Recently, My Day by Louise, as a destination wedding planner, had the privilege of organizing a multi-day wedding for the delightful Luso-American couple, Maria and Jesse. Their vision of a romantic and immersive “Portuguese Experience” - the theme of the wedding day - was brought to reality at the elegant Quinta da Conceição, right outside Lisbon.
Weddings are special and unique. For that reason, they must reflect couples’ essence and dreams. In this particular case, to add an exquisite twist and touch of uniqueness, the Portuguese tradition was paired with the great inspiration and dream of a Portuguese wedding that Maria and Jesse always shared. Can you already imagine the overall scenario?
The idyllic venue for a Destination Wedding
Maria and Jesse chose the enchanting Quinta da Conceição for their Portuguese wedding, and the venue provided exactly what they were seeking: a fairytale backdrop for their celebration that matched the Portuguese essence and their dream. Nestled on a serene estate of over 50 hectares with ancient cork, oak forests and olive groves, Quinta da Conceição embraced a theme of crisp whites and blues that beautifully complemented its elegant and bohemian country aesthetic.
Here, we found ourselves with an array of spaces to explore that offered no limits to our imagination, reflected on a variety of crafted layouts - each more charming than the last. Among all of the many advantages of hosting a wedding at Quinta da Conceição, this versatility is hands-down one of the most important.
The magical ceremony
The ceremony was a magical affair set within the spectacular walled garden, an intimate sanctuary that felt like a secret world. The cocktail hour took place on the Front Terrace and offered breathtaking views and a welcoming atmosphere. As the sun set, the dinner was served under the stars, which captured the essence of the countryside with its stunning pops of pastel-hued blues, pale pinks, and greens. The specially curated hand painted crockery added a touch of elegance to the table setting.
Given the venue's proximity to a wine-producing area, the family-style table layout was adorned with beautiful florals intermingled with grapes and fresh fruit, creating a feast for the senses.
So, we transformed Quinta da Conceição into a floral wonderland, adorned with cascading blooms that perfectly matched Maria’s bouquet, featuring delicate white sprays of handpicked flowers that added a touch of ethereal beauty. Little details that scream the dream of the Portuguese Experience wedding.
The A-Team
My Day by Louise was the chosen wedding planning team by Maria and Jess. And, as a wedding planner, my curated network of exceptional suppliers is the key to creating unforgettable weddings. Throughout many years of experience, I've built incredible relationships with over-the-top wedding providers across Portugal, particularly in Lisbon.
Thus, to complement the “in house” talent and expertise, My Day by Louise embarked on a mission to find the perfect collaborators, in order to bring Maria and Jesse’s vision to life.
Wedding Photography: the ever-lasting moments
Anastasia from Portugal Wedding Photographer was one of the vendors we had the pleasure of working closely with. As the premier photographer in Lisbon, Anastasia captured the essence of each moment, preserving all of the most important memories. With her amazing pictures, surely Maria and Jesse can relive their big day for years to come, and the brides-and-grooms-to-be can also get inspired by the breathtaking highlights of their love, right in this blog post.
Wedding Stationery: a contemporary twist
Fearless and creative minds: the way to describe No Naked Studio, the artists that transported the couple to a perfectly tailored visual identity, designing an illustrated stationery suite, composed by magical details that added an exquisite touch to every single element.
To complement and meet the chosen theme - “Portuguese Experience” - there’s a mandatory component: the sardine, a significant symbol of tradition. In Maria and Jesse’s wedding, the sardines took over the scenario as a charming RSVP card that perfectly encapsulated the whimsical spirit of the celebration.
The catering: a magnificent dining experience
Before, we mentioned the feast for the senses, and now it’s time to unveil the mastermind behind each bite of food that was unique, memorable, and downright delicious. While all the magic was happening on the Patio, the menu crafted by Chef Bruna of Gengibre Catering treated the guests.
Exquisite dishes and artfully arranged dessert tables: Maria and Jesse’s wedding integrated the tastes of elegance and indulgence. When the night fell, late-night snacks were served, ensuring that guests always had a little delightful something to savor.
Undoubtedly, a multi-day destination wedding involves intricate logistics and careful coordination. BUT! the breathtaking results make every effort worthwhile. So, it’s also time for you to sit back, relax, immerse yourself in scenes of sunny skies, vibrant flowers, and be the main character of a Portuguese wedding. With My Day by Louise visions are brought to life and dreams do come true!