Unfiltered Joy: A Two-Day Masterclass at Our Quinta
Destination Wedding Photography & Video
After 12 years in the game, you think you’ve seen it all—and then you walk into a wedding like this. This wasn’t just a celebration; it was a masterclass in how to throw a party that actually reflects the people in it. Held at Our Quinta (a hidden gem in the hills near Ericeira), this two-day event was built on zero pressure and maximum personality.
When a wedding feels like a “gathering of friends” rather than a rigid sequence of events, that’s when the best documentary photography happens.
The celebration began 24 hours before the vows. No formal rehearsal dinner—just a relaxed pizza party at sunset. This is where I do my best work: capturing the easy conversations and the slow-building excitement. By the time the wedding day arrived, the “photographer/client” barrier had vanished. Everyone was just living.
Why Choose Our Quinta (Casa de Reguengos)?
Located in the lush hills of Malveira, Our Quinta offers a specific kind of sophisticated intimacy that is hard to find in larger venues:
Exclusivity by Design: As the boutique arm of Casa de Reguengos, it is tailored for smaller groups (around 50–80), ensuring the vast views never feel “empty.”
Modern-Rustic Aesthetic: It balances clean, modern architecture with the wild, green soul of the Mafra region.
The “Home” Vibe: It feels like you’ve been handed the keys to a luxury villa, allowing for unconventional rituals—like a surprise “Pope”—to feel perfectly at home.
The "Holy" Surprise: A Ceremony of Two Halves
Despite some passing showers, the ceremony stayed outdoors. The clouds actually provided a soft, flattering light that made the colors pop. The highlight? A friend dressed in full Pope regalia surprised the crowd by leading the entrance. After the laughter subsided, he changed into normal attire to conduct a ceremony that was a rollercoaster of emotional speeches and genuine humor. This is the “Make Me Feel” philosophy in its purest form.
The Couple Session: Beer, Gin, and Zero Poses
This is my favorite kind of session. We didn’t do “look at each other and smile” portraits. Instead, the couple grabbed a beer and a gin tonic, threw on their sunglasses, and we just went for a walk around the Quinta’s grounds.
I suggested the spots—utilizing the geometric lines of the venue and the natural greenery—and they did the rest. It was about flow, movement, and capturing them in their natural element: cool, relaxed, and unapologetically happy.
The Party: Shutter Drags and Saxophone Souls
The night ended in absolute, beautiful chaos. A saxophone player cut through the crowd, and the dance floor became electric. To capture that energy, I leaned almost entirely into shutter dragging.
Technical Insight: Shutter dragging allows me to freeze the couple with a flash while letting the ambient party lights and the motion of the saxophone blur into streaks of color. It’s the only way to photograph a party that feels like this one did—fast, loud, and unforgettable.
FAQ for Quinta do Casal Novo Wedding
The venue is expertly designed. Even if you have to move under cover, the large glass walls and modern structures ensure you never lose that “outdoor” connection to the Malveira hills.
100%. It removes the “first-day jitters.” When guests spend the night before eating pizza and watching the sunset together, the wedding day photography looks more natural because the “bonding” is already done.
While Casa de Reguengos is legendary for larger celebrations, Our Quinta is the “younger, boutique sister.” It’s more intimate, more modern, and perfect for couples who want a high-end feel for a smaller guest list.
Yes! The acoustics of the reception space at Our Quinta are fantastic. Whether it’s a DJ or a live performer, the energy stays contained and vibrant on the dance floor.
If you’re planning a Our Quinta 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.
