The Wedding Photographer in Leiria: at Quinta dos Lagos

THE WAY by THE PORTUGAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

The bride and groom leaving the church under a shower of small sheets of white paper, by the wedding photographer in Leiria.

The photos belong to the wedding with the ceremony at the Igreja Matriz da Caranguejeira and the party at Quinta dos Lagos in Leiria


• Pode ler este artigo em Português. 

Wet wedding, blessed wedding

Groom paying attention to the buttoning of the shirt cuff.

It was, without a doubt, the most physically demanding wedding I’ve ever done—not because it was difficult, quite the opposite, but because it was physically exhausting. I set out the day before to the groom’s house, Celestino, in Pardilhó, near Estarreja.

On the way, I started to fear for the following day when the rain began—first slowly, the kind that irritates you because the wipers don’t need to be constantly on, but when they’re off, you slowly start going blind from the blurred windshield and barely notice the road vanishing.

Then it turned heavy and relentless, with the radio hosts warning that the next day would bring more of the same. Despite the saying “wet wedding, blessed wedding,” I doubt any wedding photographers charged with writing with light the next day would find it amusing

A good omen for the wedding photographer

The groom in a mirror preparing his shirt collar for a tie.

However, the next morning, bright and early, brought a post-storm light, clean, luminous, promising good things for the rest of the day, which turned out to be true. The house of Celestino’s father provided a wonderful setting for what awaited us. The problem was that the bride and the rest of the day’s plans were still quite a few kilometres away, which meant motorway driving—something that doesn’t particularly please me.

I much prefer the slower but more dynamic national roads over the monotonous fast lanes dictated by the GPS voice. Once we arrived in Leiria, we were warmly welcomed by the bride’s family, Vanessa’s, where my right index finger’s love for clicking was rewarded by the photos you’ll see below.

The wedding ceremony and celebration

The groom and sister in conversation after the groom is ready for the wedding ceremony.

Ceremony in the beautiful Igreja Matriz da Caranguejeira and celebration at Quinta dos Lagos with cheerful guests ready to party. And in the end, the wedding day of Vanessa and Celestino went by quickly.
Heading home, with a few more kilometres still ahead, it didn’t seem so tough after all. Maybe that’s why they say when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work? Maybe so!…

The groom on an old pedal bike.

Preparations and Emotions: The Beginning of a Memorable Day

Bride with her head on a make-up pillow.

Vanessa and Celestino’s wedding began with a journey marked by anticipation and unpredictable weather. The drive to Pardilhó, near Estarreja, to capture the groom’s preparations, was met with persistent rain, raising concerns about the following day’s conditions. However, the wedding morning revealed itself to be bright and promising, dissolving all prior worries.

Celestino’s father’s house provided a warm and charming setting for the morning preparations. Later, the journey to Leiria took us to Vanessa’s home, where the wedding photographer was warmly received by her family. The atmosphere was one of joy and enthusiasm, reflected in the images captured throughout the preparations.

  • Initial drive to Pardilhó to follow the groom’s preparations
  • Adverse weather the day before, followed by a bright wedding morning
  • Bride’s preparations in Leiria, surrounded by a warm and enthusiastic family environment

Ceremony at Igreja Matriz da Caranguejeira: A Historic Bond

Bride, smiling, with the hairdresser.

The religious ceremony took place in the majestic Igreja Matriz da Caranguejeira, dedicated to Saint Christopher. This temple, with its five richly adorned altars, stands as a historic and spiritual landmark in the region. Its architecture and sacred elements provided a solemn and inspiring backdrop for Vanessa and Celestino’s union.

Natural light filled the church’s interior, enhancing the beauty of the space and creating an ethereal atmosphere for the photographs captured during the ceremony. The presence of emotional and engaged guests helped create unforgettable memories of this special moment.

  • Ceremony held in the historic Igreja Matriz da Caranguejeira, dedicated to Saint Christopher
  • Solemn and inspiring atmosphere, highlighted by sacred architecture and details
  • Photographs taken in natural light, enhancing the moment’s beauty

Celebration at Quinta dos Lagos: Joy and Festivities in Leiria

The bride's brother takes a picture of her.

After the ceremony, guests headed to Quinta dos Lagos in Leiria for the wedding reception. This venue, known for its elegance and modern infrastructure, provided the perfect setting for a memorable party. With its large gardens, landscaped areas, and a glass-walled room overlooking water features, the venue delivered a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere.

The Quinta dos Lagos team demonstrated professionalism and commitment, ensuring that every detail matched the couple’s expectations. The cuisine, based on traditional Portuguese dishes, was served with elegance and delighted all in attendance. The party went on until late, with music, dancing, and moments of pure joy, culminating in the cake cutting followed by a fireworks show.

  • Reception held at the elegant Quinta dos Lagos in Leiria
  • Romantic and sophisticated ambiance, with gardens and a panoramic glass room
  • Traditional Portuguese cuisine served with refinement
  • Lively party with music, dancing, and a fireworks show

Conclusion: A Blessed Wedding Day

Smiling bride.

Vanessa and Celestino’s wedding was a true celebration of love, unity, and joy. From the initial preparations to the reception at Quinta dos Lagos, every moment was lived with intensity and happiness. The blend of historical sites and modern spaces helped create an unforgettable day for both the couple and their guests.

  • The wedding was filled with emotion, joy, and celebration
  • The combination of historic and modern venues made the day unforgettable
  • Wedding photographs captured the essence and beauty of each moment

At your service

Wet wedding, blessed wedding. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer to capture every emotion and detail of your special day, I’m here to transform those moments into timeless memories. Get in touch and let’s immortalise your wedding day together.

Give me a Call
Discover a complete wedding portfolio, in black and white, at the Igreja Matriz de Santo António in Reguengos de Monsaraz
and the party at the Pyramids of S. Pedro in Alandroal
Groom's belt, rolled up, over his waistcoat.
The groom, with his back turned out of focus, and seeing himself in the mirror putting on his tie.
Groom, standing, in front of a mirror on the wall, above a piece of furniture.
The groom's sister helps him fasten his shirt cufflinks.
The groom's sister and he, looking at themselves in the mirror at the end of dressing for the wedding ceremony.
Portrait of the groom with his sister by a window with flowers on the windowsill.
The groom at his parents' house.
Portrait of the groom in the garden of his parents' house.
Portrait of the groom.
Bride, sitting, while her eyes are painted.
Detail of the lace of the bride's dress for the wedding.
The bride's shoes near the dress.
Pulling the bride's hair into her hairstyle.
In between blurs, the bride while her dress is buttoned.
The bride sees herself in the mirror and the mother buttons her dress.
Putting on the earrings for the wedding.
Detail of hands squeezing the bride's dress.
Ready, with a veil in her hair, the bride looks at herself in the mirror.
In a mirror, the bride with the bouquet in her hand.
Among flowers, out of focus, the bride smiles.
The bride descends the stairs of the house to leave for the wedding ceremony.
Inside the car the bride talking to someone.
The groom enters the Church with his baby son in his arms.
The church door as the bride enters.
The Matriz da Caranguejeira church with all those who are at the wedding.
Bride and groom in front of the priest, next to the church altar.
The bride and groom seated in front of the priest and in the midst of guests.
The bride smiles during the wedding ceremony.
Boy, sitting in the Igreja Matriz da Caranguejeira, looking at the ceiling.
The groom attentively at the wedding ceremony.
The bride, together with the groom, reads the marriage oath.
Bride and groom smiling in front of the priest at the Igreja Matriz da Caranguejeira.
The bride and groom together at the altar at the end of the wedding ceremony.
As they leave the church, the bride talks.
The bride entering a car full of shades of blue.
The groom in the car leaving for the wedding feast.
The bride and groom enter Quinta dos Lagos in Leiria.
The groom opens a bottle of champagne, with the bride at his side and musicians behind.
The groom while talking to someone at the wedding.
The bride and groom, side by side, paying attention to something.
The bride and groom applaud something that happened at the reception at Quintas dos Lagos in Leiria.
The bride, sitting among the plants in the Quinta dos Lagos garden.
Bride with the groom beside her.
Laughing bride, with the groom next to her, behind her and holding hands.
Between the hedges of the Quinta dos Lagos garden in Leiria, the bride and groom laugh.
Bride and groom in the garden, leaning against a garden hedge.
The newlywed couple over a dark red wall.
The groom gives the bride a scented flower in the garden.
Bride and groom hugging the bride laughing a lot.
Among the trees in the garden, the bride and groom in a black and white photograph.
The bride and groom enter the wedding meal room together.
Among the guests, the bride's parents during the beginning of the ball.
The groom, with huge blue glasses, giving an interview at the wedding.
Bride and groom singing with a band.
The bride singing at her wedding reception.
The wedding cake, on a decorated table at Quinta dos Lagos in Leiria.
In a shower of fireworks, the groom calls the bride.
The bride and groom kiss, while tears of light fall around them.
The bride and groom cutting 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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