As a professional photographer, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities my work provides—traveling to beautiful locations, meeting inspiring people, and capturing moments that tell meaningful stories. My recent trip to the Canary Islands for the RSVP Symposium was a perfect blend of these passions. When I was invited to join the official photography team alongside the talented lead photographer Xander Casey and lovely friend, Neli Prahova, I felt honoured and excited to embrace this unique experience.
What is RSVP?
RSVP is a renowned event series that brings together some of the best minds and talents in the wedding and event planning industry. Known for its focus on collaboration, creativity, and excellence, RSVP Symposiums are designed to inspire and connect industry professionals in beautiful and luxurious settings. Each event features a combination of keynote talks, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, creating an environment that fosters innovation and growth. For this symposium, the Ritz Carlton Abama in Tenerife set the stage for an unforgettable gathering.
The Venue: Ritz Carlton Abama
Arriving at the Ritz Carlton Abama, I was immediately struck by its beauty. Nestled along the coast with views of the Atlantic Ocean, the venue is a beautiful and luxurious. The lush gardens, modern architecture, and stunning vistas provided a breathtaking backdrop for the event. Photographing here was a dream come true; every corner of the resort was picture-perfect, from the grand ballrooms where sessions were held to the serene outdoor spaces that hosted vibrant discussions and casual networking.
Inspirational Talks
One of the standout features of RSVP is its lineup of inspirational speakers, and the Canary Islands Symposium was no exception. From celebrity wedding planners and motivational speakers sharing their personal journeys to industry leaders offering practical insights, each talk left a lasting impression.
The theme, ‘The Fire Within’, drew inspiration from the magnificent Mount Teide, the iconic volcano on Tenerife. The event masterfully combined serious discussions with moments of light-hearted humor—yes, even featuring naked sailors and bubbles!
As a photographer, I found these sessions incredibly motivating. A personal highlight was Lynn Franks, the real-life inspiration behind Absolutely Fabulous, leading the audience in a dance to Aquarius from Hair. These moments reminded me of the importance of pushing c
Fabulous Entertainment
The festivities kicked off with a Spanish-themed Post Siesta-Fiesta in the Ritz-Carlton’s stunning Persian Garden. Guests were treated to passionate flamenco performances and an indulgent feast featuring incredible seafood paella—a perfect way to set the tone for the days ahead.
One of the most memorable evenings took place at the breathtaking Finca Punta del Lomo’s banana grove, transformed into a Jungle Boogie paradise. Guests embraced the theme by dressing in animal-inspired costumes, ready to Unleash Their Inner Animal. The atmosphere was incredible, with music, fabulous table settings with canaries and elephants, delicious food, and entertainment that felt like something out of another world—all thanks to the creative genius of Black Rabbit Projects. It was an evening I’ll never forget.
Another highlight was Once Upon a Time in Bollywood, co-produced by the talented Barbie Patel. This vibrant celebration featured dazzling Bollywood dancing, fabulously spicy Indian cuisine, and a joyous explosion of colour and sound.
The symposium concluded in spectacular fashion with the Molten Magnetism gala night at El Mirador. Under the stars, guests enjoyed an outdoor celebration filled with champagne, breathtaking views, and a grand finale of fireworks.
Collaborating with Talented Professionals
Working alongside Xander Casey and Neli Prahova was another highlight of this experience. As seasoned photographers with a shared passion for storytelling, their perspectives added depth to our work. Capturing the energy and essence of RSVP with them was both a challenge and a joy. From candid moments during the workshops to posed portraits of attendees against the stunning backdrop of the Ritz Carlton, our goal was to preserve the spirit of the event through our lenses.
A Grateful Reflection
As I reflect on my time at the RSVP Canary Island Symposium, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Photography has given me a window to the world and a means to connect with people from all walks of life. Events like this reaffirm why I do what I do—telling stories, capturing beauty, and celebrating the creativity.
If you’re in the wedding or event industry and have the chance to attend RSVP, I cannot recommend it enough. It’s an experience that leaves you inspired, energized, and ready to take your work to the next level.
Thank you, RSVP, for an unforgettable few days in paradise. Here’s to more adventures, connections, and the art of storytelling!
Producer: @rsvpclubofficial | Hotel & Venue: @ritzcarltonabama | Photography: @xandercaseyphotography @neliprahova @evatarnok | Videography: @matthieumeynier | Stationery: @cecinewyork | On the Day Coordinators: @emma.murrayjones @events_patrimoine | Hair & Makeup: @kl_luxe_beauty | Flower Supplier: @floresacentejo | Floral Artist: @nortyflor | Furniture: @el_locero | Printing: @imprenta_pastor | AV: @eventaliagroup | Rentals: @greventos.es @doble_a_rent
