comes next. That’s when we get the most unexpected, fun and energetic images. The rest of the day usually follows a plan. But during the party, anything can happen. And as a photographer, that unpredictability is exciting.
On a more personal level, there’s always a small moment during the day that stays with me. It’s not something scripted or planned. It’s just a look, a smile, a quiet thank you. That instant when I can feel that the couple is genuinely happy we are there. Maybe we helped them calm down. Maybe we made them laugh. Or maybe they just feel safe with us around. That moment is magic. And it’s different every time.
What's your top 2 tips that you'd like to offer brides and grooms to get perfect wedding pictures.
If I can give 3 tips for couples, these would be:
If I could give three tips to couples, they would be:
1. Take your time when choosing your photographer. This is not something you can rush, only to realize afterwards that their style doesn’t match yours. Every photographer is different, it’s not like buying a product. You have to be truly in love with their style, because once the wedding is over, there’s no way to redo it.
2. Meet them in person. The connection matters as much as the photos themselves. You’ll be spending your entire day with your photographer. If you don’t feel at ease together, the photographer may hold back, and you’ll feel the camera constantly behind you. But if you know them, if you’re comfortable and friendly, you’ll eventually forget they’re even there. That’s when the most natural, authentic images happen.
3. A last word on budget. Yes, you can always find cheaper options (and I fully stand by my prices, because it’s quality over quantity). But remember: with a photographer, more than with anyone else, you’re hiring a personality, a vision, a signature, and a human being who will share your entire day. If you love their work and their personality, if the connection feels right, that is worth so much more than saving a little money and living with regret for years.
Visit www.maddychristina.com
