Cat and Zach had their wedding at Estufa Fria, Lisbon in 2022. We had our first meeting in 2019, not knowing that 3 years would pass until their wedding day. The pandemic brought an uncertainty that made many couples cancel their weddings abroad, but not Cat & Zach! With the help of Olivia from Nulyweds, they had an incredible wedding at what is now one of my favourite venues in Lisbon.
But first – and as always – here’s a little recap!
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Intimate wedding in Lisbon
I’ve photographed big and small weddings. Over time I’ve come to prefer the smaller ones as they’re less stressful and I feel like they have more soul, because I can dedicate more time to the people that really matter. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to choose the guests for your own wedding, but once the wedding is over it is a great feeling to know that you’ve dedicated enough time to each person. So, if you’re working on the guest list for your own wedding – when in doubt, choose less!
Plus, a big wedding couldn’t have happened at Estufa Fria. Not in that perfect little corner – check the images below!
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Estufa Fria, one of the top wedding venues in Lisbon
This was the first wedding I photographed at Estufa Fria. I have been to every other known wedding venue in Lisbon and this was the last on my bucket list of wedding venues. And it absolutely did not disappoint me! I fell in love with the venue and will hope to start taking the family there for a little time off.
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The number one thing I love about American weddings is…
…the speeches! Unfortunately speeches aren’t common in Portuguese weddings, although that is slowly changing with the increasing number of wedding celebrants. All other nationalities I’ve photographed had speeches on their wedding day, but the best ones were always the american ones! Always very thought of and emotive, to the point of making me want to stop photographing and pay attention to what is being said.
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An American party with a Portuguese soul
Cat’s parents are Portuguese, as are some of the guests. Her father told me he was hoping his daughter would marry in Porto, where he is from. Traditionally there’s some rivalry between the two major cities in Portugal, Lisbon and Porto, so I understand his point. And yes, there are many good venues to photograph in Porto, but I believe Estufa Fria is unique in Portugal. What do you think?
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If you liked this style of documentary photography, please leave me a comment. You can also check some of my other stories HERE.
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Suppliers
Wedding planner: Nulyweds
Hair & Makeup: B-lust
Celebrant: Your European Wedding Celebrant
Floral design: Flor de Laranjeira
