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The Art of Interpreting Bilingual Weddings

August 28, 2025 By ATA PLD Leave a Comment

Illustration: Luciane Camargo

Revision: Todd Harkin

When I was a girl, the only altar I ever imagined standing at was my own wedding—which, by the way, did happen in 2014. Back in 2009, when I began my career as a translator and interpreter, I never could have imagined that one day I’d be standing beside other wedding altars, microphone in hand, interpreting an entire ceremony—yet here I am.
Love has gone global: couples from different countries, families who don’t share the same language, friends who cross oceans to celebrate together. That’s where I, Luciane Camargo, alongside my sister and business partner, the talented wedding celebrant Fernanda Camargo, discovered a niche I have fully embraced and made my own: bilingual weddings. And from that, FL Eventos Bilíngues was born.

A wedding brings this lighthearted atmosphere—a space filled with beauty, joy, and love. You can feel it the moment you arrive: every service provider playing their part, keeping everything polished and elegant, attending to even the smallest details to ensure the big day truly feels like a dream come true. Yet this should not be mistaken for a “lighter” assignment—it is every bit as demanding as a major conference.

The interpreter’s role goes far beyond linguistic knowledge. It is about connecting cultures, honoring traditions, and staying faithful to the words while remaining true to the feelings. Every part of the speech, every pause, every smile matters—and it is the interpreter’s responsibility to convey each nuance with the same emotion and presence that the celebrant and the couple bring to the moment, ensuring everyone experiences the ceremony fully—no matter which language they speak.

Having the celebrant as my sister makes this collaborative work even more complete — a distinctive advantage, as we’ve been building our partnership since childhood. We work together from start to finish; every step of the process involves both of us. Our harmony in front of an audience is something that cannot be replicated; it’s a unique experience.
We have faced sweltering heat in the woods, clouds of mosquitoes buzzing around our heads, and couples so moved they needed a moment to compose themselves. In every situation, we’ve managed to keep the rhythm—and the magic—of the ceremony alive, always in tune with each other, working with grace and discretion.

Even though it takes going the extra mile to ensure the interpretation keeps the bride and groom, family, and friends all connected in one shared love story, when everything is orchestrated with careful preparation, unwavering professionalism, and a heartfelt voice, the reward is incomparable: seeing people smiling, cheering, applauding, and even wiping away tears. It’s the most incredible feeling—knowing that everyone not only understood but truly experienced the same message together.

Bilingual weddings have become one of my greatest passions among the many interpreting assignments I take on. Every time one comes my way, my heart lights up knowing I’m about to meet another couple choosing love—a beautiful reminder of why I chose this path. It reinforces, both personally and professionally, the profound importance of human connection. Standing there, mic in hand, beside my sister, watching cultures blend seamlessly into one shared celebration—that’s precisely where I’m meant to be.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Luciane Camargo

Luciane CamargoFrom an early age, Luciane’s passion for languages paved the way for her career as a professional translator and interpreter—the result of years of study and dedication. After an enriching period in Boston, USA, where she studied at Harvard University, Luciane earned her degree in Languages from the University of São Paulo (USP) and a degree in Translation and Interpretation from Associação Alumni. In 2013, she completed her graduate studies in Conference Interpreting at Estácio University. Since then, she has excelled at events of every scale—from corporate meetings and international conferences to accompanying royal families across Brazil.
Actively working since 2007, Luciane discovered her greatest strength: conveying messages with all the depth and emotion of the original speaker. Today, she brings this distinctive skill to the world of weddings as well, helping make every ceremony a truly unforgettable moment. You can follow Luciane on Instagram at FL Eventos Bilíngues  and LC Tradução.

Filed Under: Blog Posts, Interpreting, Translation & Interpreting

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