December Magic at Quinta dos Machados: From Wine Presses to Soap Bubbles
Documentary Wedding Photography & Video
The day began in the historic rooms of the estate, highlighting a classic wedding day dynamic: the groom, Francisco, was a bundle of nerves, while Ana was the picture of serenity, relaxing into the process as her makeup artist worked her magic. These quiet moments in the estate’s charming rooms are essential for setting the narrative tone of the day.
Photographer’s Note: I love the texture of the stone and wood in the rooms here. It provides a grounded, “homey” feel that helps settle even the most nervous groom.
The Lagar: A Ceremony in a Wine Press
Quinta dos Machados features one of the most unique ceremony spaces in the Lisbon region: a transformed wine press with soaring wooden ceilings. It creates a “Rustic-Chic” atmosphere that is naturally warm—perfect for a December wedding. The ceremony was led by friends and family, turning the formal “I dos” into a series of funny speeches and nostalgic childhood stories.
Pro-Tip for Soap Bubbles: If you’re opting for bubbles instead of petals, timing is everything! I recommend having guests start blowing a few seconds before the couple enters the corridor to ensure the air is filled with shimmer. It takes a little coordination, but the results are pure magic on camera.
Why Choose Quinta dos Machados for a Winter Wedding?
For couples looking to marry in the “off-season,” this venue is a top-tier choice:
Thermal Comfort & Style: The indoor spaces, like the Lagar, are cozy and protected from the elements while maintaining a high-end aesthetic.
Architectural Variety: Even if it’s too cold for a long outdoor session, the estate’s historic courtyards and archways offer plenty of sheltered spots for stunning portraits.
Aerial Potential: As we did for Ana and Francisco, the layout of the estate is perfect for drone photography, capturing the historic scale of the property against the winter landscape.
A Different Perspective: Aerial Storytelling
Because the December air was a bit chilly, we kept the couple session efficient and fun. We utilized a mix of ground-level documentary shots and aerial drone photography. This perspective allows us to show the couple within the “map” of their wedding day, providing a cinematic scale that traditional shots can’t reach.
Emotional Tempos: The Grandmother's Dance
The reception moved into the main hall for the cake cutting and the party, but the emotional climax happened on the dance floor. In a moment that gave everyone chills, Ana shared an emotional dance with her grandmother.
It was the perfect reminder that while weddings are about a new union, they are also a celebration of the roots that brought us here. The night ended with a “lit” party that proved you don’t need summer heat to have a burning dance floor.
FAQ: Planning Your Quinta dos Machados Wedding
Quinta dos Machados is built for all seasons. The “Lagar” is one of the most beautiful indoor ceremony sites in Portugal, meaning your “Plan B” is actually a “Plan A+.” We can do your portraits in the covered courtyards or even the wine press itself to keep you warm and dry.
It changes the entire “vibe” of the day. As seen with Ana and Francisco, having someone who knows you personally lead the vows allows for inside jokes and a much more relaxed, emotional atmosphere. It makes your guests feel like active participants rather than just spectators.
As long as the wind and rain are manageable, absolutely! Winter light is often very soft and flattering from the air. It’s a great way to capture the architecture of the Quinta and the surrounding forests in their moody, winter beauty.
If you’re planning a Quinta dos Machados Wedding in Malveira, or elsewhere in Portugal and want photography and videography that feels calm, honest, and deeply human, you’re in the right place.
