Is there anything more romantic than spending your wedding day in an intimate setting with your loved ones? Patricia and Christian tied the knot in a such a romantic and heartfelt way at the gorgeous Casa da Volta Villa in Portugal. Their wedding decoration was filled with white and bright yellow flowers that truly stood out against the whitewashed walls of the beautiful villa’s courtyard and as the bride mentioned to us: «This choice was not only reminiscent of the wildflowers of the Alentejo but also happens to be Christian’s favorite color. Despite the rustic ambiance of the venue, Christian and I infused our own personal style—a blend of relaxed elegance...» One thing was clear from the moment we laid eyes on these pictures from Gustavo Simoes Photo, that you are going to fall in love with all the details!
Captured by Gustavo Simoes .
«Christian and I crossed paths in January 2015 in Lisbon, where we initially connected on Tinder. Surprisingly, instead of diving into a romantic relationship, we became close friends for the first 5-6 months. During this time, Christian resided in a spacious shared apartment with an amazing group of international individuals, fostering an environment brimming with laughter and fond memories. I distinctly recall our shared dinners, with Christian constantly showcasing his culinary skills, creating a sense of home for all of us who lacked family nearby. As our friendship deepened over time, transitioning into something more felt natural. Our connection always remained grounded in a foundation of mutual understanding and respect. Christian, to me, became synonymous with family.»
«Fast forward to nearly six years of dating, including two years enduring the challenges of a long-distance relationship. In June 2021, Christian planned an incredibly thoughtful and surprising proposal that took place at one of my favorite spots in Lisbon, the Gulbenkian garden. With the help of our close friends who work in commercial film and photography, together they orchestrated a fake photoshoot for a “Tourism Portugal” campaign. We were “asked” to pose as models for the shoot. Little did I know, Christian had a different plan in mind. As we went through the motions of the photoshoot, Christian disappeared for a moment. When he returned, he got down on one knee and proposed, catching me completely off guard. It was a beautiful and emotional moment, surrounded by the greenery of the garden and the support of our friends. It was a perfect representation of our journey together and the love we share. », the brides shared with us.
We drew a lot of inspiration from our stunning venue and the breathtaking natural surroundings of Casa da Volta. After extensive research, I discovered an incredible local florist duo whose floral arrangements resembled works of art from nature itself. We opted for a neutral palette overall, punctuated with vibrant pops of bright yellow…
patricia, bride
«Our official ceremony remained intimately small, with only 14 guests in total—our immediate family and a select few friends serving as witnesses. Drawing from my extensive background in theatre and performing arts, I really wanted to create an intimate setting that stripped away the performative elements often associated with traditional weddings. »
«It’s quite challenging to pinpoint our absolute favorite moment, but if pressed to choose, I’d say it was the dinner we shared at the round table surrounded by our friends and family. Throughout the day, several perfect moments stood out to us. We felt incredibly fortunate that all our guests were able to stay directly at the venue, which created a wonderfully warm atmosphere for the entire day. Everyone chipped in to create a delightful brunch spread for everyone to enjoy while we prepared for the festivities. Christian’s mother kindly assisted me in steaming my dress, and, of course, my mother was there every step of the way as I got ready. The ceremony itself was deeply meaningful, and afterward, we all gathered for a celebratory dinner filled with conversation and laughter and our delicious cake! The entire day felt like a cozy home gathering, where every moment was filled with warmth and laughter, making it truly special. »
Deep down, we always knew the kind of celebration we wanted, but it was easy to get sidetracked by internet and Instagram trends. Our goal was to create a day that celebrated our love, with some traditional elements but mainly focused on bringing our families together. Christian and I worked closely, using spreadsheets, and having regular meetings to stay aligned.
patricia, bride
«Without a planner, our teamwork was crucial in managing the budget, executing plans, and aligning expectations. So, I would say trust your gut and try not to get sidetracked with others’ expectations. Open communication with your partner, planning the event as a couple, a mix of what you both would like the day to represent. »
«My dress was by Rembo Styling, an atelier from Portugal. It took quite some time and research to find the right one. I was looking for something simple, without too much embellishment. As a former ballet dancer, I’ve worn beautiful costumes, and many wedding dresses I saw reminded me of that style. While it could work for some weddings, it wasn’t what I wanted. In the end, I chose a simple square neck dress with a small train that flowed nicely. It came with a matching square belt. The shop where I purchased it, Vesidus in Lisbon, did an excellent job with the order, tailoring, and pickup. »
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