Boho Elegance in the Heart of Lisbon: Dóris & Diogo at Palácio dos Aciprestes
Documentary Wedding Photography & Video
A Stylish Lisbon Morning
The day began in the center of Lisbon. Dóris and Diogo opted for preparations in their own stylish homes, grounding the start of their story in a place that truly felt like them. Dóris leaned into a flowy, ethereal boho aesthetic, while Diogo kept it modern and relaxed in a sharp grey suit without a tie—the perfect look for a warm Portuguese celebration.
Photographer’s Note: The light in central Lisbon apartments is some of my favorite to work with. It’s directional, moody, and highlights the “human” textures of the morning jitters.
Why Palácio dos Aciprestes?
For couples looking for an “oasis” feel without leaving the Lisbon area, this venue is a hidden gem.
18th-Century Grandeur: The palace offers high ceilings, intricate chandeliers, and a grand staircase that screams classic romance.
The “Boho” Contrast: While the palace is formal, the lush gardens and fountains allow for a “boho-chic” transition—exactly what Dóris achieved with pampas grass and colorful floral arches.
Versatility: You get the best of both worlds: regal indoor architecture for night portraits and expansive greenery for an outdoor ceremony.
The Ceremony: Pampas & Promises
The ceremony at Palácio dos Aciprestes was a masterclass in boho styling. The altar was framed by pampas grass and vibrant textures, creating an intimate “secret garden” vibe. Because of my friendship with Dóris, capturing the vows felt like documenting a family moment—easy, authentic, and full of laughter.
Night Portraits: Painting with Light
While most photographers rush to do portraits at sunset, I decided to take Dóris and Diogo inside the palace at night. The grand staircase and chandeliers take on a completely different character once the sun goes down.
By embracing the shadows and the warm glow of the palace lighting, we created images that felt cinematic and timeless. It was about capturing the “spirit” of the palace rather than just the architecture.
The Party: Shisha, Camp Lights, and... A Fire?
The reception was a sensory experience. Dinner was held outdoors, illuminated by stylish camp lights that kept the boho atmosphere alive under the stars. The highlight? A dedicated shisha bar area with low tables and colorful cushions that turned the garden into a mystical lounge.
Technical Insight: Shooting a party with shisha smoke is a dream. The smoke catches the party lights, creating a “hazy,” mystical texture in the background of the dance floor shots.
And yes, as a reminder that weddings are live events—we had a small fire hazard moment! Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it made for a “fire” photo (literally) that perfectly capped off an unforgettable night.
FAQ: Planning Your Palácio dos Aciprestes Wedding
As seen in Dóris and Diogo’s wedding, you can use the lush gardens for your ceremony and decorate with natural elements like pampas grass and colorful floral arches to soften the palace’s formal architecture.
Hosting an outdoor dinner with camp lights creates a cozy, magical atmosphere. You can also set up unique features like a shisha bar with colorful cushions to provide a relaxed social space for guests.
While the gardens are great for daytime shots, the palace interiors truly shine at night. The grand staircase and chandeliers create a more romantic and elegant feeling under artificial light.
If you’re planning a Palacio dos Aciprestes 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.
