Breaking the Score: A Tale of Two Palaces and a Windstorm
The Prelude: Palacio da Anunciada
The day began at the Palacio da Anunciada, a venue that feels like a love letter to the arts. We held an intimate ceremony in a room where the ceilings are adorned with paintings of musical instruments—a subtle, poetic nod to the couple’s profession.
Photographer’s Note: The light in these historic rooms is directional and dramatic. I focused on the “lines” of the architecture and the instruments above, framing the couple within their own history.
The Interlude: Ubers and City Views
There’s something incredibly grounded and modern about a couple in full wedding attire jumping into an Uber to get to their own reception. We left the history of Anunciada behind and headed to Olissippo Lapa Palace, moving from the heart of the city to one of its most iconic vantage points.
This is where the “Make Me Feel” philosophy met pure technical improvisation. The pool area at Lapa Palace was pitch black—not ideal for photography, but perfect for a moment of human connection.
Instead of setting up sterile professional flashes, I asked the guests to point their phone torches at the couple. The result? A raw, shimmering, DIY spotlight that felt more magical than any expensive lighting rig could provide.
Technical Insight: Shooting with phone lights requires a wide-open aperture and a steady hand. The multiple light sources create a unique “bokeh” effect and a warm, communal glow that highlights the faces of the people who matter most.
The Finale: Trashing the Dress in Sintra
We saved the “drama” for last. We headed to the mountains of Sintra for a post-wedding session during a literal windstorm.
The Atmosphere: Cold skin, messy hair, and big hearts.
The Result: We traded palace perfection for raw, Alentejo-esque wildness.
Seeing an elegant bridal gown whipped by the Sintra winds while the couple laughed through the cold is a reminder that the most beautiful photos happen when you stop trying to be “perfect.”
FAQ: Planning a Multi-Venue Lisbon Wedding
Lisbon is a city of “hills and thrills.” If you are moving between Palacio da Anunciada and Lapa Palace, keep your guest list intimate and don’t be afraid to use modern transport. It keeps the day moving and prevents the “stagnation” that can happen at single-venue weddings.
Don’t panic. As seen in this wedding, your guests are your best resource! Using phone lights creates a “paparazzi-chic” or “starry night” vibe that looks incredible in a documentary-style gallery. It’s about embracing the environment rather than fighting it.
Absolutely—especially if you have a dramatic location like Sintra nearby. It allows you to get the “epic” shots that you simply don’t have time (or the weather) for on the actual wedding day. Plus, there’s a massive psychological relief in letting the dress get a little messy after being careful with it all day!
If you’re planning a Lisbon Palace Wedding, or elsewhere in Portugal and want photography and videography that feels calm, honest, and deeply human, you’re in the right place.
