Quinta do Serpa: a rainy sunny day for photos at the wedding

Interior of the Church of Santa Maria de Loures with all those present at the wedding ceremony, in a photo by the wedding photographer in Lisbon.

THE APPEAL by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN LOURES

Interior of the Church of Santa Maria de Loures with all those present at the wedding ceremony, in a photo by the wedding photographer in Lisbon.

Wedding photos at the Igreja Matriz de Loures, for the ceremony, and at Quinta do Serpa, for the party


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The Vow Ceremony in Wedding Photographs

Groom's face, seen from the inside of the shoulder and hand, in a mirror.

When a sunny morning carries the wedding photographer from the groom to the bride, it swiftly delivers us to the beautiful, photogenic, and spacious Igreja Matriz de Loures, where a kind-hearted priest allows me to enjoy and reconstruct in two dimensions, through my photographic lenses, the vow ceremony taking place there.

Stepping outside into the contrast of the church’s yellow facade against the blue sky, I make my way—this time in a more relaxed stride—to Quinta do Serpa, where the pure sunlight filters through the dense foliage of leafy trees, creating beautiful rays of light. Nothing could have made me believe that at the very moment I began to indulge in the scenery chosen for the day’s wedding photo session, with my bride and groom all to myself, rain—sent by someone who seemingly likes neither newlyweds nor photography—would pour down in a storm for the entire duration available.

A Memory for Life, by the Wedding Photographer

Hands of the groom buttoning his wedding apparel vest.

It’s true that once the storm passed, I borrowed a few moments from the banquet manager and still had time to enjoy that clean light at the end of the day, after a heavy shower. Anyone who works with photography knows exactly what I mean.

With my creative appetite satisfied, we returned to those waiting for the celebration, more interested in other kinds of flavour than in light, and the newlyweds, Claudia and Afonso, stayed close to their loved ones until the end of the party.

As for me, I was left with memory cards full of content, a mountain of images to select, edit, lay out, print, and finally deliver as the result of my work. For me, a memory for life. For them. And that is very important.

The groom looks at the wedding photographer over blurred shading.

A Wedding Day in Loures: Tradition, Emotion and Timeless Images

The Ceremony at the Majestic Igreja Matriz de Loures

The Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Loures, affectionately called the “Cathedral of the Saloios,” is one of the most remarkable religious buildings in the Lisbon region. Built in the 16th century over an old Templar chapel, the church stands out with its Latin cross architecture, three naves supported by Tuscan columns, and a chancel adorned with an 18th-century Baroque altarpiece.

This historical and artistic setting offers a unique environment for wedding ceremonies. Natural light streaming through the windows, paired with the contrast between the yellow facade and the blue sky, creates ideal conditions for capturing memorable wedding photos. The welcoming and kind priest contributes to a peaceful and meaningful ceremony, allowing the wedding photographer to register every moment with sensitivity and precision.

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  • Wedding photographs at Igreja Matriz de Loures
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  • Bride and groom in a historic setting
  • Wedding guests in a religious environment

The Wedding Reception at the Charming Quinta do Serpa

Bride's face as she is having her hair done, in a mirror on a wall.

After the ceremony, the celebration continues at Quinta do Serpa, located in Vialonga, Loures. This venue, set in the Bucelas Wine Region and surrounded by the Paraíso woods and the Alpriate stream, offers a preserved rural environment and well-kept gardens, perfect for wedding receptions.

The manor house features two spacious reception halls on two independent floors, with separate access from a stunning Portuguese cobbled courtyard. A third hall, built in respect for the estate’s centuries-old architecture, is designed to host large-scale events. The clear sunlight filters through the branches of ancient trees, creating luminous effects that enhance wedding photographs.

Even when the weather brings challenges, such as an unexpected storm during a photo session, Quinta do Serpa provides versatile spaces that allow the wedding photographer to capture unique and emotional images. The dedication of the venue’s team ensures that every moment of the wedding day is special and memorable.

  • Wedding reception at Quinta do Serpa
  • Wedding photographs in a rural setting
  • Bride and groom in a natural landscape
  • Wedding guests at an outdoor celebration
  • Wedding day with natural light

The Importance of a Professional Wedding Photographer

Detail of the bracelet that the bride will wear to the wedding.

The wedding day is filled with unique moments and powerful emotions that deserve to be eternalised in high-quality photographs. A professional wedding photographer brings the sensitivity and experience necessary to capture every detail—from the bride and groom’s preparations to the last dance of the evening.

At Igreja Matriz de Loures, attention to the architectural details and the interaction between the couple and their guests allows for the creation of images that reflect the ceremony’s solemnity. At Quinta do Serpa, the variety of natural backdrops and ambient light offer opportunities for creative and spontaneous photo sessions.

Moreover, a dedicated wedding photographer follows through with the entire post-event process—from selecting and editing the images to delivering personalised albums that authentically and emotionally tell the story of the wedding day.

  • Professional wedding photographer in Loures
  • Personalised wedding photographs
  • Complete documentation of the wedding day
  • Candid moments with the bride, groom, and guests
  • High-quality wedding albums
Through a reflective car window, the bride laughing as she adjusts her dress.

Turn Your Wedding Day into Everlasting Memories

Like Claudia and Afonso, if you are looking for a wedding photographer who can capture the essence of your special day—from the ceremony at Igreja Matriz de Loures to the celebration at Quinta do Serpa—I am at your disposal to create images that will tell your love story authentically and emotionally.




Groom's necktie, tucked close to the suit vest.
Groom looking down, shrouded in blur.
Near a window the groom looks down, after getting ready for the wedding.
The bride between the hairdresser and other people, during her wedding preparation.
The bride's shoes wrapped in the wedding veil.
The bride is already wearing her dress while a friend is buttoning it, behind her.
Seen through an open door, the bride buttons a girl's dress while friends button hers.
The bride, seen from the back, wearing a dress and veil with her face reflected in a mirror.
The bride's father puts her shoes on.
Ready to go to the wedding ceremony, the bride with the veil in her hair and the bouquet in her hands.
The bride smiling at someone as she gets out of the car and goes to the wedding ceremony.
The bride entering the Church of Santa Maria de Loures, with her father among the wedding guests.
The bride and groom, standing, facing the priest, at the altar of the Church of Santa Maria de Loures.
Viewed from the side, the bride and groom are seated for the wedding ceremony.
The altar of ​​the magnificent Church of Santa Maria de Loures, with the bride and groom seated in front of the priest.
Wedding ring hanging from a flower.
With a candle lit in the middle, the couple attentive to what the priest says during the homily.
With the wedding guests behind them, the bride and groom read the sacred texts, in the hands of the priest.
The priest's hand blesses the married ones, seated in front of him and with their faces looking down.
After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom leave the church, with the groom looking at the bride in conversation.
On the yellow walls of the Church of Santa Maria de Loures, the bride and groom with flower petals in the air.
The groom caresses the bride's face as they leave the wedding ceremony.
The newly married couple descends the stairs of the Quinta do Serpa garden, in front of guests.
Among the flowers in the Quinta do Serpa garden, the bride and groom smile.
Under the trellis of flowers, the couple walks hand in hand, in the wedding photography session.
Portrait of the groom, arms crossed, by the trunk of a tree.
Portrait of the bride, smiling happily, surrounded by the greenery of the Quinta do Serpa garden in Vialonga
The bride and groom, holding hands, as they go up the entrance to Quinta do Serpa, with giant pots on the left.
The newlywed couple dancing at the opening of the wedding ball.
The groom's father dancing with the bride.
The bride, in front of guests, in a dance choreography.
Bride, looking satisfied, dancing at the wedding party at Quinta do Serpa in Vialonga.
The bride and groom in front of their guests, on their way to cutting the cake.
Quinta do Serpa garden, at night and under an orange light, when the wedding cake is being cut.
The moment when the bride throws the bouquet to the singles at the wedding.

By Fernando Colaço

Fernando Colaço, wedding photographer in Portugal. Natural, discreet and documentary. The photos will tell the story.

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