Portugal Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

A Stunning Summer Elopement in Sintra, Portugal at Casa Dos Penedos

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[field title=”The Inspiration”]Nestled in the hills just outside Lisbon, Portugal, Sintra is a place of absolute enchantment and charm. Its collection
of palaces and castles, against the deep green forest, makes for a storybook setting for a destination elopement.
Centrally located within the bustling streets of Sintra, is Casa Dos Penedos, a 20 th Century Manor House which has
since been converted to a wedding venue. With its impressive views, the greenhouse was the perfect area to bring this elopement vision to life. Designer
and planner Valerie, of LBV Design House, sought to create an elopement that felt like an extension of the venue itself.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]As you step into the greenhouse at Casa Dos Penedos, a palette of natural and neutral tones surround you. We wanted this elopement to highlight the natural colors of the grounds.
These colors were displayed throughout the artfully curated selection of linens (from BBJ La Tavola) and
paper details (from Merci Studio). This palette intentionally aims to showcase that intimate celebrations deserve the same intention and thoughtfulness as a larger celebration.[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]The Venue, Casa Dos Penedos, is a beautiful gem nestled in the hills of Sintra, Portugal. The greenhouse was the perfect set up for this nature inspired elopement. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]As with every detail of this day, the wedding dress was selected to showcase the carefree nature of this elopement. Naturally, Monique Lhuillier (sourced via Julian Gold Bridal) made
for the perfect dress designer, with a mini dresses featured that reflected exquisite craftsmanship, ornate details and timeless elegance.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]As with all of LBV Design House’s creations, the floral and décor elements played a central part of the design.
Valerie partnered with local Portuguese wedding artists to bring in florals, and rentals that ultimately brought
the entire design to life through their specialized talents.
The florals incorporated were lush and unstructured, with a touch of whimsy, as if they were directly
growing from where they were placed – a nod to the lush backdrop that is Sintra, and the seasonality-based approach
of floral designer KƆKliKO.
The tabletop details sourced from the Rental Collection enhanced the
natural details of the greenhouse walls.
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[field title=”Favorite Design Element”][/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”][/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”][/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Julian Gold Bridal

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Classic Vineyard Wedding in Portugal at Six Senses Douro Valley

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White / very light nudes and lots of greenery to match with the vineyard view.
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The wedding ceremony was set against a stunning vineyard backdrop, with white and light nude florals and plenty of greenery to complement the natural beauty of the location. The floral arrangements were designed to look like they were growing from the ground, avoiding the use of floral foam for a more sustainable approach. The bride’s dress was elegantly simple, ensuring she stood out against the stunning floral and landscape backdrop.

For the cocktail hour, natural and raw materials were used for the furniture, including wicker, natural wood, linen upholstery, and fresh flowers in recycled paper vases. The furniture was designed to match the pool deck and the overall aesthetic of the hotel.

The dinner reception was a modern and contemporary affair, with a custom-made wooden pergola creating the perfect natural vine structure for the occasion. The florals featured a touch of orange to match the color of the old manor venue, with 100% linen napkins and plenty of taper candles and tealights. The cutlery, china service, and glassware were carefully chosen to match the menu and the overall style of the event. Lounge areas and a bar structure were set up to create a club-like atmosphere, while the audio-visual team did an incredible job with the DJ set.
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a beautiful Carolina Herrera dress with sophisticated Stuart Weitzman shoes, complemented by stunning heritage Cartier jewelry. The bride even changed into a stunning Alejandra Alonso Rojas dress to finish off the night.
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom had a custom-made suit paired with elegant Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, along with his IWC watch to complete the look. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]As guests sipped on delicious Portuguese wines, they were treated to an unforgettable culinary experience that showcased the region’s rich culinary heritage. Fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked bread filled the air with mouth-watering aromas. The sommeliers were on hand to guide guests through the wine tastings, sharing their knowledge and passion for the region’s wines.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The wedding ceremony was set against a stunning vineyard backdrop, with white and light nude florals and plenty of greenery to complement the natural beauty of the location. The floral arrangements were designed to look like they were growing from the ground, avoiding the use of floral foam for a more sustainable approach. The bride’s dress was elegantly simple, ensuring she stood out against the stunning floral and landscape backdrop.

For the cocktail hour, natural and raw materials were used for the furniture, including wicker, natural wood, linen upholstery, and fresh flowers in recycled paper vases. The furniture was designed to match the pool deck and the overall aesthetic of the hotel.

The dinner reception was a modern and contemporary affair, with a custom-made wooden pergola creating the perfect natural vine structure for the occasion. The florals featured a touch of orange to match the color of the old manor venue, with 100% linen napkins and plenty of taper candles and tealights. The cutlery, china service, and glassware were carefully chosen to match the menu and the overall style of the event. Lounge areas and a bar structure were set up to create a club-like atmosphere, while the audio-visual team did an incredible job with the DJ set.
[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]At the end of the night, the couple and their guests gathered to cut the cake, accompanied by a toast of champagne to celebrate their union. The cake itself was a stunning white creation, accented with a delicate touch of lavender sourced from Six Senses’s gardens.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Diane Sotero Photography

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The Crachá

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This Flower-Focused Affair in Portugal Puts Disney Weddings to Shame

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]light pink, bright pink, baby blue, lilac and white[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Our main focus was to have a small wedding so we could focus on celebrating our love with our closest family and friends and to really enjoy our time with everyone. The vision was for the wedding to be timeless and elegant with lots of flowers. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]We had been dating since college and had always spoken about getting married and having kids. In the summer of 2019, we were vacationing in the Amalfi Coast and one night we took our Vespa to have dinner in Positano. First we went down to the beach to watch the sunset and Eduardo got down on one knee and proposed. Then we had a beautiful dinner on a balcony overlooking the sea. [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]I have always found beaded dresses beautiful and I knew I wanted something classic and elegant but also breathtaking. So I went for a princess dress, fully beaded, which gave it the impression of shining in the light, with a long train.
For the second dress I wanted something more understated, like a silk dress, but spotted a beaded mermaid dress and felt like it was made for me so I ended up getting it as well.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]This one was harder because there were not a lot of good options but I ended up suggesting a dress to my bridesmaids that also matched the wedding visuals and everyone felt comfortable with. As we all live in a different countries (Germany, Netherlands, north and south of Portugal, Brasil and Luxembourg) we sent one to each bridesmaid and they had it tailored to them locally. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]We wanted to have Portuguese elements in the food as a way to share our culture with our friends from different countries so we had grilled asparagus with a vinaigrette made with Algarve oranges as a starter and for our mains we had codfish (“bacalhau”) with shrimp “açorda” which are two very typical Portuguese things as well as lamb rack. Then we had a selection of traditional portuguese deserts as well as some cheese boards. The wine was also Portuguese of course, red wine from the Lisbon Region and white wine from the Douro region. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The flowers were the most important visual element of the wedding and what we spent the most time thinking about and researching. Once we decided on the colours we moved on to the types of flowers. We picked hydrangeas as this is a flower which is typical in Sintra (the Gardens of Penha Longa also have it) and it simbolizes gratitude, beauty and abundance as well as roses and delphiniums to create a garden-like effect.

The cocktail hour was in the garden, where we followed the same colour theme, with linens and flowers in the fountains.

For the dinning area, we went for long tables with garlands dropping down to the floor and gold candelabras to have a candlelit dinner with an intimate atmosphere.

Decorelle’s team, headed by Vera Flenova (the owner and flower designer), did a remarkable job in achieving our vision for the flower arrangements. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

We could not decide on which design to go for and, since we had planned for the cake to be surrounded by a huge floral arrangement, we ended going for a four layer white cake adorned with white peonies ( the main flower used in the bridal bouquet). We loved the final result of the simplicity of the cake with the exuberance of the flowers.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The photographer: After looking for a long time we always came back to Diane and we made the best choice. She understood us and really captured the most beautiful moments. She has a timeless and elegant style of photography which is exactly what we wanted for our wedding. On top of being technically amazing and a true artist, she is easy to connect with so we felt super comfortable shooting with her and trusting her.

Beauty: Tom Perdigão was the make-up artist and hairstylist and again, he understood completely the vision I had and even gave his input on the final details of the jewelry, the perfume etc.. He is simply the best, you cannot go wrong. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Advice to other couples:
First and foremost, invite only people who you know will be genuinely happy for you. You want to have only loving energy around you.

Figure out which aspects matter the most to you and invest in that. For us it was the flowers and the photographer so we didn’t get other things which would have been a nice touch but were indifferent to us (such as getting signature drinks or a Photo Booth for example).

Pick a photographer who has the same style of photography you like and, more importantly, someone who understands your vision and who knows how to give directions.

Getting a band before the DJ is a great way to break the ice and have fun, it’s definitely worth the money and it’s one of the things people will remember the most.

Once the planning is done, it’s done, so don’t waste time worrying and just enjoy yourselves. Focus on having fun together and with the guests, it’s a once in a life time opportunity to reunite so many people you love.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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Diane Sotero Photography

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A Glamorous 5-Day Wedding in Portugal That’s Nothing Short of Epic!

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, green, gold, silver, champagne.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Ryan’s mother is from the Azores, a group of beautiful Portuguese islands about 1,000 miles west from the landscape of Sintra. Brittany’s mother is also from Europe – specifically Prague in the Czech Republic – which is about the same distance north east of Sintra. Getting married on European soil paid tribute to both of the families of the bride & groom while indulging in the couple’s knack for adventure and travel.

Sintra – where we chose to get married – has a striking similarity to San Francisco, the city where Ryan and Brittany met and spent most of their relationship together. Sintra is a perfect combination of family heritage and nostalgia for the city where Britany & Ryan first fell in love.

In addition to wanting a destination wedding in Portugal, the most important element in choosing our venue and vibe was the ability to host our guests on site. Palacio Tivoli de Seteais in Sintra is a breathtaking venue and we fell in love with the palace upon our first visit. But just as important as the magical 18th century frescoes and palatial architecture was the welcoming & hospitable hotel staff & accommodations. We were able to host the majority of our wedding guests at the Seteais Palace, with other guests staying within a stone’s throw away in the cultural landscape of Sintra in nearby hotels, resorts, palaces, and quintas. This hyperlocal experience in a far away destination added to the overall experience, bringing people closer together as they explored the estate and surrounding area.

Brittany & Ryan like to party and dance the night away, so they knew they a venue that was not only regal but one that also supported an absolute ripper. The couple didn’t like the idea of getting “kicked out of their own party,” so they searched far and wide for a royal party palace that let them do what they wanted, respectfully of course. Plus, who doesn’t want to have an epic dance party until the wee hours of the morning in an all glass vintage greenhouse!

The theme throughout was “make it glam but fun,” which was also reflected in the “creative black tie” dress code. Because of the glamour of the location and venue, they wanted to continue to pull in sophisticated and classic details to keep the look consistent. All the guests loved that they felt they were attending a royal affair. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Brittany & Ryan moved from San Francisco to South Florida during the pandemic, where Brittany grew up and much of her family resided. Not knowing how long they’d be in Florida for, they rented the “COVID Compound” – a house with Brittany’s sister, brother-in-law and their 2 kids, including a newborn. They all lived together for 2 years and considered themselves the newest Brady Bunch Family!

For the engagement, with the whole world shut down, Ryan couldn’t wait any longer for travel to resume to propose. He also wanted to do something symbolic in the area Brittany grew up in and to include her family, which was now just as much his family.

What Brittany thought was a fancy dinner with her family in Palm Beach turned into a surprise engagement in front of the Worth Avenue Clock Tower with a champagne-infused picnic on the beach to follow. The coquina limestone clock tower is symbolic as a quintessential Palm Beach landmark that also set the framework that it was “time for Brittany & Ryan to take their relationship to the next level.” Brittany was so surprised in so many ways, especially when she noticed Ryan holding her dream ring – a huge shock considering every store had been closed for months during lockdown. She still has no idea how he was able to pull that off.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Brittany wanted to wear a dress that she felt like herself in. The angel on one shoulder wanted a classic look, and the devil on the other wanted something mega DRAMATIC – both fashion elements that are very contradictory when it comes to wedding attire. This paradox stuck with Brittany through every decision.

There were so many dresses that she loved, but nothing satisfied the “classic drama” look and feel that she was looking for more than a faille high-low ball gown by Oscar de la Renta. Brittany kept joking that the dress had so much personality that it could get married all by itself. It was absolutely perfect and Brittany couldn’t imagine herself in any other dress. Britt’s advice is to wear a dress that makes you want to twirl and scream and say “I’M GETTING MARRIED!” (which her bridesmaids will tell you she did a lot of throughout the day).

For accessories, Brittany was fortunate to borrow a family heirloom bracelet. Ryan gifted Britt with custom matching earrings on the day of the wedding. For shoes, Britt went with the Manolo Lurums, which were a main feature of the dress given the high-low. She also went with a raw edge cut cathedral veil with a blusher for the ceremony.

Brittany also had the honor of wearing her mother’s 40-year-old wedding dress for her first dance with Ryan, and for her father-daughter dance which was an absolute highlight of the evening (more on this later). Due to the dress’s delicate nature, Brittany changed into a one-shoulder after-party gown with a structured bow from the Bronx and Banco bridal line with epic sparkly Rene Caovilla shoes.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The bridesmaids all wore faille gowns in a champagne color. They were able to pick their own styles and customize them as they wished. The golden hue color palette and classic style was a perfect fit for the royal palace. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Ryan also went with three fully custom looks made by As You Are – a friend’s luxury menswear line that we highly recommend! For the ceremony and reception Ryan wore a cream dinner jacket with black tuxedo pants and “all gold everything” for his accessories – laser-etched cufflinks with Britany & Ryan’s wedding logo, pearl studs, albert thurston suspenders, and a gold Rolex Daytona, all to match his new 12mm gold wedding band. Ryan changed into a deep green tuxedo velvet jacket for the after party. Picking custom looks gave Ryan the opportunity to have just as much fun as Brittany did to express himself for the different events across the Rehearsal High Tea, Welcome Dinner, Ceremony, and After Party.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Being foodies, Brittany and Ryan searched for a catering company that could provide an experience for dinner. The geniuses behind the Mad Kitchen couldn’t have prepared a more fantastic food and drinks presentation for our guests. The meal was 7 courses with a wine pairing and included a pallet cleanser that was made of a gin and tonic ball that exploded in your mouth. Every course held a surprise![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]For the wedding ceremony, the Bride and the Groom wanted elegant and classic details that tied in well with the heritage feel of Palacio Seteais, so they went for whites, greens, golds.

For the reception in the vintage glass greenhouse, the couple opted for mega opulent table settings with gold details. They also had touches of green velvet, custom made mirror bars, and the band was decked out in head to toe Swarovski crystal including every last detail of their instruments.

During the rehearsal Queens’s High Tea, the florals matched the 18th century fresco walls and the china was original to the palace. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]We went with a crystal flute champagne tower instead of a wedding cake which we accidentally knocked down while pouring the champagne! This really exaggerated the moment! Britt and Ryan ended up “clinking” their magnum champagne bottles and sipped from their bottles instead. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Brittany & Ryan both spent a ton of time working with their officiant, Brittany’s uncle, to curate a perfect ceremony that included meaningful songs to the bride & groom played by a string quartet for every moment.

To start, Ryan set the tone by walking down the aisle with his parents to the Game of Thrones theme song. As this was played by a string quartet, the ceremony was kicked off with Ryan’s dramatic entrance (plus Ryan got to geek out, holding back a grin during his procession). The bridal party walked out to “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles, and finally, Brittany walked down the aisle across the main lawn of the Palace to “Rain Song” by Led Zeppelin. The kiss and walkout song was “Faith” by George Michaels.

Instead of doing traditional readings, Brittany & Ryan both took the time to recite thank you’s to their parents & families during the ceremony for being such an instrumental part of their lives. They also wrote and recited their own vows to each other. Additionally, Brittany & Ryan invited their guests to participate in agreeing to support them in our commitment by saying “We Do” as vows were exchanged. This involvement brought everyone together in the moment and helped the bride & groom be present, supported by the friends & family around them. Since their ceremony was interactive with their guests, it truly felt as if they were supporting the couple in this lifelong commitment to each other. Being surrounded by loved ones, thanking everyone for being a part of their lives, sharing appreciation with family, and committing to one another in front of everyone is a feeling that Brittany & Ryan will never ever forget. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Given how much Brittany & Ryan love to dance, they knew they wanted their first dance to be a main feature of their wedding, especially since dancing is what brought them together on their first date. Brittany & Ryan spent over 40 hours learning a routine together to show off to family and friends during the reception…and Brittany got to perform their Dancing with the Stars-style routine wearing her mother’s wedding gown, made from prayer shawls and flowing silks.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Where to begin! It was all so epic. First of all, Brittany & Ryan’s wedding was a 5-day long adventure in Ryan’s home country, Portugal, which was a dream in itself. Spending quality time over the week with the couple’s nearest and dearest was nothing short of amazing. Everyday held a surprise that outdid the next, but the ceremony was and always will be, without a doubt, the highlight of Brittany & Ryan’s lives. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]In addition to wanting a destination wedding in Portugal, the most important element in choosing our venue was the ability to host our guests on site. Palacio Tivoli de Seteais in Sintra is a breathtaking venue and we fell in love with the palace upon our first visit. But just as important as the magical 18th century frescoes and palatial architecture was the welcoming & hospitable hotel staff & accommodations. We were able to host the majority of our wedding guests at the Seteais Palace, with other guests staying within a stone’s throw away in the cultural landscape of Sintra in nearby hotels, resorts, palaces, and quintas. This hyperlocal experience in a far away destination added to the overall experience, bringing people closer together as they explored the estate and surrounding area.[/field]
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Timeless Affair at Camélia Gardens in Sintra, Portugal

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Off-White, Silver, and Green (sage and oil) with small accents in baby blue[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]From the start, I envisioned our wedding day to be an elegant and timeless affair inspired by the romanticism and magic of Portugal, particularly Sintra. Our aim was to create an intimate yet tasteful wedding that captured the essence of my now husband’s beautiful country.
After visiting several venues, we finally chose the picturesque Camelia Gardens in Sintra for its castle-like architecture and lush greenery. To complement the venue’s yellow castle, we opted for green as our main wedding color, with accents of white, yellow, and baby blue for contrast. Our wedding was a daytime event held in late summer/early fall, featuring a beautiful sunset and cake-cutting ceremony, al-fresco dining, and plenty of dancing.
We had the pleasure of celebrating with family and friends from all over the world, including Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Italy, France, the United States, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Ecuador! It was a fantastic celebration of love and culture that we will always cherish.
Today, thanks to our amazing photographer, Alice, we are able to relive every moment and every detail of this beautiful day.

Fernanda, our wedding planner, was an absolute gem and we were incredibly fortunate to have her as our wedding planner. After researching and interviewing several wedding planners, we stumbled upon Fer’s website and knew immediately that she was the perfect fit for us. Not only was she fluent in all three languages – English, Spanish, and Portuguese – making communication with our families and vendors a breeze, but her exceptional organizational skills kept everything on track and running smoothly.

On the day of our wedding, Fernanda exceeded all expectations and went above and beyond to ensure that everything was perfect. Her hands-on approach and unwavering dedication to her craft and clients were evident in every detail of our special day. We cannot thank her enough for making our dream wedding a reality.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Typically we are both very involved in the planning of a weekend. However, this time Gustavo had already handled everything: hotel, dinner reservations, and transportation, hence there was a hint of speculation on my part.

The couple, Maria Clara and Gustavo were in Madrid, Spain, the city where they had first met. Gustavo planned a surprise weekend getaway for Maria Clara in Toledo, Spain, taking care of all the details from hotel reservations to transportation and activities. The couple spent the day exploring the beautiful city before enjoying a romantic dinner at the luxurious Two MICHELIN Star restaurant, (Iván Cerdeño-Cigarral del Ángel Restaurant)
During a stroll through the restaurant’s breathtaking gardens, Gustavo got down on one knee and proposed to Maria Clara, speaking in her native language of Portuguese. Overwhelmed with happiness, she said “sim” and the couple basked in the romantic atmosphere.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Unlike other brides, I wasn’t certain about the dress style I wanted for my special day. So, my mother and I set out on a journey to find the perfect dress. We headed to Miracle Mile in Miami, renowned for its plethora of bridal boutiques, and tried on countless dresses from various styles and stores. After an exhaustive search, I finally stumbled upon a dress that spoke to my heart. The moment I donned the dress, I knew it was the one for me! The dress was a breathtaking princess gown with a plunging neckline, made of soft tulle with an organza lining for added definition. It was named “Yiya” and designed by Marchesa for Pronovias.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]In the Dominican Republic, the tradition is to have several flower girls and ring bearers along with a maid of honor, instead of a large group of bridesmaids. For my wedding, my sister Lourdes was my maid of honor, and she looked stunning in a custom-made strapless mermaid gown. The dress was made of a beautiful green fabric, inspired by the lush greenery and gardens at Camelia Gardens, the picturesque location where the reception was held.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groom, Gustavo, looked dashing in an elegant three-piece suit tailored by the renowned Alfaiataria Lusa in Porto. The suit featured a tasteful blend of silver and baby blue colors, which were carefully chosen to be part of the wedding color palette, and added a stylish touch to his overall look.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The catering for the wedding was done by Casa do Marques, which was exquisite. We encountered some cultural differences due to the Portuguese tradition of having large dinner feasts and the Dominican culture’s emphasis on dancing and lively party atmosphere, but we managed to incorporate both. As the wedding took place in Portugal, we opted for a plated, 3-course sit-down dinner with an appetizer followed by a fish and steak dish. However, to infuse the Dominican culture, we ensured plenty of dancing and a lively party atmosphere. Our guests from both cultures had a great time celebrating our union, enjoying the delicious food, and dancing to a mix of Latin music. We also included traditional Portuguese pastries, such as Pastéis de Nata on the dessert table.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The venue we chose was breathtakingly beautiful and we knew from the start that it would need very little decoration. Our goal was to enhance the venue’s natural beauty with subtle floral arrangements and decor.
To achieve this, we opted for “flowy” and organic floral arrangements, using daisies, white hydrangeas, baby breaths, and peonies. We also incorporated accents of baby blue flowers in the arrangements throughout the house and on the cheese tables, adding a pop of color and creating a cohesive look.
We wanted to strike a balance between sophistication and effortless beauty, and the floral arrangements and decor we chose perfectly reflected that. The result was a stunning display that perfectly complemented the venue and created a romantic atmosphere for our special day.
The result was an elegant, romantic, and timeless wedding that perfectly captured our vision, thanks to our one-of-a-kind wedding planner, Fernanda that made it all possible.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The elegance, simplicity, and sophistication of our wedding were perfectly embodied in our stunning 3-layer cake, displayed on an exquisite silver platter from Gustavo’s family. Real flowers added tasteful accents to the cake, enhancing its visual appeal. The table itself was a work of art, adorned with lush greenery cascading gracefully on the sides and two resplendent silver antique candle holders, also heirlooms from Gustavo’s family.

As the sun set over the majestic mountains, the cake, table, and candle holders all came together in perfect harmony, leaving me awestruck.
Casa do Marques did the cake and Ion Rotaru decorated it with real flowers and lush greenery.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Our ceremony was held at the stunning Igreja de Nossa Senhora in Lisbon, which had a charming pink exterior reminiscent of traditional Lisboeta houses. Inside, the church was adorned with exquisite gold details that added to its beauty. The ceremony was conducted in Portuguese, but what made it truly special was when my 84-year-old grandmother, who had traveled all the way from the Dominican Republic, did the second reading in Spanish. It was a touching moment that I will always cherish.
We had a violinist play these songs for the key moments during the ceremony:

Groom & Mother of the Groom- Divertissement- Saint Preux
Bride & Father of the Bride- Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Bride & Groom Exit Church- Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
Reception – Music for Moments

Bride & Groom- First Dance (2 songs: One in Spanish and the other in Portuguese)
Chichi Peralta- Amor Narcótico
Alok- Meu Amor
Bride & Father of the Bride Dance: Juan Luis Guerra – Si Tu No Bailas Conmigo
Groom & Mother of the Groom: Frank Sinatra – Blue Moon
Bride & Groom Entering the Cocktail: Bomba Stereo- To My Love
Cake Cutting Moment & Speeches: Maldita Nerea- Un Planeta Llamado Nosotros[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Lourdes Desangles, the mother of the bride, played an integral role in the wedding party styling. She curated everything from selecting the fabric for the maid of honor’s dress to designing the flower girls and ring boys’ outfits in elegant Irish linen fabric and French lace. Lourdes also ensured that all the men in the family, including the bride’s brothers and both fathers, had ties that perfectly matched the wedding color palette. Additionally, Lourdes’ own dress was a stunning work of art with magnolia hand-painted flowers, designed by none other than herself.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]When Gustavo and Maria Clara locked eyes for the first time at Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid on Día de Los Reyes, it was the start of a modern romance that quickly turned into a Shakespearean love story. Their first date in El Retiro was full of ambitious plans and ended with a fun night out in Madrid with Maria Clara’s sister, Lourdes (Yuyi), and her friend, Elaine. But the odds were against them, as Maria Clara was from the Dominican Republic and living in Miami, while Gustavo was Portuguese and living between Dublin and Madrid.
Despite the distance and their busy schedules, Gustavo and Maria Clara’s connection only grew stronger. They became long-distance relationship survivors, with 4,154 miles between them, and pandemic beneficiaries who found themselves in some of the coolest cities in the world, including Lisbon, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Miami, and Porto.
Eventually, the couple decided to tie the knot in Lisbon, the city where they had spent the most time together. Their wedding was a celebration of their love and the journey they had been on together, from their first meeting in Madrid to their travels around the world. It was a testament to the power of love and how it can overcome any distance or obstacle.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The bride carried a delicate bouquet that featured a touch of blue, representing the “something blue” tradition. The bouquet was a combination of white and green-colored flowers with delicate blue accents, adding a subtle pop of color to the overall look.

For her “something borrowed,” the bride wore a stunning pair of diamond earrings that belonged to her mother. Her father had gifted the earrings to her mother on their 35th wedding anniversary, making them a sentimental and meaningful addition to the bride’s wedding day look.

As a “something new,” Gustavo (the groom) surprised the bride with a beautiful pearl and diamond necklace, which she wore on their wedding day. The necklace complemented her elegant bridal gown and added a touch of sparkle to her overall look.[/field]
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A Whimsical Al Fresco Destination Wedding in the Sintra Mountains of Portugal

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding colors were pale yellow, pale green, light blue, light purple, and pale pink.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

From the bride… In looking for wedding venues, we wanted to find a place that was “us” and would create the setting for an unforgettable memory. To us, this meant that the location would be private, light, romantic, floral, glamorous, and distinctly Portuguese. When we came across Quinta da Penalva, its lush greenery, rich florals, exceptional grounds, delightful cobblestone, and Portuguese charm had us instantly swooning. Despite the large area, the space felt intimate, curious, and playful; even though there was only one Quinta, the layout made us feel like we attended several different weddings throughout the course of the night and amplified the enchantment as we advanced through the labyrinth. Of course, it gave us a lot of confidence to know that Sofia Nascimento Studios had hosted many (GORGEOUS) weddings there before and would have a good grasp of the layout and transitions throughout.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Carson proposed to Lenara on January 16th, 2021. Following an Edmonds-kind-of- walk and a long (but beautiful) drive complete with sing-alongs and scenic detours, Carson and Lenara arrived in Port Angeles, Washington, where Carson and Company managed to make an already perfect Saturday even more perfect. Amidst the magic of family, countless candles, hundreds of yellow roses, an almost-sunset, and a sparkly ring, Carson got down on one knee and Lenara said yes.

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I wanted something classic with a “wow factor,” and after stumbling upon and subsequently falling in love with a stunning flowered veil at Mark Ingram Atelier, I knew I needed a refined canvas on which the beautiful florals could flourish. With the help of Sofia Nascimento Studios, I chose some tasteful pieces to complement the ensemble, such as the Manolo shoes, and paid homage to Portugal with exquisite statement earrings handcrafted by Cremilde Bispo Jewellery. Because our wedding color palette had a lot of pastels, we chose a black tux for Carson, pairing it with velvet loafers to better fit the garden-scape. If overwhelmed, start with an anchor piece and go from there; limit your expectations because sometimes treasures reveal themselves unexpectedly; and finally, find something that makes you feel both beautiful and comfortable (especially the shoes!).

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From the playful centerpiece flowers that came in boxes the morning of the wedding, to one-of-a-kind “basket” flower bridesmaid bouquets, to extravagant arrangements at the altar, walking through the wedding was like finding yourself in a fairytale come to life. All the design elements came together like different parts of a storybook as we went from a whimsical ceremony to an intimate, candlelit reception, and ended the evening dancing in the moonlight. The florals, lighting, details, and flow between distinct spaces at the venue realized an atmosphere of wonder and magic.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake Details”]

A beautifully textured fondant cake design with Choco & Berries by Migalha Doce. It tasted as sweet as it looked!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Laughing at the altar as my brother officiated will forever touch my heart! Knowing that we were in the hands of an incredibly capable and talented team, Carson and I didn’t experience a lot of anxiety about the logistics or the overall design of the wedding – instead, we worried endlessly about guests getting COVID, arrivals in Portugal, and family and friends from abroad getting through security. Needless to say, when we finally saw everyone from the altar, a huge weight was lifted and we could finally let ourselves be swept entirely away by the shared beauty, love, and happiness.

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I enjoy making greeting cards for friends and family, so I chose to do my own wedding Save the Dates and invitations, which were much less professional and more flawed than the work that Sofia Nascimento Studios would achieve. To my surprise, Sofia Nascimento Studios still managed to design wedding day-of stationery that carried forward the theme my invites attempted in an upscale, light, romantic, whimsical and elegantly unique style.

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In searching for the perfect venue, we found Quinta da Penalva, and in turn Sofia Nascimento Studios. After our first conversation with Sofia, we knew we didn’t have a choice – she was the one. Sofia is a warm, gentle, kind, beautiful friend and professional, and she works with a team that shares her passion for designing weddings better than you could dream of. Just look at the photos, they speak for themselves.

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From the beginning, Sofia and her team set realistic expectations, were consistent and flexible in their communication, and always kept our needs and preferences top of mind. One of our concerns before starting the wedding planning process was how to go about decision-making, but SN Studios made it so easy, offering options with which you couldn’t go wrong and recommendations that were tried and true. Their relationships with vendors made the process stress-free and accommodating, and left us with nothing but excitement for the end result. Even when the war began in Ukraine and some of our family and friends abroad encountered various travel restrictions, Sofia and her team worked tirelessly to ensure that they had the documents needed to receive visas. When you choose to plan a wedding with SN Studios, you know you are in the company of good friends. From start to finish, Sofia and the team provided comfort, sensibility, excitement, feedback, and heartfelt support.

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Romantic Fine Art Wedding in the Portuguese Douro Valley

For every wedding we publish, there’s something extra special about them that makes our eyes light up! For today’s gorgeous Duoro Valley day by Carolin Ritter Wedding Planning – it was them… this couple, their love, their pure emotion and joy! It’s jumping out of every picture captured by Diane Sotero Photography and we simply can’t get enough. The full gallery is beaming with sun-soaked floral from Brancoprata, intimate details, and breathtaking views. Prepare to fall head over heels in love…

When a wedding planner gets married, you know it’s going to be good. With an old-world charm venue, fine art aesthetics, and a lot of romantic details Carolin Ritter Toffoli Weddings designed a day worth dreaming about. The delicate florals by Branco Prata team beautifully brought the couple’s love story to life, and imagery by the very talented photographer Diane Sotero forever captured the love and magical moments in time.

Our love story started at a Brazilian barbecue on the Northern Island of New Zealand, and it was love at first sight. After Luciano proposed to me on the Island Madeira on our 9th anniversary, we knew we also like to get married in Portugal. And we knew we wanted the wedding to feel like an intimate weekend getaway for our closest family and friends from Brazil and Germany.

Immediately after arriving at Quinta de Ventozelo, we knew this is where we like to get married. We loved the intimate and natural feel of the vineyard and how the venue made us feel overwhelmed with unique and memorable sensations. It is not just the breathtaking view of the winding River Douro, or the neatly aligned terraces of vines, or the olive orchards, that charmed us. It was also the stunning silence, the close connection to nature and the unmistakable richness of scents that filled our lungs with every step. The magnitude of what we felt when visiting the Quinta de Ventozelo inspired us to design a wedding with natural and timeless aesthetics, which reflects the vineyard in its natural beauty and our love for nature and for conscious living.

The Quinta de Ventozelo is a 500-year-old wine estate, which has been transformed into a hotel by renewing the various buildings of the Quinta but maintaining their original features and respecting the existing landscape. Therefore, the whole Quinta brims with authenticity and embodiment of the history of the place. The perfect place for us and our guests staying together over our wedding weekend and celebrating love and life. We started the whole celebrations with a welcome dinner on Thursday at the Quinta’s restaurant, on Friday we did a boat trip on the river to another vineyard, where we had a delicious lunch. On Saturday was our wedding celebration in the most incredible location of the Quinta… in the garden of an old-world Portuguese stone house offering a full landscape immersion.

Our flower artist Sofia from Branco Prata really helped us highlight what was already a beautiful setting and bring our vision to life. I really wanted the wedding to feel intimate, like a family gathering. With long tables with delicate flower arrangements, we created a communal feel for our guests. If I had to describe the style, I would say fine art with understated elegance is what I was going for. Since the space was already an incredible setting, we kept décor more delicate than over the top to highlight the beautiful setting. Our soft color palette of champagne, ivory and gold is accented by the natural greenery surrounding the venue.

A very emotional moment for Luciano and me was our first look in front of the River Douro. Luciano was the whole wedding planning phase very curious about my wedding look. In his mind it would be natural and elegant, but he didn’t expect a dress totally covered in lace and figure-hugging. So, I was very happy I could surprise him, and to saw him in tears made me the happiest woman on earth… I can’t describe my feelings at this moment! We really enjoyed having some alone time together before the ceremony. We highly recommend it!

Our wedding ceremony was very romantic and love-filled with a lot of emotions… almost everybody had tears in their eyes. In order that all our guests could understand our ceremony, our lovely officiant Lara held it in German and Portuguese. Our vows we also spoke in both languages including a lot of happy tears… it was magical! Cristiana with her stunning voice enchanted our ceremony even more.

After the ceremony we had a German tradition… cutting the wedding cake… cake first, salty finger food second. Ana from BAKEWELL made my wedding cake dream come true and the taste of white champagne cake with raspberry filling was divine! Until dinner Miguel and his band played jazz music for our guests in the garden. Shortly before dinner Diane and our videographers, the lovely couple Rita and Edgar, took us for a short romantic shooting in the vineyards… some more special alone time for Luciano and me.

One of the most important things for Luciano and me was the food for our wedding, because we love food and one of our favorite things to do together is cooking. So, we were very lucky, that the outstanding Mistu Restaurant with Chef Rui Mingatos created the most amazing menu for us with a mix of South American and Portuguese gastronomic cultures. And it was very delicious, better than we ever dreamt of it!

After dinner, we danced the night away with our favorite Brazilian Samba Singer and the band of Miguel! Our first dance was “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra… we will always love this song! It was an unforgettable day, and we couldn’t be more grateful for it! We loved that our both cultures blended so well, and our Brazilian and German guests mingled! In the end for us the most important was, that we spend time with our closest family and friends to celebrate our love, eat, drink, and dance the night away. Those are the memories you and your guest take with you.

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Whimsical Destination Wedding at Quinta Da Penalva in Sintra, Portugal

From pops of color at their floral-focused ceremony to endless strings of twinkle lights at their al fresco reception, today’s wedding in Portugal is the definition of whimsical. After visiting the groom’s family home in Sintra, this adorable couple knew it was the perfect place to host their destination wedding weekend! Planned by Sofia Nascimento Studios and captured by Diane Sotero Photography, the full gallery is chockfull of details you don’t want to miss.

From Diane Sotero Photography… Nestled among gentle hills and a majestic pine forest, Anastasia & Sebastian gathered friend and family in the whimsical town of Sintra, Portugal to host their destination wedding. Anastasia from Russia and Sebastian from the U.K, hosted family & friends from Russia, Ukraine, U.K and many other corners of the world, to celebrate their love.

What did you envision your wedding would be like prior to planning?

From the Bride… I envisioned it being magical and whimsical, we wanted it to be an event that people would always remember and for it to be a celebration of not only us but our families as well. We wanted our guests to feel like they were on holiday.

Why did you choose your destination wedding location?

I fell in love with Sintra when first visiting Sebastian’s parents home. They have a summer home in Portugal and the architecture and greenery perfectly fit our wedding theme requirements.

What was your favorite moment?

My favourite moment was just before I was due to walk down the aisle. Standing at the back with my father, having this moment with him, this moment of pride and joy before walking down the aisle, to my husband, with one of our favourite songs and everyone we loved being there with us to share this moment.

Tell us about the flowers, your favors, cake, etc.

We went through a bit of a change cycle with flowers, first we wanted everything to be in pastel tones, but then re-assessing the landscape we decided to add more pops of colour, and it worked perfectly.

About the gown:

I was one of the covid-brides. When we got engaged most of the shops were closed, so I didn’t start my gown shopping until very late, and then everything was so delayed as there was such a backlog. I found the gown shopping so hard, but one thing is true when you find the one you will know it right away! I was going for practical and simple vibes, as I wanted to be able to freely move and dance in my dress.

We were really keen to incorporate beautiful Portuguese culture into the wedding, so we had lots of blue colour, Portuguese food, Dulce de leche cake, Douro wine and of course favours.

We wanted favours to be timeless, without any references of our wedding, one of these “if you know, you know” things. So we’ve gone for cork coasters with a date and place, and some beautiful tile biscuits, all packaged in the custom made boxes matching our invitations.

What is one piece of advice that you could give to brides-to-be?

My piece of advice for future brides would be to get a wedding planner and not to try to do it on your own and also delegate as much as possible to your bridesmaids.

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Diane Sotero Photography

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Vibrant And Exotic Casa Dos Penedos Wedding

The future is bright at this picture-perfect Portugual inspiration shoot. A sea of vibrant florals designed by Siloh Floral set the tone, from a stunning ground installation of flowers at the ceremony to reception tables covered in bold blooms. The dreamy day was expertly designed by AMV Retreats, who perfectly mixed elegant with exotic. Every carefully curated detail is artfully captured in the imagery by Kir2ben, visit the full gallery for a closer look.

From AMV Retreats… The majestic natural ambiance of Casa Dos Penedos, located in the heart of Sintra, was the primary source of inspiration for this vibrant and exotic editorial shoot featuring a real couple, Alannah and Victor. This stunning pink palace with its lush gardens, picturesque interior spaces, and an outdoor atrium featuring a beautiful stone fountain, was the perfect setting for this romantic affair in Portugal.

Our ceremony, which was set in the lower gardens of the palace, featured colorful florals designed by Siloh Floral growing up from the natural landscape to complement the stunning pond and cascading greens that trail down the facade of the palace. The bride wore a gorgeous whimsical embroidered floral gown by Marchesa as a soft touch to balance the powerful design and palette of the shoot. After the ceremony, the couple proceeded to the surrounding tropical forest for a celebratory toast amidst the exotic foliage of the location!

Our dinner table was set in front of the decorative stone foundation of the atrium, with an elongated tablescape, bright florals, and decorative bird candle sticks adorning the tables. To end the day, the couple enjoyed a beautiful moment together on the terrace which has the most picturesque views of the hills and palaces of the heart of Sintra – one of the most magical places in the world!

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AMV Weddings

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A Romantic Wedding in Sintra With Buttery Yellow Florals And Blue Frescoed Walls

This 14th-century monastery made the perfect backdrop for an inspirational shoot filled with modern romance. Buttery yellow florals and blue frescoed walls play together perfectly in this utterly elegant day planned by AMV Weddings. Floral design by Siloh Floral is a feast for the eyes, and every magical moment is artfully captured in the imagery by Sophie Kaye Photography. Get a closer look at all the lovely in the full gallery.

From AMV Weddings… The monastery at Penha Longa which dates back to the 14th century, features classical Portuguese style architecture, offering the most romantic setting for a destination wedding. When designing this shoot the Salao Nobre space inspired us with its beautifully adorned ceilings in a soft yellow and white palette.

The elongated tablescape filled this space, adorned with florals designed by Siloh Floral in shades of creamy yellow and subtle pops of white. To tie in the stunning outdoor grounds, the monastery ruins in the heart of the tropical forest served as our ceremony space, where lush florals surrounded the ruins pond, creating the most alluring setting for our couple’s nuptials!

After the ceremony, our real couple Dani & Cynthia enjoyed a peaceful moment in the open-air courtyard of the monastery where we set up a lounge amidst the colorful blue frescoed walls of the space. Our bride Cynthia wore a gown by Naeem Khan, which featured a more relaxed lace embellished look to fit the calming understated elegance of the venue.

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AMV Weddings

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Get Transported To A Portuguese Villa For This Celebration Of Spring

Sofia Nascimento Studios planned and designed a day in the mountains that will steal your heart. This romantic editorial in a Portuguese villa is an ode to nature and springtime. Every detail is done to perfection, from the sumptuous styled picnic to the cake emerging from a floral garden by Edelweiss Wedding Cakes. One look at the photography by Diane Sotero Photography, and you’ll feel like you’re celebrating in Portugal. Take a closer look at all the lovely in the full gallery.

From Sofia Nascimento Studios… We wanted to bring Spring itself into each element and detail, which guided us throughout these Monique Lhuillier floral-filled gowns in so many different colors and textures and the flower earrings. The romantic and airy bouquet made by our floral team at Sofia Nascimento Studios was one of our ever favorite designs because of how delicate, airy, and filled with life it is all at once.

  As Portuguese, we are completely passionate about food, and this is by far one of the most important elements when planning and designing an event. The picnic and food styling was thought in detail to perfectly combine the color palette and the overall inspiration.

For the table design, we started with sage green linen as a foundation and brought the most exquisite garden into the table while curating the freshest and most delicate of florals creating a flower bed that was emerging right from the table itself. When putting together the cake scenario with this romantic cake design by Edelweiss Wedding Cakes, our main inspiration was a Chic Garden Extravaganza, and so we built a floral garden all over the cake table.

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Diane Sotero Photography

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A Venue Change 10 Days Before This Couple Said I Do And You Wouldn’t Have Even Known!

You would never guess by looking at the below, stunning imagery by atmosphere, that this couple had to change their venue just 10 days before they tied the knot, after the pandemic already forced them to change their original date! Dream Weddings Europe planned the couples picture-perfect day with florals by Decorelle who created striking floral arrangements of red and pink hues that emanated feelings of love, passion, and strength. Held at Forte Da Cruz, a fortress by the sea this hopeful and happy couple said I do with 50 of their closest family and friends who traveled to Portugal from all around Europe…a true testament of love.

From Dream Weddings Europe…Shirley and Kweku are a French couple from Strasbourg. After their engagement at the beginning of 2019, their first option for a destination wedding was Morocco, but during the first stages of wedding planning they realized it was not exactly what they were looking forward to, and a friend suggested them Portugal as an option for their wedding destination. Accidentally, Shirley and Kweku found Dream Weddings Europe in their Google searchings, and they decided very quickly to get married in Portugal. The beautiful couple dreamt about a magical wedding date – 20th June 2020. Of course, many couples in 2019 were dreaming about a special wedding in 2020 and we didn’t find many venues available for their date. But after some destination inspections, Shirley and Kweku found the right venue.

All the planning process was such a pleasure! Because S&K are such kind and nice people. Any wedding planner can just dream about such lovely clients! But then Coronavirus came. Until the end of May, we were dreaming to still have a wedding on the 20th June 2020, but of course, it didn’t happen. We postponed the wedding to the 9th October 2020. We should say that S&K are not only nice people, they are also very smart and very positive. And this is so important during COVID times. We chatted frequently by messages and video calls and we all always believed this wedding would happen.

But, ten days before the wedding, when we were thinking that everything was finally under control, the venue said they couldn’t accommodate the wedding or a party at all. We immediately started looking for an option and found another venue nearby – Forte da Cruz (which was not available for the original date). And it was available! We readily made all changes necessary to the wedding design, logistics and timings and we had such a great wedding! 50 guests from all around Europe came to Portugal to celebrate this day with Shirley and Kweku. All their dreams became true! And it was one of the most beautiful and happy weddings we have ever planned.

From Dream Weddings Europe:

Shirley and Kweku are a French couple from Strasbourg. After their engagement in the beginning of 2019, their first option for a destination wedding was Morocco, but during the first stages of wedding planning they realized it was not exactly what they were looking forward to, and a friend suggested them Portugal as an option for their wedding destination. Accidentally, Shirley and Kweku, found Dream Weddings Europe in their Google searchings, and they decided very quickly to get married in Portugal. The beautiful couple dreamt about a magical wedding date – 20th June 2020. Of course, many couples in 2019 were dreaming about a special wedding in 2020 and we didn’t find many venues available for their date. But after some destination inspections, Shirley and Kweku found the right venue. All the planning process was such a pleasure! Because S&K are such kind and nice people. Any wedding planner can just dream about such lovely clients! But then Coronavirus came. Until the end of May, we were dreaming to still have a wedding on the 20th June 2020, but of course it didn’t happen. We postponed the wedding to the 9th October 2020. We should say that S&K are not only nice persons, they are also very smart and very positive. And this is so important during COVID times. We chatted frequently by messages and video calls and we all always believed this wedding would happen. But, ten days before the wedding, when we were thinking that everything was finally under control, the venue said they couldn’t accommodate the wedding. A party at all. We immediately started looking for an option and found another venue nearby – Forte da Cruz (which was not available for the original date). And it was available! We readily made all changes necessary to the wedding design, logistics and timings and we had such a great wedding! 50 guests from all around Europe came to Portugal to celebrate this day with Shirley and Kweku. All their dreams became true! And it was one of the most beautiful and happy weddings we have ever planned.

Answered: Experts give their top tips for finding your dream dress

Finding your dream wedding dress is no easy feat! Mermaid or ball gown? Sweetheart neckline or scoop neck? With almost endless options, it’s hard to know where to start. Diane Sotero Photography teamed up with a bevy of experts to help you find your perfect fit, with a lot of beautiful inspiration along the way. Styled and produced by Sofia Nascimento Studios, style lovers everywhere are in for a treat. Popular consensus? It’s less about the dress you choose and more about how the dress makes you feel. Be sure to visit the full gallery for even more darling dress ideas.

1. Discovering your Style and finding the perfect dress

It’s important to find a dress designer that is a good match. You can consult with your wedding planner or stylist to find the perfect designer for you. Ask your wedding planner to create a mood board to help you visualize your day in one big story and choose the style of the dress in accordance with the defined storyline.

Shella – Owner and Head Designer at Tanzilia

2. Something Unique

Choosing the perfect wedding gown doesn’t mean white is mandatory. Your wedding dress (and your entire look) should be as personal and loyal to your own identity as you desire it to be. There’s so much fun in combining fashion elements into your look, like some bold colored shoes and earrings in order to bring an unexpected pop of color or even going a bit further by choosing a colorful dress! The sky is the limit here, so dream big and have fun!

Sofia – Creative Director at Sofia Nascimento Studios

3.. One Wedding Dress is good, Two are even better!

Most brides can’t decide which silhouette to have on their wedding day. Some choose to cover up and appear elegant during their blessing ceremony and then go bold and glamorous during the dinner reception. That is why having two gowns is the best option. You will look totally different at your dinner party and pleasantly surprise your guests.

Mia – Owner & Stylist at Her Maid Of Honor

4. Don’t forget the Hair & Makeup

Be authentic and play around with styles. You don’t want to look like a different person than you really are. Especially because of weddings, it is always wise to choose a timeless look. It’s crucial that the bride feels comfortable right away with a hair & makeup test. Nothing guarantees a satisfied and beautiful client better than good communication, pointing likes and dislikes during the trial!

Tom Perdigao – Hair & Make Up Artist

5. Make sure you feel gorgeous and comfortable on your wedding day

Make sure you feel gorgeous on your big day! Try the entire look together and make sure you feel like the best version of yourself. If the dress is not fitting well or the makeup & hair is not your style, the chances of you not being happy with your wedding photos afterward are HUGE! Remember that it is your wedding, and you deserve to feel beautiful and comfortable on your day!

Diane Sotero – Luxury Wedding & Editorial Photographer

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Dreaming of a Wedding Destination That Feels Like a Real-Life Fairytale? Look No Further.

Italy and France are completely amazing, we all know that… but if you ask us, Portugal is one of the most underrated wedding destinations out there. For today’s editorial, StudioVictorias and Malvina Frolova were inspired by the beauty and diversity of Portuguese landscapes – stunning beaches, broad vineyards and ancient castles. Speaking of castles… we can’t get over how gorgeous this venue is. StudioVictorias said it best, it’s like “a fairytale palace in the middle of an enchanted forest.” Head on over to the full gallery to fall in love with the refined elegance and beauty of Portugal.

From Malvina Frolova… Dreaming of a wedding destination that feels like a real-life fairytale? Look no further. Portugal is a country of endless inspiration. The beauty and diversity of Portuguese landscapes are impressive: 800 km of stunning beaches, broad vineyards of the Douro Valley, amber cork fields of Alentejo, lonely lighthouses, ancient castles, and royal palaces. And the idea of this editorial shoot was to create an inspiration capturing the refined simplicity of the country itself combining it with an old-world European aesthetic and modern elegance. A former royal palace in central Portugal sets the scene for this editorial shoot, created by Portuguese wedding agency StudioVictorias and beautifully captured by fine art photographer Malvina Frolova.

This magnificent palace of the Portuguese monarchs was built in the unique Neo-Manueline style and now is now turned into one of the most beautiful historic hotels in the world. From StudioVictorias: “A fairytale palace in the middle of an enchanted forest” would be the best definition of this venue. The palace is a genuine ode to romanticism, enclosed in the uniqueness and beauty of its interiors, the exceptional framing of the landscape and the grandeur of its eclectic facade. This is a real architectural fantasy with an atmosphere of mystery, surrounded by gardens with exotic trees from far corners of the Portuguese Empire. We brought together a talented team of international vendors to inspire the couples from all over the world to celebrate the wedding in the real royal palace, where the atmosphere of the luxury of the past days is intertwined with the romance of the present.

We wanted to maximally show all the possibilities of this unique historical venue in the heart of Old Europe. Despite the grandeur of the palace located in a dark mysterious forest, we wanted to create a very light and charming project that could convey the sensuality and tenderness of our couple in love. And as it seems, everything worked out perfectly. In Bussaco Palace any girl instantly turns into a princess. The feminine style of boudoir sets for the morning of the bride, the minimum of accessories, natural makeup and loose updo make her a true embodiment of sensuality and tenderness. The bride’s embroidered lace wedding dress from Vanila Studio and minimalist earrings from OlgaDelice added aristocratic elegance, while a delicate bouquet in an airy garden style complemented her sophisticated look.

A classic sharp-looking suit from Penhalta fashion house and accessories from the Portuguese designer Maison Nuno Gama were selected for the groom. We intentionally supplemented the magnificence of the old palace and the wild nature of the region with elegant details of the decor and delicate looks of the couple, harmoniously combining the eternal and the modern. In the concept, we used soft pastel shades, from cold grey to warm beige and pale pink and complementing them with dusty yellow. For the ceremony area, floral designer Yana Metlinskaya created an asymmetric arch that harmoniously blends with the surrounding garden space and complements the intricate architecture of the palace. On the balcony of the palace, decorated with luxurious stucco work, a table for eight people was served. Modern gold cutlery and plates were remarkably combined with a heavy silk tablecloth, vintage wooden chairs and a floral arrangement in an airy organic style. The stationery designed by To Be Dream creates an exquisite modern look with handcrafted paper and a typical Portuguese pattern for the envelope. Elegance is added by hand-illustrated details like the drawing of the architectural elements of the palace. Gorgeous four-tier cake by Julie Deffence was created taking into account the general concept and decorated with sugar flowers matching a project’s color palette and handcrafted wafer paper with the same typical Portuguese tiles pattern. At the end of a romantic day, a vintage car was waiting for a couple to take them on their first family trip.

A Heart-Warming Summer Wedding in a Portuguese Palace With Just 14 Guests

14 guests, a cheerful summer color palette, floral magic by Flow and a stunning, sun-soaked indoor reception… these are just a few things we’re falling head over heels for in today’s gorgeous wedding planned by Splendida Weddings. Don’t miss out on the full gallery for every inspiring detail for your intimate wedding – taken by Diane Sotero Photography.

From the photographer, Diane Sotero… When Kayla and Carlos contacted me and we had a video call, I quickly felt the sweetness and love between both of them. They had booked me before even having chosen a venue for their wedding. For the next month, Nikolina Silva (From Splendida Weddings) and I spent a few days visiting a number of wedding venues to help them decide which one would be a better match to their personalities, wedding style and to fulfill their wedding dreams. Kayla & Carlos chose a beautiful Portuguese palace to hold their celebration. On the day of their wedding it was a beautiful warm afternoon, filled with the best light. The styling and design were just stunning, and their family and guests were so lovely. One of my personal favorite moments was their first look, they had such an emotional first look. During the entire time while I was photographing this precious moment, I could feel how their hearts were full of happiness and love. All of their feelings were overflowing through their eyes and movements which made a remarkable moment that I was honored to capture and that I’m sure they will remember forever. The ceremony was small and intimate. It was guided by the delightful sound of precious violins, Kayla entered the isle holding hands with both of her parents, such a sweet way to show her gratitude for them. Carlos and Kayla said “I do” in the presence of 14 guests, including family and friends. Kayla and Carlos shared with me that from the beginning all they wanted was to share a beautiful and meaningful celebration with the most important people in their lives and they were so happy when they saw their dining table that they even shed a few tears. It was very emotional when each guest read their place card where Kayla and Carlos had written a personal message stating why each guest was special to them. Photographing this wedding gave me precious insights into their beautiful love story. I could feel the love that each guest had for them and the love Kayla and Carlos felt for each other. Intimate destination weddings like this one are magical.

From the Wedding Planner…Kayla and Carlos decided to get married abroad and elected Portugal as their wedding destination. They have never visited Lisbon prior to their wedding day but their desire to experience something new and enjoy all unique experiences regarding well known Portuguese cuisine, good late summer weather, unique picturesque felt as they have always new that it was the one! Selecting the wedding venues was challenging and as they have never visited this beautiful country before, but they deposited all their trust in our team. After a while beautiful their heart won unique Pestana Palace in Lisbon and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, just perfect fit for their intimate wedding celebration that counted with 16 guests. Wedding ceremony had palace as a perfect backdrop and neutral chairs with beautiful floral arch and live string duo created magical moment of the union. Regarding wedding design all the aesthetic and wedding paper got inspired by couples ‘love story, favorite colors, desired royal-like dining experience and a bit of modern tweaks with unique floral design. The exquisite table setting was carefully hand-picked to improve overall dining experience and unique intimate atmosphere at the most elegant and delicate way. Many details had personal and hand-written messages by bride and groom and one interesting detail is that each place card had unique and meaningful message that the couple Kayla and Carlos wrote for each guest, so they feel how special and unique their presence is for them. The speeches made all the guests crying of how emotional and unique their love union is.

From the Bride… What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning? We had many different thoughts about our wedding prior to planning. Ultimately we decided we wanted an adventure. Portugal quickly became our choice, a place we had both never traveled to but seemed to have all of the things we enjoyed. Once we decided on an intimate destination wedding, we knew we wanted to highlight a unique Portuguese venue that would create an exceptional experience for our guests celebrating with us. We found our planner, Splendida weddings who helped us work through finding our ideal venue from a far. We chose a palace setting in Lisbon, that had a mix of regal elegance, beautiful grounds and top quality food. You felt like you are in a different world as soon as you enter the property, not right in Lisbon. What was your color palette and your style vision? We wanted to enhance the incredible palace which had so many beautiful details while incorporating some of our color preferences. The color palette was light purple, sage green, blues with accents of pinks and gold. Our paper details were handmade with aquarelle modern tie dye pattern softly tying in our colors. The ceremony and cocktails were in the gardens with the palace as the back drop. We then moved inside the palace where we dined for a five course meal. This allowed us to have the best of both worlds and take in all the venue had to offer with elegant and romantic details in each setting. What unique elements or DIY details did you include? Our planner suggested to include a personalized quote for each individual on their place card. Our guests loved them and everyone went around and read their personalized quote out-loud and it ended up being such an emotional and beautiful moment in the day that wasn’t expected. It was another small way to show our appreciation and love for our guests.

Our photographer, Diane Sotero, shot the wedding in film. That combination with her artistic ability to compose and capture beautiful moments and details gave us everlasting memories. What was your favorite moment? There are so many small moments of the day that pop into my mind but the ceremony was incredible. We had been together almost six years before getting married but expressing our love and vows to one another with my husband’s life long friend conducting our ceremony, surrounded by our loved ones was incredibly meaningful and joyful. We had written the ceremony together so it was special to see it all come to life and share our own vows with each other. It was way more emotional than I ever imagined. Your favorite crafted detail? All of the little details are what made the day so personal and tied everything together creating the vision of the day. I loved our guestbook, it was a sketch of Pestana Palace and it is something that we will have framed in our home forever! But overall the way our dinner table came together was another moment that took my breath away. The flowers, place settings, candle light enhanced the atmosphere. It felt so regal yet inviting with beautiful light through the large windows, that faded as the night went on as we ate, drank and celebrated in candle light with our fourteen guests. Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, etc. My Modern Tousseau guipure lace fit and flare gown beautiful and had a timeless feel. I loved my Bella Belle shoes in soft blue with pearl and bead flower details. For jewelry I kept it simple with statement earrings from Kate and Mari Jewelry and bracelet from Kendra Scott, both with mother of pearl details. Our florist was so talented. The flowers and arrangements were breath taking. There was a mixture of roses and other garden flowers that added so much movement, texture and color. The floral arch was incredible, it felt like a dream and evoked such a romantic setting in the garden for our ceremony. It was one of my favorite elements of the day. My bouquet was also out of this world and made me smile every time. Our favors were all items made in Portugal: Port (of course!), handmade soaps, traditional Portuguese pastry for a late night/early morning snack, with handwritten thank you notes to each of our guests. What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be? Prioritize which elements are the most important to you.

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This Luxurious Jewel Tone Wedding Will Make You Come To The Dark Side

If you ask us, there’s nothing dreamier then a destination wedding, except maybe when the celebration also happens to involve a burst of jewel-toned hues! With colors just as vibrant and full of life as the city itself, red, ruby, and burgundy made the perfect color palette for this Lisbon affair. We never cease to be amazed by the beauty and romance Les Anaganou captures behind the lens. Get lost in all the beautiful imagery in the full gallery.

From Les Anaganou… Lisbon is one of our favorite cities in the world for its personality and vibrant buzzing character! The Portugal capital was the perfect place for Stephanie and Garret to celebrate their wedding day and join their lives forever!

The ceremony was held overlooking a magnificent valley. Our couple said their vows under a beautiful arch consisting of dozens of jewel-toned flowers and no guest was left unmoved by their wedding promises. The aesthetic was moody and luxurious, filled with dark green linens and floral arrangements in burned red, pale pink and terracotta shades with pops of purple!

All the guests were amazed and had a perfect time as the sun was setting. Lisbon at night was truly magical and totally appropriate for Stephanie and Garret’s luxurious wedding celebration! We love unique couples that want sophisticated wedding days with character and style! We wish them all the best!

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A Stunning Palace Wedding in Portugal That Highlights the Beauty of Traditional Portuguese Culture

Today’s stunning wedding is nothing short of a dream. From the floral adorned palace staircase to the charming indoor reception complete with the original palace china, every inch of this special day was fit for a royal. Splendida Weddings brought the couple’s intimate, destination wedding dreams to life while Passionate Photography was there to capture every can’t miss moment. Don’t miss the full gallery to see all the wedding magic unfold.

From the couple… What makes our wedding special: Our love is like a dream. It’s so easy, and simple, but for a same-sex couple, our dream wedding hasn’t always felt possible. We needed to honor this with a ceremony that celebrated what we love about each other, which we achieved by writing our own vows and having a special friend officiate.

We also wanted to thank our wedding guests for traveling all the way to Europe by pampering them in an elegant venue. We wanted the classic charm of the palace to speak for itself, but we also wanted to highlight the elements of Portuguese culture that we love so much.

The small details like using the original palace furniture for the ceremony, Portuguese china and crystal, traditional Portuguese cuisine, and utilizing different rooms/areas of the palace for the ceremony, cocktail, dinner, and dancing really set the experience over the top for us and our guests. We, and they, felt like royalty!

We both come from families that value hard work, but sometimes forget to reward themselves. We wanted our guests to treat themselves to a hard-earned vacation and fall as in love with Europe and some of the finer things as we are. They literally can’t stop thanking us. It was a dream come true for all of us.

Intimate Destination Wedding at Ritz Carlton Penha Longa

If you’re anything like me, you’re fully celebrating the color pink this month (and maybe even possibly the whole year… I blame it on Pantone!). Although this fete from Dream Weddings Europe doesn’t have an ounce of our happy hue in the decor, it doesn’t need to, because the venue itself is pink—making way for plenty of photo opps for Amanda & Derick on their Big Day. atmosphere made sure to scope out all the breathtaking angles and this gallery is the pretty outcome.

From atmosphere… Amanda & Derick came from Canada with their close family and friends to celebrate their intimate wedding in sunny Portugal. They chose the elegant Ritz Carlton Penha Longa Resort to host their celebrations. Penha Longa is situated in the mountains of Sintra, which composes the perfect intimate, yet chic atmosphere they wanted.

The unique pink 14th-Century Monastery was the perfect dreamy and romantic background for the celebration of friendship and love lived by Amanda & Derick that day. It was all about having fun and spending great, quality time with loved ones.

The dinner took place in the most cozy room, Sala dos Arcos (Arch Room), the former stables of the 14th-century monastery, where emotional speaks put happy tears in everyone’s eyes. The dances and party were followed at the the opulent Salão Nobre (Noble Room). It was a perfect day, just like their smiles translate.

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When Bright Color and Whimsy Define Your Wedding Day Style

I have known Andre & Sofia – the pair behind destination photography, floral and event design studio Branco Prata – for many years. I originally loved them for their kindness. Now, I love them for that and so much more. Their willingness to put themselves out there creatively, to dream, to ask, to try new things, to be bold when required and to be curated always. This shoot is a representation of that very creativity. That very curation. Based on the title “Color Me Graceful,” this is what happens when two intensely talented people gather their favorite artists and designers and take the day off to play. And it’s oh-so-wonderful.

From Branco Prata Studios… Color Me Graceful is a study, (a sketch or a painting), done in preparation for a accomplished art piece. It’s where the elements: light, color, form, perspective and composition, are planned to be used in a finished art work. It’s a set of images that tell a tale of fresh insights gainned while exploring our subject, and we want the viewer to share more of the “artist’s” sense of discovery as the images unfold in front of him or her.

Here, reality is born out of a paint brush, where everything is perfectly aligned with the setting. Our bride is like a blank canvas waiting to be painted, she is beautiful and graceful, she is divine, and on her wedding day, she will be able to shine even more than she usually does.

In short, Color Me Grateful is also a creation of visual, auditory and performing images that translate into a story, an exploration of the five senses. As humans we have a multitude of sensors: vision, audition, gustation, olfaction, and touch, among others, it is our destiny to explore them and elevate them.

A Romantic Portuguese Wedding Fit for Royalty

When it came time to plan their wedding, this couple had no doubts regarding the location – with their love of travel and the bride’s family heritage, Portugal was the clear choice. And my oh my did it turn out pretty! The Wedding Company planned a romantic affair on the grounds of a palace with Decoflorália adding that organic feel with green and white florals. Captured by Branco Prata Studios and filmed by The Amazing Rabbit, this wedding will have you booking the next ticket to Portugal for your own fairytale moment.

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From the bride… We knew that we wanted a destination wedding because of our love for travel. We have collected a lifetime of memories by traveling the world, so for our wedding, we wanted to bring our families and loved ones together for an unforgettable experience.

Portugal was a second home growing up for me. It is where my parents were born, where I spent my summer vacations with my grandparents, and it is still my favorite place to visit. Before we were engaged, on our first trip to Portugal together, we took a day trip to Guimarães. We immediately fell in love with the city’s charm and character. In fact, while sitting at a café in the town square, having a glass of wine, we even discussed how this would be the perfect location for a wedding. Fast forward three years, and happening by chance, our amazing wedding planners presented us with the Paço dos Duques de Bragança as an option. We were shocked as it wasn’t on our initial list and we didn’t know it was a wedding venue, but we knew right then that it was meant to be.

The palace is a unique venue. Its grandeur was very intimidating considering we wanted a smaller wedding. But at the same time, it is extremely beautiful and elegant. Throw in candlelight and a perfect summer night under the stars – we had no doubt that it would still be an intimate wedding. And hey, what girl wouldn’t want to get married in a castle?

Before our wedding, two of our close friends offered us a piece of advice that they had received. They said, “No matter what, don’t get separated. Stay together the whole time or else the night will get away from you.” We took this to heart, and it was the best advice we could have received. From the time we met at the altar at 5 PM until the sun was coming up and the party still going strong at 5 AM, we were inseparable, sharing every little detail together. We had two moments that were shared between just the two of us that will always be some of our fondest memories of the day. The first was our first look, and it was everything we wanted. Quiet, intimate, sharing that moment of excitement – “We’re about to get married!” – to start the day right. The second was the first time we were being introduced as husband and wife. To keep it a surprise, we decided that we were going to wait to see the inside of the venue until this moment. Once we turned the corner, we both let out two gasps. It was a year’s worth of planning in one instant, and thanks to our amazing wedding planners, it surpassed our wildest expectations.

From the groom… Any other “destination wedding” location couldn’t compare, not just because of the country’s beauty and people, but due to the place it holds in the hearts of my bride and her family.

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What is one piece of advice that you could give to brides-to-be?

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