The Wedding Photographer in Covilhã: in the Cherry Valley

Sitting in a hedge, the bride and groom looking at each other, in the session with the wedding photographer at Quinta da Hera in Covilhã.

THE WAY by THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IN FUNDÃO

Sitting in a hedge, the bride and groom looking at each other, in the session with the wedding photographer at Quinta da Hera in Covilhã.

As fotografias são do casamento que teve cerimónia na Igreja matriz do Fundão e a festa na Quinta da Hera na Covilhã


• Pode ler este artigo em Português. 

In the Cherry Blossom Valley, for a Wedding

Groom, in the mirror, after shaving.

I’m not a big fan of highways. They may be faster, but for me, an hour on the motorway always feels endless and drowsy. But it’s all psychological, and my love of travel eventually fixes the issue.

This has to do with the road to Fundão. To photograph Paula and Victor’s wedding in the lovely town of Fundão, in the beautiful blue-ceilinged Main Church, I surrendered to the A23, which, after Abrantes, feels more like one of those roads that lead to nowhere, and therefore mysterious, as we drive for many kilometres without seeing any towns, crossing the high ridges until, after the Gardunha tunnel, we enter a valley filled with beautiful cherry trees and welcoming people. After this drive, I found one of those roads that made me change my mind, just a bit.

The Joy of the Day for the Wedding Photographs

In the light coming from the window, the groom is helped by his father with a tie.

That’s how the wedding day began, among people used to the harshness of the mountains and the warmth of social gatherings. Victor, a Lisbon native in colder lands, was lucky with a mild and pleasant day. Paula, in her homeland and surrounded by family, was radiant. One of the great things about being a wedding photographer is spending the day among different people, who, from region to region, despite cultural differences, always share the joy of the day, which gives us, always, the perfect setting for our photographs.

Paula and Victor at the Igreja Matriz do Fundão were perfect. Not just in their happiness at finally being there to celebrate their wedding, but in the way they shared it with their loved ones. After the ceremony, we headed to the lovely Quinta da Hera in Covilhã, which gave me the chance to capture the couple’s photos you can see below. It is one of the perfect places for a wedding photographer.

Good Reasons for the Wedding Photographer

Mother's hands, behind, and father's in front, tying the tie correctly.

At the end of the wedding day at Quinta da Hera, happy for having had all these good reasons that led to these photographs, I returned home after a short night’s sleep, following the winding roads over the highlands, in the magnificent morning light.

Paula and Victor, may you be very happy.

The bride's bouquet together with the shoes.

The Journey of a Wedding Photographer

The journey of a wedding photographer is made of unique encounters, inspiring landscapes, and unrepeatable moments. Paula and Victor’s wedding, celebrated at the Igreja Matriz do Fundão and held at Quinta da Hera in Covilhã, was one of those memorable days. Between the grandeur of religious heritage and the serenity of the Beira countryside, this wedding provided the perfect setting to create authentic and emotional wedding photographs.

The Ceremony: Tradition and Emotion at the Main Church of Fundão

The mother of the bride checks that the dress is all right, with the help of her sister, as she looks down.

The Igreja Matriz do Fundão, also known as the Church of São Martinho, is a remarkable example of Mannerist and Baroque architecture. Rebuilt in 1717 over an old Romanesque temple, it features an imposing façade with two bell towers and an interior richly decorated with gilded woodcarving and blue and white tiles.

In this historic and sacred setting, Paula and Victor exchanged vows before family and friends. The soft light coming through the stained glass and the blue ceiling created an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for capturing meaningful wedding photographs.

  • Igreja Matriz do Fundão: Mannerist and Baroque architecture
  • Interior decorated with gilded woodcarving and blue-and-white tiles
  • Intimate and welcoming atmosphere for the wedding ceremony
  • Wedding photographs that reflect the emotion of the moment

The Party: Nature and Celebration at Quinta da Hera, Covilhã

As they try to put on her earrings, the bride laughs a lot, with her sister and a friend.

After the ceremony, the couple and their guests headed to Quinta da Hera, located on the EN18 road in Covilhã. This venue is known for its large gardens and natural surroundings, providing an idyllic setting for wedding celebrations.

Quinta da Hera offers a blend of tradition and modernity, with versatile spaces that adapt to different styles of celebration. The presence of live animals and the proximity to Serra da Estrela add a special touch to the atmosphere, making each moment even more memorable.

  • Quinta da Hera: event venue with spacious gardens
  • Prime location in Covilhã, near Serra da Estrela
  • Natural and welcoming environment for wedding parties
  • Versatility for different styles of celebration

The Experience: Capturing Emotions in the Cherry Tree Valley

The bride among her relatives before leaving for the wedding ceremony.

The journey to Fundão, via the A23 and the Gardunha tunnel, reveals a valley filled with cherry trees and stunning landscapes. This natural setting not only enchants visitors but also offers unique opportunities for wedding photography that captures the essence of the region.

As a wedding photographer, it is a privilege to witness and record the joy of the couple, the emotion of the guests, and the beauty of the chosen locations. Each image tells a story, and in Paula and Victor’s case, that story is one of love, tradition, and celebration in one of the most enchanting valleys in Portugal.

  • Cherry Tree Valley: inspiring natural landscape
  • Unique opportunities for authentic wedding photographs
  • Capturing the emotion of the couple and guests
  • Love stories told through the photographer’s lens

Contact me

Are you planning your wedding in Fundão or Covilhã? As a wedding photographer, I’m available to capture every special moment of your day — from the ceremony at the Igreja Matriz do Fundão to the celebration at Quinta da Hera. Let’s create unforgettable memories together through wedding photographs that reflect your love story.

Give me a Call
Take a look at a complete wedding shoot, in black and white, at the Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos Hotel in Paço de Arcos, Oeiras
Between her unfocused arms, the groom combing his hair with his fingers.
The groom's mother helps him button up his shirt collar.
The groom buttoning his coat in a mirror.
Portrait of the groom as he got ready for the wedding.
Seen through the opening of a half-open door, the groom is seated on a piece of furniture in the living room.
The bride's dress hung by the window, near a table decorated with photographs and flowers.
The bride's diamond necklace, rolled up.
Mother and sister dress the bride.
A detail of hands squeezing the bride's dress.
The bride's sister carefully putting on her earrings.
Bride, sister and friends with her in front of a mirror.
Bride's face smiling, ready.
Bride, standing near guests as she waits to go to church.
The bride, with friends, goes downstairs to go to the wedding ceremony.
Interior of the Igreja Matriz do Fundão with the bride arriving at the altar, together with the groom, with his father.
The bride arrives at the altar of the ceremony, with the groom and the father.
The couple, standing, in the Igreja Matriz do Fundão at the wedding ceremony.
Between two large candles on the altar of the Igreja Matriz do Fundão, the groom and the bride.
Put the rings inside a box and next to the basket that I brought them to the ceremony.
The wedding ring on the bride's finger, just put on.
The bride and groom holding hands at the altar of the Mother Church of Fundão.
Interior of the Igreja Matriz do Fundão, with the priest consecrating the host, with the bride and groom and guests.
The bride and groom in front of the guests inside the church, for the wedding.
The bride's father, very emotional, hugs the couple, after the wedding rings ceremony.
The groom, inside the church, receives greetings from a guest.
With a golden winter light, the bride and groom leave the church amidst many flower petals.
Amidst the many flowers in the Quinta da Hera garden, the newlyweds look at each other.
Between the trunks of a tree in the garden, the bride and groom look at the wedding photographer, in a black and white portrait.
Almost cinematic image of the bride and groom in the garden of Quinta da Hera, in Covilhã.
Sitting opposite the groom on a bench in the garden, the bride looks back smiling at the groom.
Passing a small bridge in the garden, the bride and groom embraced.
Portrait of the groom, in a soft, warm light, sitting on a stone step.
Hand in hand, the bride and groom stroll through Quinta da Hera, in Covilhã.
Bride sitting on an old stone wall, next to two large old carvings.
The bride looks at the floor, next to two old pots, posing for the wedding photographer.
At the wedding party, the groom caresses a guest, close to the bride.
The groom is embraced by a guest with great effusion, along with the bride, as they distribute gifts.
The bride and groom cutting the wedding cake at Quinta da Hera in Covilhã.
Opening the wedding party dance by the bride and groom.
Bride and groom friends in a dance choreography at the wedding party.

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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