A DAY IN ALENTEJO by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN ÉVORA
Photographs of a wedding ceremony and party at the Convento do Espinheiro in Évora
• Pode ler este artigo em Português.
Ritual part of the wedding day
It was one of those hot summer days in the Alentejo, right in the heart of it. As an Alentejano and wedding photographer, it wasn’t the kind of day that was difficult for me to endure, and the work began with Helder, as two Alentejanos understand the ways of summer in the Alentejo.
Helder, respecting the Alentejo tradition of black suit and white shirt, completed by the obligatory black hat, began his first ritual part of the day: preparation followed by a motorbike ride, his passion, to the place where the lovers would become husband and wife. We’ll get there.
To the wedding ceremony
From there, the wedding photographer went to meet the bride, the beautiful Tânia, with her two babies still comfortably waiting their time to visit our world of light, which would happen later, as it should: well, beautiful and healthy. Tânia, together with her parents and sister, prepared quickly with the typical urgency of Alentejan women, although the officiant made her—and us—wait due to his delay.
Inside, this image maker with a camera had never witnessed such a swift wedding ceremony. However, a lover of the unexpected, he responded accordingly and recorded everything beautiful that happened just as in any other place of ritual before, making the most of the space and people, as is normal in these events.
Testimony in wedding photographs
Now, as it was a hot day and the dinner started a bit early, the beautiful interior of the Convento was used for the couple’s photos. The groom, initially uncomfortable with the photography, turned into a fine actor from romantic-era films, certainly because he was not acting and felt at ease with the photographer, completely inspired by his muse.
It was a beautiful day spent in the Alentejo of my habits with Helder, Tânia, the twins who came later, family, and friends. That’s why I leave my testimony in photographs below. To them, the wedding photographer gives thanks. I hope you enjoy it.
Preparations and Emotions on the Wedding Day
On a typical hot summer day in the Alentejo, the wedding photographer began his work with the groom, Hélder, who, faithful to Alentejo traditions, wore a black suit, white shirt, and the indispensable black hat. After the preparations, Hélder rode his motorbike—his passion—towards the location where he and his beloved Tânia would be joined in matrimony.
The bride, Tânia, radiant and accompanied by her parents and sister, got ready with the usual agility of Alentejan women. Despite a minor delay from the officiant, the ceremony proceeded as planned.
Crossing the enchanting city of Évora, with its legends of enchanted Moorish women and valiant knights, the destination was the majestic Convento do Espinheiro, a place rich in history and meaning for Portugal.
- Alentejo tradition is present in the groom’s attire and preparation
- The city of Évora as a backdrop, rich in history and legends
- Convento do Espinheiro is an iconic setting for the ceremony
Ceremony and Celebration at Convento do Espinheiro
The Convento do Espinheiro, located on the outskirts of Évora, is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome founded in 1458. Its origin is tied to a legend about the apparition of the Virgin Mary over a hawthorn bush, becoming an important pilgrimage site.
Today, transformed into a luxury hotel, it maintains its grandeur and spirituality, making it a privileged place for weddings. The religious ceremony took place in the Church of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro, a 15th-century church with 1200m², ideal for solemn celebrations.
Despite the speed of the ceremony, the wedding photographer captured all the significant moments—from the exchange of rings to the couple’s exit under a shower of petals, surrounded by their wedding guests.
- Convento do Espinheiro: rich history and imposing architecture
- Church of Nossa Senhora do Espinheiro: ideal space for religious ceremonies
- Wedding photographs that immortalise unique and emotional moments
Photo Session and Party at Convento do Espinheiro
After the ceremony, the couple and their guests enjoyed both the indoor and outdoor spaces of the Convento do Espinheiro for the photo session and celebration. The groom, initially shy, revealed himself as a true romantic in front of the camera, inspired by his muse, Tânia.
The wedding photographs captured the essence of love and shared joy between the couple and their guests. The party took place in the D. Vasco Hall, with a capacity for 250 people, where guests enjoyed exclusive catering that combined tradition and innovation, with typical Alentejo dishes.
The convent’s gardens, with 8 hectares of lush nature, provided a charming atmosphere for moments of conviviality and celebration.
- A photo session that captured the couple’s authenticity and emotion
- D. Vasco Hall: an elegant space for the wedding party
- Alentejo cuisine delighted the wedding guests
Conclusion:
This wedding at the Convento do Espinheiro was a true Alentejo fairytale, where tradition, history, and emotion intertwined to create an unforgettable day. As a wedding photographer, it was a privilege to witness and record every moment of this special day.
- A wedding that united Alentejo tradition and historical elegance
- Wedding photographs that tell an authentic love story
- Convento do Espinheiro is the perfect setting for memorable celebrations
Come talk to me
Plan your wedding at Convento do Espinheiro and eternalise every moment with unique wedding photographs. Contact me to capture the essence of your wedding day with professionalism and sensitivity.
