There are weddings, and then there are weddings. The kind that linger in your heart long after the day ends, reminding you why you fell in love with capturing love stories in the first place. Nabeela and Christian’s breathtaking destination wedding in Sintra was one of those moments. Held at the iconic Casa dos Penedos, their day was not only a feast for the eyes but also for the soul — a perfect blend of elegance, emotion, and genuine connection that made every moment extraordinary.
Uma viagem que começa com uma troca de votos na praia
My journey with Nabeela and Christian began long before their wedding day. We first met during their engagement photoshoot, where they exchanged vows on a private Portuguese beach. The sun was setting, Sintra’s iconic fog was rolling in, and their love was palpable. It was one of those moments where time seemed to stand still. From the moment I met them during their engagement photoshoot, I knew they were special. As me and Nabeela bonded over our shared love for Taylor Swift (yes, we’re both huge Swifties!), I could see myself being friends with Nabeela beyond the wedding day. It’s such a joy to work with couples who feel like kind spirits — it makes creating art together even more rewarding.
Their decision to take this step before the big day set the tone for everything that followed. From that emotional afternoon, I knew their wedding was going to be something extraordinary — and it was.
Um início de dia calmo e privado
O dia começou no elegante Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, onde a Nabeela se preparou para as celebrações ao lado da sua mãe e irmã, enquanto o Christian se arranjava com o pai e os seus amigos. A atmosfera era calma, serena, intima e a antecipação era palpável. Estes momentos mais íntimos, longe da confusão dos convidados, permitiu a estes noivos saborear com tranquilidade o início deste dia.
Após estar pronta, seguiram-se uma séria de first looks para a Nabeela. As damas de honor (bridesmaids) foram as primeiras a ver o magnífico vestido Jenny Yoo , e as suas reações foram impagáveis.
Depois, seguiu-se um momento a sós com o pai, recheado de emoções e muito amor, que os deixou (e a mim também, se estamos a ser sinceros), com os olhos cheios de lágrimas. Finalmente chegou a altura da Nabeela e o Christian terem o seu first look, um momento de alegria e carinho que reflete na perfeição a relação deles. O Christian, elegante como sempre, vestia um fato da Brooks Brothers , e juntos faziam a personificação da elegância intemporal.
Um casamento em Sintra inesquecível
A cerimónia e a festa tiveram lugar na icónica Casa dos Penedos, uma venue caracterizada pelo charme e romance da vila de Sintra. Com as paisagens verdes e um ambiente místico, todos os detalhes deste dia pareciam saídos de um filme da Disney.
A incrível equipa da Escape Eventos brought the couple’s vision to life, from the romantic floral arrangements to the elegant décor, they made sure the venue was a reflection of Nabeela and Christian’s love story.
Uma festa que fica para a história
Desde os discursos sentimentais que nos deixaram a todos (sim, a todos mesmo) em lágrimas, às vibrantes batidas proporcionadas pelo D’Johnz, todos os momentos desta festa foram inesquecíveis. Make My Day estava encarregue do vídeo de casamento, e garantir que em paralelo com a minha fotografia, que esta história de amor viverá para sempre. O delicioso catering ficou a cargo do Penha Longa , e foi a cereja no topo do bolo para um dia tão saboroso.
A magia da conexão
What made this wedding truly unforgettable wasn’t just the beautiful setting or the impeccable planning; it was the bond we shared. Nabeela and Christian trusted me completely, giving us time throughout the day to create images that weren’t just photos—they were art.
As a candid wedding photographer, I thrive on these connections. When a couple lets their guard down, magic happens. Nabeela’s sweetness, Christian’s quiet strength, and their shared joy made every shot a masterpiece. It’s such a joy to work with couples who trust you, it makes creating art together even more rewarding.
One detail I’ll never forget is one of the answers on the form I ask my couples to fill out before their wedding day. When Nabeela and Christian shared that they wanted a photo with me, I was deeply touched. In all my years of photographing weddings, no one had ever asked for that. It was a beautiful reminder of the trust and connection we had built. From the quiet moments to the vibrant celebrations, every image tells a story of their love and joy.
Um adeus agridoce
Entregar a galeria deste casamento foi seguramente agridoce. Por um lado estava super entusiasmada por poder partilhar as fotografias deste dia com eles, por outro lado, é tão difícil dizer adeus a um casal tão incrível. Nabeela e Christian, a vossa história de amor e a jornada que partilhamos juntos terá sempre um lugar especial no meu coração.
Os fornecedores que tornaram este dia mágico
Cada detalhe deste magnífico casamento em Sintra ficou a cargo de uma dream tem de fornecedores:
Localização das preparações: Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa
Wedding Planner & Decor: Escape Eventos
Fotografia: Rita Plácido Photography
Vídeo: Make My Day
Flores: Escape Eventos
Vestido de noiva: Jenny Yoo
Groom’s Attire: Brooks Brothers
Venue: Casa dos Penedos
Catering: Penha Longa
DJ: D’Johnz
Sintra como plano de fundo para o vosso casamento
Sintra’s timeless beauty, lush landscapes, and historic venues make it an unbeatable location for couples dreaming of a romantic destination wedding. Whether it’s the misty charm of the hills or the grandeur of venues like Casa dos Penedos, Sintra offers an unmatched atmosphere for saying “I do.” Sintra is the ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic, picturesque, and accessible location for their wedding. Nestled just a short drive from Lisbon and its international airport, Sintra offers the perfect balance between convenience and tranquility. Its proximity to the bustling city means guests can easily travel in, while its serene atmosphere provides an escape into nature and history.
For those looking to extend the celebration, Sintra is also close to the charming coastal town of Cascais, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. The area is home to a range of luxurious accommodations, such as Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, ensuring both couples and guests can relax in style. With its unique combination of natural beauty, rich heritage, and modern amenities, Sintra truly offers everything needed for an unforgettable destination wedding.
If you’re planning your own destination wedding in Sintra, Cascais, or elsewhere, let’s create something unforgettable.
Vamos conversar e dar início à vossa viagem!
