A GREAT DAY by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN SANTIAGO DO CACÉM

The photos are from a wedding with a ceremony in a hermitage and a party at Quinta da Cilha, in Santiago do Cacém
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
Wedding on a Hot Summer Day

Santiago do Cacém was hot, as expected for July in the Alentejo.
Isabel and Francisco looked fantastic, paying little attention to the temperature. They were only focused on being close to each other and doing it in style.
And they made it. The day was fantastic, the Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Graça was small and welcoming, and the party at Quinta da Cilha went on until the early hours.
Thank you for everything.

Preparations and Ceremony at Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Graça

The Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Graça, located between Santiago do Cacém and Santo André, rises in a peaceful rural setting, about 5 km from the town centre. With 18th-century roots, this small Baroque sanctuary is known for its characteristic tile-covered interior and the image of the Virgin Mary, which is a focal point of deep Marian devotion.
On Isabel and Francisco’s wedding day, this chapel became the stage for unforgettable moments:
- The bride and groom exchanged emotional glances, showing a deep connection, undisturbed by the Alentejo heat.
- The wedding guests enjoyed a unique atmosphere in a cosy, rustic space, perfect for an intimate connection with the ceremony.
- The wedding ceremony took place next to the fountain and chapel, enriched by the history of those ancient walls.
In Summary:
- Chapel with tiled interior and revered image
- Intimate, historic setting for wedding photography
- Bride, groom, and guests embraced the devotional atmosphere
- Welcoming space, perfect for emotional moments on the wedding day
Wedding Photography: capturing emotions at every moment

As a wedding photographer, the main challenge was to capture the essence of a hot summer wedding day, with the typical July temperatures of the Alentejo, and the genuine emotions of the couple:
- The bride looked radiant despite the heat; her flowing dress contrasted beautifully with the surrounding greenery.
- The groom, confident and emotional, held her hands tenderly, creating spontaneous and photogenic moments.
- Smiles, tears, and shared glances were captured in detail, emphasising the importance of authentic wedding photography.
The couple’s closeness and the choice of location allowed us to capture warm natural light, soft shadows, and timeless compositions, enhancing the relaxed and festive vibe:
- Details like rings, the veil, shared smiles, and hugs between the wedding guests.
- Scenic framing: the chapel, the fountain, the tiles, and the surrounding green.
- Summer golden light enhances skin tones and creates a rich, immersive atmosphere.
Also:
- Wedding photography that highlights genuine emotions
- Confident couple fully immersed in the ceremony
- Use of natural summer light for unforgettable images
- Guests highlighted to create engaging visual storytelling
Celebration at Quinta da Cilha – Partying into the Night

The party was held at Quinta da Cilha, a spacious venue just 800 m from Santiago do Cacém, with capacity for up to 500 seated guests. With air conditioning, its power supply, parking, a garden, and a children’s area, it’s ideal for those who value both comfort and elegance.
The party was a true extension of the wedding day:
- Guests arrived full of energy, eager to enjoy the garden and the interior vibe.
- The buffet featured sophisticated starters, hot dishes (such as pork tenderloin with broccoli migas), and a wide variety of desserts.
- With ambient lighting and music, the dance floor became the centre of many smiles, dances, and fun moments.
From dawn to “until late”:
- As night fell, caldo verde, suckling pig, and shrimp were served as late-night snacks.
- The bride, groom, and their families sparkled each time they returned to the dance floor.
- The celebration took place in a warm, familiar atmosphere: the bride, the groom, and their guests enjoyed every moment, despite the heat, with wide smiles.
This setting allowed for a relaxed photo shoot in the garden and surrounding areas, right at dusk when the sun had already turned golden, perfectly reflecting the joy of the wedding day:
More:
- Quinta da Cilha: high capacity and premium facilities
- Full buffet with traditional dishes and late-night snacks
- The lively party that continued until the early hours
- Wedding photography in a festive and welcoming setting

Invitation
If you’re also planning a wedding day in the Alentejo, in iconic locations like the Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Graça or Quinta da Cilha, and looking for a wedding photographer to capture every emotion — from the ceremony to the party — with sensitivity, natural light, and creativity, I’m here for you.
Get in touch to secure your unforgettable wedding photographs.
- You can see a full wedding story:























