Casa da Orta:
Northern Charm and Golden Autumn Light
At this October wedding at Casa da Orta, the light was simply phenomenal. There is something about the way the autumn sun shines in this space that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for those looking for natural and emotional photographs.
But beyond the aesthetics, what impressed me was the fluidity of the day. The owners take extreme care with the details, ensuring that everything happens without apparent effort, allowing me and the bride and groom to focus only on what matters: celebrating and creating memories.
Light and Scale for Drones
This light is perfect for photography. The orientation of the farm allows us to capture that “golden hour” we love, creating golden contours and visual separation in portraits.
“The layout of the gardens with the house behind them works incredibly well for drone shots, allowing for ‘hero shots’ that show the scale of the party amid the greenery.”
Whether it's the entrance of the bride and groom or the cocktail hour in the garden, you can use the drone to give context to your story, capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the dynamics of the guests enjoying the outdoor space.
Stress-Free Logistics: The Church Next Door
There is one logistical detail that makes all the difference to the pace of the day, which is the fact that there is a church just a minute's walk from the venue. It may seem like a minor detail, but on a wedding day when time flies by, eliminating car journeys between the ceremony and the reception is a luxury.
This means that no one wastes time in traffic, guests arrive relaxed for the cocktail reception, and we gain precious daylight hours to continue documenting the wedding for your couple's photo shoot, without the pressure of having to rush from one place to another.
Gardens and Secret Corners
The garden is huge and offers a variety of settings that allow us to take group photos in a more private setting if you want to take photos only with your closest friends and family or even with everyone. It is also a beautiful location for the couple session.
The inner courtyard also has some beautiful areas, with stone textures and vegetation that work beautifully for more intimate portraits. The space is extremely versatile, whether you opt for the elegant marquee for larger weddings or the comfort of the house interior for smaller, more intimate celebrations.
The Magic of Lights at Night
When the sun sets, Casa da Orta comes to life, with hanging St. John's Day-style lights that give the outdoor space an immediate festive charm.
Photographically, this type of lighting always works well because it makes the space warmer and more inviting, avoiding the artificial look of white spotlights and creating a real summer party atmosphere in the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions:
My Experience on Site
1. Does the venue work well for civil weddings?
It works beautifully. The wedding I photographed there in October was a civil ceremony, and the garden setting created a natural backdrop for the exchange of vows, very romantic and without the need for excessive decoration to make it beautiful.
2. How is light managed for photography?
The venue enjoys excellent sun exposure, especially in the late afternoon. The shade provided by the trees allows us to take photographs even in strong sunlight without harsh shadows on faces, and the sunset in the open gardens is fantastic.
3. Is there enough space inside if it rains?
Yes, and it's very welcoming. For smaller weddings, the interior of the house has immense charm and character. For larger weddings, the tent they set up is sturdy and elegant, ensuring that plan B never feels like a “second choice.”
I’m Afonso!
I’m a wedding photographer in Porto, I capture the essence of your celebration, transforming every moment into timeless art. Here you’ll find reviews of the farms where we work, churches and other tips.
If you have any questions about your wedding planning trip, please contact me! I’d love to talk and help in any way I can! Until then, good planning!
Categories:
