Wedding at La Distillerie, Portugal
Documentary Wedding Photography & Videography
Quinta do Casal Novo Wedding in Lisbon — A Tale of Two Seasons
A Wedding Venue for All Weathers
This is the kind of wedding that reminds me why I do this. When you mix the industrial grit of an old distillery with the soul of Alfama, and bring in families from Canada, Italy, and Portugal, you don’t just get a wedding—you get a cultural collision of the best possible kind.
La Distillerie is one of those venues that feels like a secret Lisbon handoff. It’s raw, it’s creative, and for this couple, it was the perfect stage for a day that broke every traditional rule in the book.
Before the “I dos,” we hit the streets for an engagement session that captured the pulse of Lisbon. We started on the iconic Pink Street, navigated the riverside vibes of the Tagus, and found a “secret” architectural spot near Cais do Sodré that perfectly mirrored the couple’s creative energy.
Photographer’s Note: Shooting in Cais do Sodré requires an eye for lines and light. We traded the typical “tourist shots” for something more editorial and architectural.
Morning Rituals: Alfama Lofts & City Lights
Logistics can make or break a wedding day’s “vibe.” The bride got ready in a cozy, sun-drenched loft in Alfama, just a two-minute walk from the venue. Meanwhile, the groom prepared in a sleek central Lisbon hotel. This contrast—the historic, winding soul of Alfama versus the modern pulse of the city—set the tone for a day of “layered” experiences.
Why Choose La Distillerie for Your Wedding?
For the couple who wants to move away from “white-tent” weddings, La Distillerie (A Destilaria) is a creative sanctuary:
Industrial Rawness: Exposed stone, high ceilings, and that “converted warehouse” feel that is rare in Lisbon.
The Alfama Connection: Its proximity to one of Lisbon’s most historic neighborhoods allows for a “village” feel within a major city.
Creative Flexibility: It’s a blank canvas. Whether you want a high-fashion editorial look or an intimate, candlelit dinner, the space adapts.
The Ceremony: Heartfelt & Expansive
The ceremony was heavy with presence. With three cultures coming together, the speeches weren’t just filler—they were bridges. There was a sense of shared history that felt both expansive (global) and intimate (personal).
The Back Alley Session: Urban Fire
Forget the manicured gardens. After the ceremony, we slipped away into the back alley of La Distillerie. This is where the magic happened. The industrial textures, the urban shadows, and the couple’s high-frequency energy turned a simple alleyway into a high-fashion set. It was raw, cinematic, and—honestly—fire.
Breaking the Flow: Darkness and First Dances
Usually, the first dance is a “scheduled event” late in the night. Here, they broke expectation. As soon as the couple entered the dining space, they went straight into their first dance.
The room was wrapped in darkness, lit only by atmosphere and emotion. It wasn’t staged; it was allowed to exist exactly as it was. Between courses, we had emotional dances with Mom and Dad, interspersed with speeches that kept the energy high and the hearts full.
FAQ: Planning a Wedding at La Distillerie (Lisbon)
Stay Local. Like this couple, having the bride in an Alfama loft and the groom in a central hotel makes logistics a breeze. Alfama is walkable, historic, and gives international guests the “real” Lisbon experience.
Never. It’s about mood. The darkness in the distillery provides a cinematic backdrop. As a photographer, I use the shadows to create depth. It’s a venue that demands a “Make Me Feel” approach rather than bright, airy poses.
Trust the process. It might look like just an alley, but through a lens, the industrial textures of La Distillerie’s surroundings provide a high-contrast, editorial look that you can’t get in a park.
Be Fluid. This wedding proved that dancing between speeches keeps the energy from dipping. La Distillerie’s layout allows for a seamless transition from dining to the dance floor.
If you’re planning a La Distillerie Wedding in Lisbon, or elsewhere in Portugal and want photography and videography that feels calm, honest, and deeply human, you’re in the right place.
