Quinta do Palhas, Carregado: wedding in a summer day

The bride and groom reading the oaths before the wedding ceremony, in a photo by the wedding photographer in Lisbon.

IN THE SUMMER by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LISBON

The bride and groom reading the oaths before the wedding ceremony, in a photo by the wedding photographer in Lisbon.

These are the photos from a wedding held at the Igreja Matriz de S. João Baptista in Alhandra, with the party at Quinta do Palhas, Carregado


• Pode ler este artigo em Português

Imagination of the Wedding Photographer

Groom, in profile, with his hand on his tie.

One of the greatest satisfactions of a wedding photographer is having a bride in front of them who is happy with her wedding day, has a special appreciation for photography, and feels comfortable with cameras. That was the case with Alexandra on that hot and beautiful summer day.
One of the things that stimulates the imagination of the wedding photographer is having a friendly groom who prefers the cameras to stay away, and if they must be there, let it be painless and quick. That was the case with Hélio.

Golden Light for Wedding Photographs

Through an embossed windowpane, the groom smiles.

However, as most of my work is documentary wedding photography, I made sure my presence was not very noticeable to Hélio, always staying alert to bring the ever-luminous and radiant Alexandra into the focal plane. And, whenever she was present, so was he. The work flowed so smoothly that by the time we went for our late afternoon stroll, Hélio had already grown more tolerant of the idea, and that golden sunset light blessed them just as it had during the beautiful ceremony at the Igreja Matriz de S. João Baptista in Alhandra.

Ensuring Memory Through Photographs

The bride under the care of the makeup artist and hairdresser.

This is the kind of work that gives me the most pleasure as a wedding photographer. On one hand, ensuring a beautiful memory; on the other, managing to reconcile preferences and differences so that, in the end, it has all been worth it for everyone, and we celebrate with satisfaction.
It’s worth mentioning that on that hillside overlooking a rural valley full of vineyards and farmland, it was truly a day—and night—worth living at Quinta do Palhas, near Carregado. And it was.

Bride in profile, at the moment her eyes are painted.

The Celebration of Alexandra and Hélio’s Wedding

The celebration of Alexandra and Hélio’s wedding was a true joy, marked by unforgettable moments and stunning scenery. From the ceremony at the historic Igreja Matriz de São João Baptista in Alhandra to the lively party at the charming Quinta do Palhas in Carregado, every instant was captured with sensitivity and professionalism, resulting in wedding photographs that eternalise this very special day.

The Ceremony at Igreja Matriz de São João Baptista, Alhandra

Looking at herself in a mirror, the bride smiles satisfied.

Located at Alto do Castelo, the Igreja Matriz de São João Baptista is a historical and architectural landmark of Alhandra. Founded in 1558 by Cardinal D. Henrique, this church stands out for its architectural simplicity and its valuable collection of sacred art from the 17th and 18th centuries, including works by the painter Bento Coelho da Silveira.
Alexandra and Hélio’s wedding ceremony was enriched by the beauty and serenity of this temple. The natural light flooding the church’s interior provided ideal conditions for capturing emotional moments between the bride and groom, the wedding guests, and the surrounding atmosphere.

  • Historical site with unique architecture
  • Valuable collection of sacred art
  • Ideal environment for authentic wedding photographs

The Party at Quinta do Palhas, Carregado

The bride, in portrait, smiles.

After the ceremony, the bride, groom, and their guests headed to Quinta do Palhas, located in the rural area of Vila Franca de Xira, just 10 minutes from the Carregado exit. With over 25 years of experience organising events, this venue offers a welcoming and sophisticated setting, ideal for memorable celebrations.
The space features a large hall with capacity for 360 people, wide windows that allow guests to enjoy breathtaking views over the Cachoeiras valley, and a local accommodation unit with a suite for the couple and six bedrooms.

Alexandra and Hélio’s wedding party was filled with joy, dancing, and togetherness, all documented in photographs that reflect the day’s emotion and beauty.

  • Versatile and elegant venue for events
  • Personalised services and an experienced team
  • Perfect setting for vibrant wedding photographs

The Importance of a Professional Wedding Photographer

Ready to leave for the ceremony, the bride picks up the bouquet on a bed.

The role of a wedding photographer goes far beyond merely capturing images; it’s about telling the story of the wedding day through photographs that convey emotions and unique moments. In Alexandra and Hélio’s case, a discreet and sensitive approach allowed the essence of the couple and the interaction with the guests to be captured.
The bride, Alexandra, naturally embraced the camera, while Hélio, initially more reserved, eventually grew comfortable, resulting in spontaneous and genuine images. The golden light of late afternoon provided the perfect backdrop for romantic and memorable portraits.

  • Capturing authentic and emotional moments
  • Adapting to the couple’s personalities
  • Creating a cohesive and meaningful visual record

Immortalise Your Special Day

Every wedding is unique and deserves to be remembered through photographs that reflect the authenticity and emotion of the moment. If you are looking for a wedding photographer who understands the importance of every detail and knows how to capture the essence of your wedding day, I am available to turn your memories into eternal images.
Contact me to schedule a meeting and discuss how we can work together to create a photographic record that tells your love story.



The groom, sitting on a sofa, smiling when he is ready.
The bride's dress, hanging on the window sill.
Buttoning up the bride's dress.
Bride, with reflection in mirror, looks down.
Engaged with a friend who puts the bracelet on her wrist.
Smiling a lot, the bride inside the car, arriving at the church.
The groom, with his mother, walks through the church among the guests.
The bride, the father, a girl and a friend who adjusts her dress to enter the church.
Church interior during the wedding ceremony.
Listening to the priest, among blurred flowers, the couple smiles after the wedding ceremony.
Hand in hand, the bride and groom cross the church to the exit.
Wedding guests throw rice and flower petals at the bride and groom as they leave the church.
The bride smiling, view from a car window with reflections and a glass of champagne in her hand.
The couple walking through a door, looking at each other.
The newly married couple talk to a guest, when they offer her a gift.
Dancing in the middle of the wedding reception room at Quinta do Palhas, the bride and groom open the ball.
In the garden of Quinta do Palhas, the newly married couple smiles at each other.
The newlywed couple sitting on a wall outside Quinta do Palhas, with two knights in the background.
Sitting in the midst of wildflowers in an orchard, the bride and groom talk.
Walking up the street with fields golden by the late afternoon sun, the bride and groom return to Quinta do Palhas.
The bride, in profile, bathed in the light of the late afternoon sun
The couple sitting on a bench in the garden of Quinta do Palhas, in the middle of decorative.
Together and looking at each other, the newlywed couple, in the session with the wedding photographer.
With fireworks behind, the bride and groom taste the wedding cake.

By Fernando Colaço

I am Fernando Colaço a wedding photographer based in Portugal. My approach to wedding photography is open and not intruder, leaving the event just to happen. We may call it photojournalism. But, it is better to let the photos talk. I am at your service.

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