Unscripted Heritage: A Solar de Pancas Wedding Story
Destination Wedding Photography & Video in Alenquer
Weddings at Solar de Pancas always feel like stepping into a refined piece of Portuguese history. But for this specific day, the historic walls of this Alenquer estate served as the backdrop for something far more important: a masterclass in staying present, laughing off the “fails,” and keeping things real.
From drone-mapped seating plans to a wine box ritual that didn’t go exactly as planned, this was a day defined by its unscripted charm.
The day began with a short 5-minute gap between our protagonists. The groom prepared within the storied rooms of the venue itself, while the bride stayed just down the road. This proximity is a dream for a documentary team—it allows the narrative to breathe without the stress of a long commute.
Before heading to the altar, we captured a First Look with Dad. These are the “Make Me Feel” moments that anchor a gallery. Then, it was time for the First Look with the Groom at the venue—a quiet beat of connection before the whirlwind began.
Why Choose Solar de Pancas (Alenquer)?
Solar de Pancas is a quintessential 15th-century manor that offers a perfect “countryside-chic” aesthetic:
The Iconic Facade: The yellow-toned manor house and the long driveway are legendary for wide-angle, cinematic shots.
The Patio/Courtyard: It offers a sheltered, intimate space for ceremonies that feels both grand and private.
The Light: Situated in the Alenquer valley, the venue catches a soft, golden glow in the late afternoon that is incredibly flattering for garden cocktails.
The Patio Ceremony: Drone Views & Wine Boxes
We started the ceremony coverage with a drone perspective to showcase the architectural beauty of the seating plan in the patio. It’s a great way to give couples a “God’s eye view” of the space they spent months planning.
The ceremony itself was full of laughter. They had planned a Wine Box Ritual—placing letters to each other in a box with a bottle of wine to be opened during their first fight. Small problem: they forgot the letters. As I told them then: if there are no letters to open during a fight, I guess you’re just not allowed to fight!
The Reality of the Couple Session: Handling the "Camera-Hating" Couple
Let’s be honest: most people aren’t professional models. This couple, in particular, was not a fan of the lens. To make matters more challenging, we were a team of four elements (2 photographers and 2 videographers).
Expert Insight: In an intimate setting, a 4-person media team can feel obtrusive. As a photographer, I prefer a leaner “1+1” setup to keep the atmosphere quiet. However, when the team is larger, the secret is speed and distance. We kept the session lightning-fast, giving them space to just be together rather than performing for us.
The Celebration: Speeches & Pure Energy
The cocktail hour was a series of unscripted family moments—the kind of “fly-on-the-wall” photography I live for. By the time we moved to the speeches, the groom had officially taken the title of “funniest guy in the room.” The party that followed was simple, high-energy, and a perfect reflection of a couple who just wanted to enjoy their people.
FAQ: Planning Your Solar de Pancas Wedding
Yes. The venue is expansive and can handle large groups without feeling crowded, though it feels remarkably intimate for mid-sized weddings too.
The patio offers some natural shade depending on the time of day, but I always recommend scheduling your ceremony for the late afternoon to catch the best light and coolest temperatures.
Absolutely. The open architecture of the Alenquer valley and the geometry of the Solar make it one of the best spots for aerial photography.
If you are camera-shy, consider a smaller team (one lead photographer and one videographer). It minimizes the “paparazzi” feel and lets you relax into the moment.
If you’re planning a Solar de Pancas Wedding in Alenquer, or elsewhere in Portugal and want photography and videography that feels calm, honest, and deeply human, you’re in the right place.
