The Power of Presence: A Kuduro Celebration at Quinta dos Plátanos
Documentary Wedding Photography & Video
I’ll let you in on a secret: as you scroll through the gallery, you won’t even notice the “missing” couple session. Why? Because the story of Mariana and Bruno isn’t found in a quiet field with artificial poses; it’s found in the chaos of a 200-person hug, the laughter during the speeches, and the sweat on the dance floor.
Storytelling is about leading the viewer through the vibe of the day. By focusing on raw interactions, the narrative feels complete because it reflects exactly how the couple experienced their wedding: as a whirlwind of love and absolute presence.
Technical Insight: Storytelling is about leading the viewer through the vibe of the day. By focusing on raw interactions and the “unseen” moments, the narrative feels complete because it reflects exactly how the couple experienced their wedding: as a whirlwind of love and presence.
Why Choose Quinta dos Plátanos (Merceana/Alenquer)
Just a stone’s throw from the world-class surf breaks, this venue offers a perfect mix of traditional Portuguese architecture and lush, shaded gardens:
The Shaded Sanctuary: The massive plane trees (Plátanos) provide a natural, leafy canopy that creates a magical, dappled light—perfect for mid-afternoon cocktails with 200 people.
Coastal Proximity: You get the cool Atlantic breeze and that specific Ericeira light without the logistical headache of sand and wind on the actual beach.
Spacious Elegance: The main hall is a beast—it handles a large guest list with ease, making it one of the go-to spots in the region for big, high-energy families.
A Ceremony Owned by the People
Instead of a formal, rigid ceremony, Mariana and Bruno invited their inner circle to take the stage. Friends and family shared stories that were unfiltered, hilarious, and deeply moving. My documentary style thrives here—capturing the couple’s reactions as their own history is told back to them under the Ericeira sky.
Kuduro and Heritage: A Party Out of This World
The highlight of the night was the dance floor. With the groom’s family having deep roots in Angola, Kuduro took center stage. I’ve seen many parties, but the energy here was on another level. It wasn’t just dancing; it was a cultural explosion that shook the walls of the Quinta.
Technical Insight: Shooting Kuduro requires high-speed anticipation. The movement is fast and rhythmic. I used a mix of “shutter dragging” to capture the blur of the motion and sharp flashes to freeze expressions of pure joy. In these photos, you can practically hear the beat.
FAQ: Planning a Quinta dos Plátanos Wedding
Quinta dos Plátanos is brilliantly sheltered. While the coast might be breezy, the dense canopy of trees and the estate walls act as a natural windbreak, ensuring your 200 guests stay comfortable while enjoying the fresh sea air.
It actually makes the day much easier! It means we transition straight from the ceremony to the party. I stay in “stealth mode,” capturing you while you’re actually living your wedding. You get more photos of you laughing with your friends and less time spent walking away from the fun.
Absolutely. The reception hall at Quinta dos Plátanos is built for celebration. The acoustics are solid, and there’s plenty of room for a massive dance floor—essential when you have a family that knows how to move to Kuduro.
If you’re planning a Quinta dos Plátanos Wedding in Ericeira, or elsewhere in Portugal and want photography and videography that feels calm, honest, and deeply human, you’re in the right place.
