As we kick off the weekend, I’m thrilled to share with you a truly enchanting Portuguese wedding that had me swooning from start to finish. The first glimpse of this stunning celebration was enough to leave me breathless, and I just can’t get enough of its romantic charm. The beauty of Lucia and João’s special day is evident in the smallest details – the delicate ribbon-wrapped bouquet featuring fluffy pale pink peonies that exude soft elegance.
The peaches and cream color palette is perfectly balanced by the subtle accents of lace and the majestic presence of white doves, adding to the overall ethereal atmosphere. The bride herself was a vision in her flowing layers of tulle ruffles, paired with a show-stopping statement necklace and a sleek, chic ballerina bun that framed her radiant smile.
And let’s not forget those sweet, tender kisses exchanged between Lucia and João beneath their stunning veil – it’s no wonder they’re beaming from ear to ear. Piteira Photography did an incredible job capturing the love, laughter, and magic of this unforgettable day, and I’m honored to have been able to share it with you.
From The Bride…
We cherish our cultural heritage, bringing a rich tapestry of traditions to our new life together. As a Romanian, I brought my own unique customs, while my husband Joao from Portugal, contributed his distinct cultural practices. The joy of having loved ones by our side was what made our special day truly unforgettable. With no specific theme in mind, we simply chose elements that reflected our personal styles – understated yet elegant.
Our colour palette featured a soft and romantic blend of pink, blush, coral, and nude tones. For my wedding, I wanted to celebrate Romanian design and talent. Natalia Vasiliev crafted my bespoke dress in her atelier, while Raluca Buzura, an incredibly gifted ceramicist and goldsmith, created the accessories that complemented my look perfectly. The only exception was my shoes, which were sourced from Freya Rose in London, where I reside – a simple yet elegant choice.
The Flowers
My fondness for peonies inspired me to create a stunning bouquet featuring lush, pale pink blooms with a subtle fragrance. To add a pop of color, I paired them with a vibrant coral-pink ribbon. Meanwhile, the centerpieces boasted a beautiful arrangement of roses, daisies, and other varieties that caught my eye.
Decor & Details
The wedding’s picturesque setting played a significant role in its overall charm. The quintessential ‘time stood still here’ ambiance was palpable as we explored the property’s lush hillsides covered in grapevines. Our initial visit left us enamored with the scenery, but it was the warmth and character of the Quinta that truly stole our hearts. We knew from the onset that this was the perfect setting for our special day.
The Refreshments
Our special day was a culinary journey, featuring a range of delightful options that catered to various tastes. The event took place at a picturesque vineyard, where guests could indulge in wine tasting and a traditional Portuguese BBQ. A formal sit-down meal and cheese and cakes buffet were also on offer, showcasing our cultural heritage with a modern twist.
Although I didn’t get the chance to try everything, I heard rave reviews from others – and I must admit that my regret over not having time for the wedding cake’s sweet treats still lingered the day after. To keep energy levels up throughout the night, we even provided a midnight snack of pregos, which proved to be a hit with our guests (and perhaps, in my case, a necessary sustenance to get me through until dawn).
The Wedding Music
As I strolled to meet my husband, the iconic melody of Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ filled the air. The serendipity of the moment was nothing short of magical; an experience etched in my memory forever. And then, as we prepared for our first dance, my husband surprised me with a romantic gesture that would become one of his most treasured love declarations – he sang Nat King Cole’s timeless classic ‘Unforgettable’ just for me.
Piteira Photography
Our discovery of Piteira Photography’s aesthetic, courtesy of our dedicated wedding planner Ann, was nothing short of enchanting, but what followed was a more significant challenge – convincing Kerry and Luis, based in Kinshasa, Africa, to collaborate with us remotely. The distance only added to the excitement as we finally connected via Skype, and upon meeting them, we were convinced that their expertise would transcend mere photography, capturing instead the essence of our unique love story.
The engagement session served as a brilliant icebreaker, revealing my husband’s natural flair for posing – a delightful surprise. As the wedding day unfolded, it was nothing short of a dream come true; we’re eager to settle into our new home and proudly display these cherished memories, reliving the magic that Piteira Photography so masterfully captured.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the authenticity of your special day by staying true to what you and your partner truly desire as it’s your wedding celebration, focus on making memories that matter, not trying to fit a certain mold or impress others. Don’t stress about last-minute changes; instead, take them in stride and cherish the moment with your loved one. Remember, life is full of unexpected twists and turns, but being surrounded by love and joy makes it all worthwhile.