A loveshoot in Lebanon: Romantic couple shoot in front of Le Telegraphe de Belle Vue in Bhamdoun Al Dayaa
The beginning of my Lebanese journey
Picture this: you're watching an episode of In Search of the Pomegranate, you go on a Tinder date with a half-Lebanese man, and suddenly, it hits you—you want to vacation in Beirut. For a moment, doubts arise: thoughts of wars, veiled people, and an underdeveloped country flash through your mind. Sitting at your computer, you wonder if you should press the green "BOOK" button on the Transavia website. But you do it. In May 2019, I booked a week-long trip to Beirut, eager for something different, ready to go alone and not waiting for others to join me.
First impressions of Beirut
When I landed at Beirut airport and stepped out of the arrival hall, I immediately felt at home. The warm evening air wrapped around me, and I could already feel the pulse of the city. A taxi driver with a sign bearing my name waited for me, and as we drove in his old Mercedes with a rosary hanging from the rearview mirror, we navigated Beirut’s chaotic traffic: fancy cars, old vehicles, scooters, and constant honking. Overtaking on both the right and left, tailgating, and running red lights—Beirut was a wonderfully disorganized chaos that I instantly fell in love with. It felt warm, welcoming, and free, especially if you have cash.
Meeting Melissa and returning to Lebanon
During this trip, I met Melissa at the airport. Due to a flight delay and a late-night arrival at Schiphol, I offered her a room at my hotel, and we quickly became friends. A few months later, she visited me in the Netherlands, where I showed her Maastricht, Hasselt, and the forests of Valkenburg. She adored the experience. In 2021, I returned to Lebanon twice—once in May and again in August. Later, I visited twice more in 2022, in May and September.
A dream to start my photography business in Lebanon
During these visits, I realized that I wanted to start my business in Lebanon. The country is breathtaking, and Lebanese people are known for their romantic spirit and love for weddings. How amazing would it be to live here for three months every year, capturing beautiful weddings and love stories?
A wedding photoshoot challenge in Lebanon
When Melissa and her boyfriend announced they were getting married, I spontaneously offered to photograph their wedding as a way to test my skills abroad. I saw it as both a serious task and a challenge: would Lebanese couples be open to my style of spontaneous, journalistic photography?
The loveshoot before the wedding
Now, after landing at Schiphol at 1 am last night, I reflect on the experience. With over 4,000 wedding photos captured on two memory cards, the journey was more than worth it. The evening before the wedding, I did a quick loveshoot in front of the wedding venue, capturing beautiful shots in just 10 minutes. These were my very first photos taken in Lebanon. I came across a large heart made from corks inside the hotel and noticed the yellowed grass outside. The warm shades of the setting sun created a stunning backdrop, and I couldn’t resist capturing it all.
Get your love story photographed in Lebanon
Are you getting married in Lebanon?
Let me help you preserve the magic of your special day with a personalized photoshoot that highlights the romance and beauty of Lebanon. Reach out today to start planning your dream wedding photoshoot!
