I was grateful to have spent the week before the wedding relaxing with my family in the Algarve, Portugal, spending some quality time with my sisters (including one about to pop at 35 weeks pregnant), parents and partners – travelling from London, Melbourne and Perth, took care of my pre-wedding stress. It feels ridiculous now with the current travel restrictions to imagine such a carefree time together relaxing by the pool each day, cooking, playing cards and drinking mimosas. Thank god we planned our wedding in 2019!
We were excited to arrive at the wedding venue – Quinta da Conceicao an 18thcentury Portuguese property, (built in 1715 for a Dutch diplomat which seemed fitting) joined by our bridal party to kick off the 4 day festivities! The venue was incredible. The manager Matt and the rest of the staff treated us like family, preparing some of the best food we had in Portugal each day, even sourcing ginger to make tea for me when I lost my voice.
The day of the wedding I felt uncharacteristically calm. The Bridal parties were kept separate with the boys out by the pool, and us enjoying homemade croissants, Portuguese tarts and coffee in the ‘saloon’ (lol). I attempted to surprise my bridemaids with their pomme shirts, but unfortunately secrets in my family are hard to keep. They dutifully faked their surprise and then the excitement really set in!
Our favourite hair and make up artist – Gin Castro from Melbourne graced us with her soothing presence and the rest of the prep time was spent popping champagne, laughing and crying with my favourite people – my sisters and two of my best friends (one of which was our celebrant!)
Despite a 40 degree day, the wedding was perfect! Everyone was well into holiday mode, had absorbed the slow-paced and relaxed Portuguese vibes and were ready for a party!
Shop the look: Isabelle Shirt Dress
Photography: @mitt.wedding
Videographer: @bluejeansfilms
Wedding Planner: @bymatilda.pt
Florist: @floristaodesejo
Venue: @quintadaconceicao
Dress: @suzanneharward
Hair and Make up: Gin at @trophywifesalon
Bridesmaids dresses: @alicemccallptyltd
