We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Caroline Cavalcante Vicente. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Caroline below.
Caroline, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
My generosity comes from my maternal grandmother, who was the heart and soul of our family. She taught me everything—how to show up for others, how to work with integrity, how to stay optimistic even when life throws you curveballs, and how to keep faith at the center of it all. She gave so much of herself to everyone around her, not because she had excess, but because she believed deeply in community and kindness.
When I started my photography business, I knew I wanted to honor her somehow. That’s why I chose Cavalcante—her paternal last name—as part of my business name. It’s my way of carrying her spirit forward in every story I tell through my lens. Her example reminds me that generosity isn’t just about giving things; it’s about giving presence, care, and light—something I try to do with every client I serve.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Caroline Cavalcante, a Brazilian-born wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My journey began with a borrowed camera, a whole lot of heart, and an unshakable belief in the beauty of human connection. Since then, I’ve had the honor of capturing love stories across the U.S. and Latin America—each one unique, vibrant, and full of emotion.
What makes my work so special to me is the opportunity to witness life’s most intimate and meaningful moments—from weddings and elopements to family milestones and brand beginnings. Photography allows me to blend storytelling, art, and cultural celebration all at once. I don’t just document events—I create timeless imagery that feels alive, colorful, and deeply true to the people in it.
Right now, I’m especially excited about expanding into destination weddings and elopements in tropical locations, with a deep focus on Costa Rica, Brazil, and other parts of Central and South America. My trilingual background—Portuguese, Spanish, and English—allows me to guide couples seamlessly through these cross-cultural celebrations.
More than anything, I want my clients to feel seen, celebrated, and deeply cared for. My brand is rooted in warmth, authenticity, and flexibility. I believe that every celebration is unique to its own time, and that my clients deserve my full attention—to every detail, every emotion, and every human connection involved.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and empathy.
Resilience was crucial when I started my business with nothing but a borrowed camera and a dream. There were so many moments of doubt, fear, and financial uncertainty—but I kept going, even when the path wasn’t clear. For anyone starting out, I’d say: don’t wait to feel “ready.” You build confidence through action, not the other way around. Trust yourself enough to begin, even if it’s messy.
Adaptability helped me navigate everything from moving to a new country to learning the wedding industry, building a brand from scratch, and evolving my services over time. The world changes fast—being open to learning, pivoting, and trying new approaches will keep you moving forward. Be curious, not rigid.
Empathy has been the foundation of how I connect with clients, collaborators, and even myself. It’s what allows me to truly see people, to create safe spaces in front of my lens, and to understand the emotional depth of the work I do. My advice? Listen more than you speak. Practice understanding different perspectives. Your work will be stronger—and your relationships richer—because of it.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Without a doubt, my husband has been one of the most important people in helping me overcome challenges and grow into who I am today. When I first started my photography journey, he believed in me before I fully believed in myself. He encouraged me to pursue this dream even when we had no roadmap—and supported me in the quiet, behind-the-scenes ways that mattered most: emotionally, financially, and practically.
He’s also been a sounding board, a second pair of eyes, and sometimes even my assistant! His belief in my talent gave me the courage to take risks, build my business from scratch, and keep going through the harder seasons. Having someone who champions your vision and reminds you of your worth is a gift I don’t take for granted.
Alongside him, I’d say the creative community—especially other women and immigrant entrepreneurs—has been a huge source of inspiration and support. Watching others show up with heart and hustle has taught me so much about resilience, generosity, and leadership.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carolinecavalcanteph.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinecavalcante.ph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinecavalcante.ph/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CheeseSamba
Image Credits
All images credit to Caroline Cavalcante Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
