EPPEL PHOTOGRAPHY · VALENCIA, SPAIN
La Cartuja de Ara Christi wedding photographer
Warm stone, palm trees and a celebration that carries on long after sunset. Aaron and Sandra’s wedding at La Cartuja de Ara Christi brings you into a real destination wedding near Valencia, from the anticipation of getting ready to the last dance.
I’m Ralf Czogallik of Eppel Fotografie. I photographed their day with the same balance I bring to every wedding: honest documentary moments and colorful, editorial portraits that still feel like you.
The wedding story · The venue · Planning your photography · Your questions
FROM NEW ORLEANS TO SPAIN
Aaron & Sandra: a wedding with a story behind it
Before their wedding in Spain, I photographed Aaron and Sandra together in New Orleans. Having that time together made their wedding another chapter in a story we had already begun. You can see their New Orleans engagement session for the beginning.
Here, the setting changes to the Valencia region. Their photographs move from busy rooms full of friends to an outdoor ceremony, quiet portraits against the monastery walls and a courtyard full of dancing. Wedding planner Seven Weddings was part of the team behind this celebration.
BEFORE THE CEREMONY
The anticipation, the friends, the little moments
A wedding story begins before the ceremony. Dresses hanging together, a bow tie being adjusted, a toast between friends: these are the photographs that bring back how the morning felt.
During preparations, I work with the light in the room and follow what is happening. There is space for a considered portrait, but also for the laughter and the helping hands that make the morning personal.
THE MOMENT IT BECOMES REAL
An outdoor ceremony in the Spanish sunshine
Aaron and Sandra’s ceremony took place outdoors, surrounded by their guests. The photographs show the approach to the aisle, the exchange of rings and the joy of walking back together as newlyweds.
I move between wide views that show the setting and close photographs of expressions and gestures. You will want to remember where you stood, but also the way you looked at each other and the reactions around you.
EL PUIG DE SANTA MARIA · VALENCIA
Why La Cartuja de Ara Christi makes such a distinctive setting
La Cartuja de Ara Christi is a former Carthusian monastery in El Puig de Santa Maria, in the province of Valencia, Spain. The stone architecture, arcades and surrounding greenery give portraits a clear sense of place.
For this wedding, I used the contrast between the architecture and the couple: a small figure framed by an arch, a close embrace against warm stone, and a walk through the gardens. The location becomes part of their story, rather than a backdrop that overwhelms it.
The official regional tourism listing identifies the monastery and its location. For current wedding arrangements, contact the venue team directly through La Cartuja de Ara Christi.
Plan around the light and your guests
Discuss the ceremony location, available indoor spaces and portrait access with your planner. A little breathing room in the schedule makes room for family photographs and a short couple session without rushing from one moment to the next. Exact spaces and access depend on your event arrangements.
COLORFUL. EDITORIAL. REAL.
Portraits with character, without missing your own wedding
You do not need to arrive knowing how to pose. I offer relaxed direction, find the light and give you something simple to do together. Then I leave room for your own expressions and connection.
Outside those portrait moments, my approach is documentary. I watch for a glance, a reaction or a brief embrace. That combination is what gives the final gallery both strong photographs and a personal rhythm.
See more in my wedding photography portfolio, or read about me and my approach.
WHEN DAY BECOMES NIGHT
Cake, candlelight and a courtyard full of dancing
The evening changes the mood completely. Cake and candles give way to colored lights, close embraces and friends lifting the couple above the dance floor. The architecture is still there, but the people bring the energy.
I photograph the party as part of the story, working with the available light and additional lighting where needed. The aim is to keep the atmosphere you remember: movement, color and the freedom to enjoy yourselves.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER, WHEREVER YOU LIVE
Planning your destination wedding photography in Valencia
I am based in the Netherlands and travel internationally for weddings. Whether you live in Spain, the United States or elsewhere, we can start with a video call. Tell me about your plans, the people joining you and the photographs that matter most.
We will discuss the hours of coverage, preparations, ceremony, family photographs and evening party. If your celebration includes a welcome dinner or a second day, I can include that in a personal proposal. Travel arrangements and collection inclusions are agreed in advance.
A first preview arrives within 48 hours. Your full edited online gallery normally follows within three to four weeks. A luxury wedding album gives the story a lasting place beyond the screen.
Explore my destination wedding photography for more international celebrations, or send me your date and plans for La Cartuja de Ara Christi.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
La Cartuja de Ara Christi wedding photography FAQ
Where is La Cartuja de Ara Christi?
La Cartuja de Ara Christi is a historic former Carthusian monastery in El Puig de Santa Maria, in the province of Valencia, Spain. Its address is Antigua Carretera de Barcelona, km 13.3, 46540 El Puig. Confirm the event entrance and transport arrangements with your venue team.
Have you photographed a wedding at La Cartuja de Ara Christi?
Yes. I photographed Aaron and Sandra’s wedding shown on this page. The photographs include preparations, their outdoor ceremony, portraits around the monastery and the evening celebration.
Are you a wedding photographer based in Valencia?
I am Ralf Czogallik of Eppel Fotografie, based in the Netherlands. I travel to Valencia and other destinations in Spain for weddings. We arrange the coverage and travel details together before booking.
What is your wedding photography style?
I combine documentary photography with colorful editorial portraits. I follow real moments as they happen and give relaxed guidance during portraits, using the light and architecture without taking over your day.
How much does wedding photography at La Cartuja cost?
Your proposal depends on the hours of photography, any additional events and travel arrangements. Send your wedding date and plans for a personal quote with clear inclusions. Venue hire, catering and planning are separate services.
Can you photograph a welcome dinner or a wedding weekend?
Yes, we can discuss coverage across several days, including a welcome dinner or another gathering. Let me know your schedule so that the proposal covers the moments you want photographed.
When will we receive our wedding photographs?
You receive a first preview within 48 hours. The complete edited online gallery normally follows within three to four weeks. Your proposal sets out the collection and wedding album details.
How do we book from abroad?
Send your date, venue and a little about your plans through the English enquiry page. We can arrange a video call, talk through your priorities and prepare a tailored destination wedding photography proposal.
LET’S TELL YOUR STORY
Your wedding in Valencia, photographed your way.
Share your date, your venue and a little about the celebration you have in mind.
I’ll personally get back to you with availability and a tailored proposal.
