Marina and Gary’s real wedding in Portugal is breathtaking from the start. The sun kissed lavender themed wedding was brought to life by the very talented team at Yes I do! Algarve Wedding Photography, every image makes you want to pack your bags and say’ I do’ in the sun. Enjoy!
The Proposal
Gary surprised me and got down on one knee, on a weekend away in Rome. It was on the first night of the trip and we were sitting in front of the floodlit Victor Emmanuel II monument. It was very romantic.
The Dress
I bought my dress in Simone’s Bridal store in Co. Sligo, Ireland. It was an ivory and gold dress by Maggie Sottero called Blakely, the lavish embroidery and sparkling beads of this fit and flare gown capture the dramatic flair of a bygone era. Finished with scalloped illusion neckline, and button over zipper back closure.
The Accessories
I wore a full length veil which I borrowed from my older sister Caroline, the shoes I bought in a little boutique in Plymouth, Devon. Jewellery, bracelet and earring that matched the embroidery of the dress I bought in Debenhams in Plymouth. I also had a vintage comb for my hair which I bought online.
My Hair and Make-Up
Korine Hairstylist Almancil, did my hair with her assistant Isabelle. Korine did a really good job. I wanted to have my hair up because of the heat but I wanted to have something feminine and elegant that complemented the style of my dress. My sister Julie did my make-up. We chose to use Gucci products for my make-up and wanted to have quite a natural dewy look, not too overdone.
The Ceremony & Reception
Our wedding ceremony and reception was held Monte Da Quint resort in Almancil, Portugal. We had an outdoor ceremony in the garden at the resorts private clubhouse. Walking along the edge of the pool up towards Gary’s smiling face, to a piece of music he wrote just for me, was unforgettable. We had champagne and canapes on the balcony of the clubhouse overlooking the pool then that evening we ate outside with tables set up at the at the edge of pool. The Band set up outside and we danced the night away.
My Bridesmaids
We had four bridesmaids, my three sisters Caroline, Evelyn and Julie, and the groom’s sister Emma who also happens to be one of my best friends, she introduced me to Gary.
The Groomsmen
The one and only Nick, who’s one of the groom’s best friends. They have known each other since the age of 18. Nick did a wonderful speech on the day which was both very funny and touching.
The Photographer
Ana Abrao from Yes I Do photographed the event. They did a fantastic job, they were very professional and passionate about getting great photo’s and were very flexible when working with us throughout our special day.
The Theme
We didn’t really have a theme as such but wanted the day to be intimate and romantic. Lavender played a key role and formed the basis of the colour scheme of the wedding.
My Favourite Part of the Wedding
It’s really hard to pick out individual parts as the day was amazing from beginning to end. It was so much better than we ever expected it could be, the hotel and our wedding co-ordinator Cila Uva did an amazing job. Having almost 50 of our family and friends there to celebrate with us was wonderful. Having our two little nephews Cameron, 4 years and Christian, 14months walking up the aisle with the bridesmaids was so lovely, they made everyone smile. My Dad walking me down the aisle was very special and emotional moment. Seeing each other for the first time was so special, we were both so happy. The ceremony itself was really personal and meaningful. James Watson our celebrant did a great job. Chasing the sunset with the photographers on our way to the beach was exciting and lots of fun. Looking around at one point in the night and realising that all the guests were up dancing to the band not one person sitting down was amazing because that’s exactly how we wanted it to be.
It was Special
The fact that our wedding ceremony and reception was held almost entirely outdoors in the sunshine made it very unique by Irish or UK standards. There was a very intimate feel to the whole day. My husband wrote and recorded a beautiful piece of music on classical guitar for me to walk down the aisle to, which was very emotional.
My Advice
Enjoy the planning stage of your wedding and try to not get too stressed about it. Remember that it is you and your husband to be’s day and not anyone else so do want you really want and don’t be swayed by other people. If you’re on a budget then identify the most important aspects of the day and spend the budget on those and save on everything else.
Supplier
Bridal Dress: Blakely by Maggie Sottero | Grooms attire: Zara Men | Bridesmaids Attire: Coast | Flowers and Bouquets: Suzannah Flowers | Entertainment: Diesel | Photographer: Yes I do Photography | Wedding Cake and Catering: Monte Da Quint | Wedding Hair: Korine Hairstylist Almancil | Wedding Venue: Monte Da Quinta Resort | Celebrant: James Watson
