Paolo Nierves

Ena and Jester | An Intimate Pre-wedding Photographer

Being on lockdown last year was depressing. But one thing I’m thankful for was the chance to refresh my mind and gather ideas that I can use when I start shooting prenups again. When I found out that Ena and Jester, who both work at a warehouse, decided to have their prenup in a warehouse, the wheels of my mind started to work. It was an unusual venue to do a pre-wedding shoot but we made sure to retain the usual #onlymetrophoto standard, which is elevated, reliable and beautiful. There was no height (literally) that they wouldn’t climb just to get the perfect shot. Don’t believe it? Just see it for yourself. ______________________ Suppliers: Photo: Paolo Nierves Make-up: Eds Go Makeup [shareprints gallery_id=”86523″ gallery_type=”masonry” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”medium” image_padding=”5″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”zoomin” lightbox_type=”slide” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]

Sasha and Brian | An Iberian Romance Part I of II

Destination shoots always carry a beautiful sense of impalpable wonder. Being captured in a foreign land that holds a distinct significance and symbolism for the couple elevates the overall experience during the shoot, as well as the connection not only between the couple and the environment but also with me as the lensman. Spain is a beautiful tapestry of rich culture, breathtaking architecture, and heartwarming cuisine, and these factors alone make it very easy to fall in love with the country and peg something special to link with it. This is also the reason why this pre-wedding shoot is one of the few that deserve a two-part blog series. An activity that started under the bright blue skies of Madrid and the postcard-worthy streets of Seville, Sasha and Brian really took the shots and made some picturesque moments, all forming a wondrous visual campaign. It was an absolutely charming experience like no other. Sasha and Brian managed to successfully cross the tightrope of blending in while standing out. Love was definitely present, and despite some challenges, especially in points of interest where shooting was extremely constrained, those challenges were compensated by alternatives that yielded better angles and brighter shots. There is always something special seeing a place for the first time. And being a first-timer in Madrid, I can’t help but just be in awe and appreciate the moment beyond the lens. Something unique, something worth experiencing, and something so immersive into life and the passion we are pursuing. Watch […]

Coleen and Billy’s Official Prenup Photos

Many of you know that we went to the extremes to shoot a totally unique prenup session for Coleen and Billy in Ethiopia (see it here). With it, we were able to showcase that prenup pictorials can be done with such splendour and passion. By design, we now go to the other end of the spectrum to give you a side of the couple that is unguarded, candid, and relaxed. Shot with ease and in backdrops that exhibit simplicity and clarity, it is the love and connection between Coleen and Billy that is the highlight of these prenup photos – the most official ones. We hope that these photographs, together with those from Ethiopia, show that love can be represented in many ways but still be tasteful, still be beautiful and still be real. We can’t thank Coleen and Billy enough for allowing us to dream and to execute in limits that has not been done before. Their passion for each other, for the people around them, and for their wedding is exceptional and they really deserve all the best that life can offer. We hope you enjoy the photos and look forward to those of the wedding photos of Coleen and Billy in a couple of days. Special thanks to the following people: Coleen’s Make-up: Pong Niu Billy’s Grooming: Aimee Grey Hairstyling: Renz Pangilinan Styling: Adrianne Concepcion Videographer: Bob Nicolas Location: Casa Bendita [shareprints gallery_id=”51334″ gallery_type=”masonry” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”medium” image_padding=”5″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”zoomin” lightbox_type=”slide” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]

Millie and Dom | Poblacion Pre-wedding Photographer

With millienials now getting married and finding true love, the ways and options of capturing a couple’s photos are evolving. Some couples prefer traditional photos, as for some they choose something out of the ordinary; just like Millie and Dom. This unconventional couple, chose an unconventional neon theme for their pre-wedding. It’s a theme that speaks who they are: fun, out of the box and modern. Not only does it describe their personalities, it also tells the story of how they met in a club back in college. It’s amazing how different couples can have such diverse and interesting love stories. Who says it only has to be in one specific way? I hope you enjoy Millie and Dom’s unconventional neon themed pre-wedding. ___________ Suppliers: Photo: Paolo Nierves Styling: Tipping Point [shareprints gallery_id=”72747″ gallery_type=”masonry” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”medium” image_padding=”5″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”zoomin” lightbox_type=”slide” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]

Bits and Sandro | A Zambawood Pre-wedding

I met Bits and Sandro in college, probably 12 years ago. They are quite a combo — a guy who is the life of the party combined with a prim and proper lady. Although these two have contrasting personalities, they truly bring out the best in each other. Bits is able to tame down Sandro, but at the same time bring the best out of this guy. It’s indeed true that marriage is not meant for two people to complete one another but to complement each other. An added bonus with these two is that both their personalities and looks complement each other. These two suit each other so well. Just look how Bits and Sandro elevated the already stunning views of Zambawood. Enjoy. ___________ Suppliers: Photo: Paolo Nierves Make-up: Mauri MUA Hair: Misty Gabriel Styling: Robin Rodriguez [shareprints gallery_id=”87219″ gallery_type=”masonry” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”medium” image_padding=”5″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”zoomin” lightbox_type=”slide” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]

Sasha and Brian | An Iberian Romance Part II of II

Capturing moments for years and shooting pre-nups and weddings hundreds of times lead me to a simple but important realization – when photos leave a lasting impression, it doesn’t matter whether they were taken hours, days, or months ago. The impalpable feeling and reminiscence remain the same.  When Sasha and Brian had their pre-nup photoshoot in Spain a couple of months ago, I knew that it would be a whole new experience with me being there for the first time. But how the session unfolded felt like a beautiful blend of stills and motions, which I was beyond delighted to capture. When you have the perfect location, favorable weather, and a devastatingly photogenic couple, it leads to an intense, passionate, and truly picturesque series of moments captured frame after frame. The trifecta of Madrid, Cordoba, and Seville is like a tasting menu that keeps on serving, and boy, did Sasha and Brian serve!  This experience broadened my horizons toward destination shoots because these places carry a distinct holistic experience. There is always something new to capture and something new to experience. As for Sasha and Brian, the feeling of being the focus of the shots is like collecting postcards with them in each piece. Those moments, tastefully captured, will surely form a string of core memories for years to come. [shareprints gallery_id=”100049″ gallery_type=”masonry” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”medium” image_padding=”5″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”zoomin” lightbox_type=”slide” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]

The Official Wedding Photos of Coleen and Billy

Several years back, Coleen caught my attention with her Creamsilk ad, with it was an attached write-up describing herself and it really hit a spot. She could be the absolute Metrophoto celebrity bride – if only she chooses Metrophoto to shoot her when hel time to tie the knot comes. Fast forward to a few years after. Those thoughts became a reality, and Coleen and Billy are exactly what I dreamt them to be – a blessing to this craft that what we love to do. They have taken the core of our style, embraced it and shared it for the world to see. It took more than 10 years, but everything that happened before culminated to what is Metrophoto’s finest moment yet. From Ethiopia, back to Manila for their prenup shoots and now to Balesin to celebrate and shoot their wedding, it has been to us what is probably the equivalent of an NBA team’s journey to a first ever championship. So please do allow us to share the official photos from the wedding of our beloved Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia-Crawford. Enjoy. Thank you to all we have worked with in this adventure. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity and we’ll never forget it. [shareprints gallery_id=”51639″ gallery_type=”masonry” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”medium” image_padding=”5″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”zoomin” lightbox_type=”slide” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]

Jane and Mark | Conrad Manila Weddings

Jane and Mark are both professionals working in the medical field. I know that working in this kind of field requires attention to detail and, most especially, foresight—traits that are quite helpful when planning for a wedding. Jane and Mark did not immediately got married after they got engaged. It was a long engagement, and building a rapport wasn’t just the case for these two since they just became friends as well. Still, on the bright side, their long engagement gave them sufficient amount of time to properly plan out their wedding. Looking back to their wedding, you can see how every detail of their special day was carefully planned out. In fact, this couple booked Metrophoto two years before their big day! Wow! It actually feels great knowing that I have been with them since the very beginning. Today, I know that this pandemic may have discouraged some couples because it has made their engagement longer. But it’s okay to postpone your special day to keep you, your finances, your guests, and your suppliers safe. For now, take inspiration in Jane and Mark’s wedding as you continue to plan your own dream wedding. Enjoy! ______________________ Suppliers: Photo: Paolo Nierves Video: Mayad Studios Makeup: Mariah Santos Gown: Michael Leyva Suit: Boy Kastner Santos Coordination: Kiss the Girl Events Stylist: Gary Dacanay Reception: Conrad Manila[shareprints gallery_id=”80495″ gallery_type=”masonry” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”medium” image_padding=”5″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”zoomin” lightbox_type=”slide” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]

Rhett and Clark | An Intimate Manila Wedding Photographer

This was the first time that I was back in Sanctuario de San Antonio since my wedding last March 2020, so it was quite an experience that I was looking forward to. Rhett and Clark aren’t new to me as I’ve shot their civil wedding a month before their church wedding. That just shows how in love Clark is with Rhett! HAHA! I loved everything about the wedding of these two. They both prepared in their houses, which made the feel of their wedding more personal. The glowing and bubbly bride Rhett made shooting quite a breeze for me and the team of Project Mayo 7. I’ve shot so many beautiful brides but rarely do I encounter the type like Rhett, the unassumingly beautiful bride. She doesn’t know it but I have proof, you’ll see them in a while. Enjoy! _________________________ Suppliers: Photo: Paolo Nierves Video: Project Mayo 7 Make-up: Albert Kurniawan Hair: Jerry Javier Gown: Frankie De Leon Coordination: Events Embassy Host: Carolyn Bata Band: 3rd Avenue [shareprints gallery_id=”88290″ gallery_type=”masonry” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”medium” image_padding=”5″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”zoomin” lightbox_type=”slide” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]