Portugal Destination Wedding – The Algarve
As we stepped into Amy and Brian’s Portugal destination wedding in the Algarve, we were transported to a whimsical world of romance and magic. The couple, who chose the location as a place close to their hearts, brought together a bohemian-chic celebration that would leave their guests enchanted. With Amy’s expertise in event planning, the logistics of the day unfolded seamlessly, despite any challenges that arose. Amidst the breathtaking cliff top views, they exchanged vows before dancing under the stars in a transparent marquee adorned with twinkling fairy lights – an atmosphere that was nothing short of enchanting. We were particularly taken by the effortless style of Amy and Brian’s outfits, which seemed to embody their carefree nature. The neutral color palette and lush greenery that dominated the décor and flowers added an air of sophistication, while the elegant stationery brought a touch of whimsy to the overall aesthetic. As we delved deeper into the couple’s special day, it became clear that the celebrations didn’t stop at the wedding itself – they continued long after the sun had set. Ana Parker Photography kindly shared their stunning images with us, capturing every moment in exquisite detail.
The Proposal
We embarked on an unforgettable adventure at Glastonbury in July 2017, where Brian popped the question amidst the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. Our campervan journey from London had already set the tone for an exciting getaway, and a sizzling Thursday evening spent exploring the fields with friends only added to the excitement. The next morning, we started the day with a barbecue breakfast under the scorching sun, followed by a thrilling escapade that included hiking up to the iconic Glastonbury sign. As we took in the breathtaking views of the festival from above, Brian suggested we grab a drink at the bar – a quaint stall nestled on the sun-baked grass – and that’s when he led me away from our original destination towards the sign. With my jaw dropped in shock, I found myself saying yes to his proposal as we opened a bottle of champagne to toast our love. We then proudly shared the news with our families before dancing the night away with friends at Future Islands, cementing an incredible weekend that will forever be etched in our memories.
The Vision
For our wedding, I aimed to create an unforgettable experience that would stand out from other celebrations. With over 10 years in Event Planning under my belt, I drew on my expertise to craft a day that was truly one-of-a-kind. We chose the Algarve in Portugal as the backdrop, partly because it holds sentimental value – my parents have a home there, which felt like a warm hug. The location also offered a unique setting: a cliff-top peninsula with breathtaking views of two secluded beaches, accessible only by boat. This ensured that our special day would be free from distractions and disruptions. To emphasize the stunning vistas, we opted for a transparent marquee that allowed the natural beauty to shine through. As the sun began to set during dinner, the sky transformed into a warm pink hue, while thousands of twinkling fairy lights lining the ceiling above created a magical ambiance – truly a memorable moment that our guests would cherish.
The Planning Process
As an event planner, I relished the opportunity to organize my own wedding and drew upon my expertise to ensure every detail fell into place. The remote location of our chosen venue posed a unique challenge – it’s not easily accessible by car, with the final approach requiring a 5-10 minute detour onto a track. This raised concerns about suppliers’ ability to reach us, but fortunately all managed to arrive safely. I was in regular contact with numerous vendors, including caterers, florists, AV technicians, and photographers, many of whom initially expressed skepticism about our plans due to the venue’s remoteness and our large guest list of 160. However, I remained confident that we could find a team up to the task.To tackle the catering aspect, which was crucial given the logistical complexities involved, I sought out a provider who shared my attention to detail. I was fortunate to find ‘At’, a former owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant with a catering company, who proved invaluable in bringing our vision to life. To facilitate the event, we set up a standalone kitchen in a small marquee and hired a generator to provide additional power for the reception area located at the cliff edge. The planning process was meticulous, but it paid off, allowing us to tie in site visits and minimize potential issues. Ultimately, our carefully laid plans allowed us to enjoy a stress-free celebration with our loved ones.
The Venue
I had always envisioned a setting that offered a mix of land and coast, allowing us to build our own unique venue from the ground up. After scouring the Portuguese coastline from Quinta do Lago to Sintra, I stumbled upon a family-owned estate on Airbnb near Carvoeiro called Quinta Albasol. This remarkable property sits atop a sprawling site that stretches down to the cliff’s edge, providing access to secluded beaches and boasting breathtaking views. It was as if we had stumbled upon a blank canvas, just waiting for us to bring our vision to life.
The house has been in Cecilia’s family for years, and she was an invaluable resource throughout the entire process. Her recommendations and guidance were instrumental in helping us turn our dream into a reality. Looking back, it’s clear that we were fortunate to have her on our side – but what made it truly remarkable was the serendipitous nature of our connection. As it turns out, my uncle, who just so happened to be the priest who performed our ceremony, had lived in Lisbon for a time many years ago. Cecilia recognized him as the same priest who had officiated at her sibling’s communions 20 years prior – a small world indeed.
The Readings & Music
As we exchanged vows, a talented string quartet serenaded us with a diverse selection of songs, perfectly complementing the intimate atmosphere of our ceremony and the festive ambiance of the subsequent Champagne reception. My walk down the aisle to ‘Stand By Me’ was made all the more memorable by the quartet’s beautiful performance.Choosing the perfect tunes for them to play was no easy feat, but we eventually curated a playlist that spanned genres and decades, featuring everything from Beatles classics to Florence + The Machine hits and even some Game of Thrones themes. This eclectic mix added an extra layer of joy to our celebration.As a touching personal touch, my dear friend Avril beautifully read the heartfelt words penned by Brian’s dad on his engagement card, which hold special meaning for us. These wise and sentimental sentiments were also captured on our wedding video, allowing us to relive that momentous occasion for years to come. Our ceremony itself was a concise yet meaningful celebration, lasting a mere nineteen minutes – just long enough to absorb the love and commitment we were expressing.
Your Outfits & Accessories
Brian’s attire for the day was a thoughtful blend of classic and modern, featuring chinos and a blazer instead of a traditional suit. The outfit, comprising bespoke pieces from Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label, Smyth and Gibson, and Hermes, perfectly captured the relaxed yet stylish vibe we were going for. Meanwhile, my bridesmaid Ruth, had a clever solution to Brian’s footwear needs with her own loafer company, Rockfie and Co., which provided our groomsmen and Brian with an array of sleek loafers. As for me, I embarked on a quest to find the perfect dress that would strike the right balance between elegance and comfort. After scouring London and Ireland, I finally settled on a stunning Victoria Kyriakides gown that exceeded my expectations. Its lightweight design allowed me to move freely and enjoy every moment of the celebration, from photoshoots on the beach to playful tackles with my bridal party. My Manolo Blahnik Hangisi heels were a chic complement to my dress, while vintage pieces from Granny’s Attic added a touch of whimsy to my jewelry selection. And as a nod to my heritage, I borrowed a beautiful blue sapphire ring from my Mum, which became a treasured part of my wedding day attire.
Beauty
In a beautiful display of teamwork and camaraderie, our bridesmaids took charge of hair and makeup duties. With one of their own, Jess, being a skilled makeup artist and Nicola owning her own Blowdry Bar, it was only fitting that they get creative with the preparations. Given our 5pm ceremony timing, we had a lovely afternoon getting ready, with each bride-to-be free to style their hair as they pleased. This approach allowed everyone to feel relaxed and at ease on the big day, which was exactly what we wanted.
Groomsmen
The duo’s attire featured a stylish combination of pieces from renowned retailers. The blazers, shirts, and chinos they wore were sourced from the popular Spanish fashion brand, Zara. Meanwhile, their loafers came from Rockfie and Co., a reputable label known for its high-quality footwear. To complete their look, they donned glasses from Finlay and Co., further emphasizing their keen sense of style.
The Details & Décor
The colour scheme for our setup was deliberately understated, featuring a harmonious blend of creams, beige, whites, and soft pastel pinks. This neutral palette allowed the breathtaking scenery of water, rocks, and sand to take centre stage, minimizing the need for any elaborate styling.
The Flowers
The arrangement created by Suzanna and her husband was truly remarkable. We had envisioned a whimsical and elegant display for the flowers, and they exceeded our expectations. It’s without hesitation that I can wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone seeking a unique and beautiful floral experience.
The Cake
In lieu of a conventional cake, we opted for a show-stopping cheese tower that stole the spotlight at the gathering. Its popularity was undeniable, with guests raving about its unparalleled flavor and satisfying bite. As a refreshing interlude between revelry, it proved an inspired choice.
Your Photographer
Our photographer, Ana Parker, was an effortless choice. Her laid-back and visually stunning approach immediately put us at ease. From our initial communication, I knew she was the perfect fit for capturing our special day. Brian and I aren’t exactly fans of having our photos taken, but with Ana, we felt completely relaxed. To make things even smoother, Ana offered a pre-wedding photo shoot as part of her package, which allowed us to unwind before the big day – a thoughtful touch that definitely helped reduce our wedding-day jitters.
Your Filmmaker
One of my earliest bookings was Michael from Story of Eve, a talented filmmaker whose work I greatly admire. He did an exceptional job capturing our special day, and we continue to enjoy watching the various versions he created for us. The three lengths of film that Michael produced – a one-minute trailer, a five-minute wedding video, and presumably other variations – have become a cherished part of our recollections and mementos.
Bridesmaids
The ladies’ attire was a thoughtful combination of TFNC dresses, available in an array of sizes including tall, regular, petite, and maternity fits, which made it easy to find the perfect fit with only minor alterations required. Meanwhile, their shoes were from Dune, providing a stylish complement to their ensembles. The girls also wore pearl earrings from Newbridge Silverware, adding a touch of elegance to their overall look. To complete their beautiful appearance, they all donned Sans by Diptique perfume, which I had kindly included in their bridesmaid packs as a thoughtful gesture.
The Honeymoon
Following our wedding celebrations, we decided to extend our stay in Portugal for a few days, taking advantage of having friends and family still around. The party continued with great enthusiasm! Next, we embarked on a mini-moon to Ibiza, where we indulged in the luxury of the Nobu hotel before moving to the stunning Hacienda Na Xamena. Both experiences were truly unforgettable. Fast forward to the following March, when we ventured to the Maldives for our dreamy honeymoon getaway – a true slice of heaven on earth.
Advice For Other Couples
As an event planner, I believe it’s essential to establish a comprehensive budget and project plan to keep everything organized. This will enable you to feel more in control of your wedding planning process.When planning your big day, don’t forget to take a moment to truly appreciate the occasion. With so many details to consider, it’s easy to get caught up in the logistics. But remember, your wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other, and it goes by all too quickly!Having an abroad wedding can be a fantastic way to create lifelong memories with your loved ones. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery can make for a truly unforgettable experience.I would like to extend my gratitude to the talented individuals who helped bring Amy and Brian’s special day to life. A huge thank you goes out to Photographer Ana Parker Photography, Cinematographer Story of Eve, Event Planner Amy from Ame Luxury Events ([email protected]), Florist Suzannah’s Flowers, and many others.As you plan your own wedding, take a cue from Amy and Brian’s stylish celebration. Don’t be afraid to draw inspiration from their real-life destination wedding, which we’ve featured in our archives. And if you’re considering a destination wedding of your own, I encourage you to explore the possibilities!