Wedding at Herdade da Emberiza, Alenquer | Catarina + Diogo

I always say that the best weddings are the ones where people just let things happen. Catarina and Diogo’s day in Alenquer was exactly that—no scripts, just a lot of honest emotion and some very funny, unexpected moments. It was one of those days that makes my job as a documentary photographer feel easy.

Tears at Igreja de São Francisco

The ceremony at Igreja de São Francisco was heavy on the emotion. Catarina chose to walk down the aisle with both her father and her grandfather, and it was a lot for them to take in. Both men were crying from the first step until they reached the altar. It was a raw, beautiful start to the day that set the tone for everything that followed.

Mimi and the Matraquilhos

Once we got to Herdade da Emberiza, the mood shifted into something much more relaxed. Aside from the newlyweds, the real star was their 5-year-old niece, Mimi. She was completely mesmerized by Catarina, spending the whole day following her around like she was looking at a real-life princess.

Then there were the "matraquilhos." Having a table football at the reception was a genius move. It brought out a serious competitive streak in their friends and led to some of the best candid shots of the afternoon.

The Ice Cream Box Strategy

Catarina’s dress, a beautiful piece by Epitô Atelier, was perfect for the venue’s vibe. But as much as I loved the aesthetics, my favorite detail of the night was much more practical. Catarina’s grandmother showed up with an empty ice cream box, ready to secure her slice of wedding cake to take home. Everyone was laughing about it—it’s that kind of genuine, "no-nonsense" family spirit that makes these days so special.

Tell Your Story

I’m all about capturing these kinds of real, unpolished moments—whether it’s a grandfather’s tears or a grandmother’s secret Tupperware. If you’re looking for a photographer in Portugal who cares more about the story than the poses, I’d love to hear from you.