A Mamma Mia-inspired wedding? Yes, please! The talented photographer Rhea Rodrigues brought this dreamy concept to life in a shoot that radiates Mediterranean magic. Fresh off a trip to Santorini, she returned to New Zealand brimming with inspiration. As summer approached, the idea of a styled wedding shoot began to take shape, drawing from the vibrant, joyful, and romantic energy of the beloved film “Mamma Mia!” Set against a backdrop of sparkling poolside views, charming Mediterranean-style architecture, and lush gardens, the shoot captured the carefree spirit of a sun-drenched destination celebration.
The concept wasn’t inspired by travel alone. The photographer and her husband one evening turned on Mamma Mia! – the beloved musical starring Meryl Streep, known for its uplifting energy and infectious joy. The music, the dancing, and the carefree celebration leading up to the film’s wedding scene offered a sense of escape and comfort. By the next morning, the vision for the shoot had started to take shape. Together with her friend and wedding planner Kimberly Sanders, she began crafting a mood board that blended personal emotion with Mediterranean charm.
Fashion
In true Mamma Mia! fashion, the bridal look was a celebration of free-spirited elegance: effortless, radiant, and deeply connected to the Mediterranean spirit. The Rue De Seine gown struck a perfect balance between bohemian charm and refined structure. With sculpted corsetry, delicate embroidery, and voluminous off-shoulder sleeves, the dress offered a flattering silhouette that flowed into sheer panels of lace, moving beautifully with every breeze. The romantic sleeves added an ethereal touch, making the gown feel less like a fashion statement and more like an expression of the bride’s soul.
Bringing the entire look to life, Kaz from Glamour Tribe created hair and makeup that felt fresh and sun-kissed. A soft, glowing complexion captured the warmth of the Mediterranean light, while tousled, beachy waves framed the bride’s face with effortless beauty for the first look. Later, for the second look, the hair was swept into a romantic updo – elegant yet relaxed, perfect for dancing under the stars. The final result was a look that felt as though the bride had just stepped out of the Aegean: dreamy, windswept, and entirely in tune with the magic of the moment.
Mediterranean Ceremony Setting
La Maison in Clevedon served as the ideal venue for this Mamma Mia-inspired editorial. Set in the heart of the countryside, the European-style estate instantly evoked the Mediterranean with its whitewashed walls, graceful archways, and serene poolside setting.
The ceremony space was thoughtfully styled, with minimal yet impactful floral design taking center stage. Tori from Florescence Floral envisioned an atmosphere that echoed the relaxed, sun-drenched romance of a coastal celebration. A cinematic palette of whites and reds was brought to life through delicate blooms, textured greenery, and cascading foliage, all arranged in white ceramic vessels and styled asymmetrically around a simple arched structure draped in soft, sheer fabric.
A meaningful touch was the inclusion of traditional Greek floral crowns, or stefana. These crowns were more than decorative: they symbolized a connection to heritage and tradition, while celebrating the natural beauty and joyful spirit of a new beginning.
Mamma Mia Dreams
It felt intimate, sun-soaked, and exactly the kind of setting where you could imagine a love story unfolding in the heat of a Mediterranean summer – filled with music, white, green, and blue hues. The overall design was brought to life through a mix of Mediterranean charm and modern romance, envisioned and beautifully captured by photographer Rhea Rodrigues, whose creative direction shaped the mood and aesthetic of the entire shoot.
None of it would have been possible without the incredible collaboration with wedding planner and celebrant Kimberly Sanders from Lucky in Love Weddings. From the beginning, she understood the heart behind this shoot—not just the visual inspiration from Mamma Mia! and travels to Greece, but the emotion and joy we wanted to weave into every detail.
She curated a dreamy setting with whitewashed elements, flowing fabrics, romantic textures, and vibrant pops of color, echoing the spirit of a coastal celebration. With modern white ceramic vases, draped linens from The Pretty Prop Shop, and the perfect balance of structured and organic floral styling, every detail was thoughtfully considered, adding warmth, depth, and a strong sense of character.
"One of the most interesting (and honestly, rewarding) parts of the shoot was how we fully leaned into the feeling of Mamma Mia. We weren’t aiming for perfection; we wanted movement, connection, and life. "
PHOTO & CONCEPT Rhea Rodrigues Photography | PLANNING, CELEBRANT, STYLING Lucky in Love Weddings | VENUE La Maison Clevedon | FLORALS Florescence Floral | DRESS Rue De Seine via Paper Swan Bride | SUIT Dorset Suits | HAIR & MAKEUP Glamour Tribe | CAKE Sweet Bites Cakes | PROPS The Pretty Prop Shop | MODELS Danielle Tollemache & Daniel Tollemache | BTS Tessa Visions | ASSISTANT STYLIST Jennifer Grubjesic
