Engagement Photo Session in Northern Portugal * Catarina + Sean

15 May ’15

Every year, when new wedding inquiries start coming in for the following season, a few wishes start forming in our minds. We hope to work with couples we truly connect with—people who challenge us creatively, who take us to beautiful places, who have meaningful stories to tell. We wish for couples who are relaxed and open, who let themselves be vulnerable and authentic in front of our lens, giving us the best possible gift: their trust, open hearts, and presence.

This wedding was exactly that—a beautiful blend of connection, creativity, and emotion. The couple, a Portuguese bride and a Canadian groom living in London, chose Portugal as the destination for their celebration. But not just any location—Casa da Ínsua.

Set in the heart of Penalva do Castelo, Casa da Ínsua is a stunning 18th-century manor turned boutique hotel, where history and charm go hand in hand. Surrounded by beautifully preserved French and English-style gardens and known for its regional wine and cheese production, the venue offers a truly unique experience that blends heritage, nature, and elegance in perfect harmony.

This venue held deep meaning for the bride’s family, as her grandparents had once worked there decades ago. To celebrate their marriage in a place rooted in family history made everything more emotional and personal.

The day before the wedding, we met for their engagement session. We walked around the charming village where the wedding would take place, soaking in the quiet moments and golden light. There’s something special about doing a photo session the day before—it breaks the ice, calms the nerves, and adds an extra layer of connection to the photos taken on the wedding day.

Later that evening, they welcomed their guests—who had flown in from all corners of the world—with a warm and joyful welcome dinner. It set the tone for the weekend: intimate, heartfelt, and full of laughter. The entire celebration felt like a tribute not only to their love story, but to their shared roots, their chosen home in London, and the people who mean the most to them. As a photographer, these are the stories I live for.