The Ultimate Destination Wedding in Alentejo
Alentejo has a special place in our hearts for a long time now. We love those golden endless plains with cork trees and the peace of Alentejo. So, it goes without saying that we were absolutely happy when Laurie & Rémi invited us to be a part of their big day and capture all the beautiful and candid moments for them. Family and friends flew in from Belgium to enjoy sunny Portugal and celebrate with them.
Hotel Mascarenhas, Alentejo - Wedding Warm Up
The day started at the beautiful Solar dos Mascarenhas hotel in Estremoz, where the couple and their closest friends got ready. The hot day called for a swim in the hotel’s pool, the perfect way to cool off before the outdoor ceremony.
They all were enjoying the chilly dip on a particularly hot day.
We absolutely loved the shirts worn by one of the bridemaid, which had the phrase “Babes Gang” printed on them.
Getting Ready to Say 'I Do' to the Destination Wedding Dream
In the meantime, Laurie was watching them from the window in her room while getting ready. Susana Pardal did an amazing work with the makeup and Josiane Frédérick took care of Laurie’s hair. Laurie was wearing a gorgeous headpiece and a lovely wedding dress by Charly A, just perfect for a summer afternoon. Her bridesmaids took good care of her and Laurie was ready to rock.
Friend Get Together
In the room, next door, Rémi, and his friends were trying to find out whose clothes belonged to whom.
Bride Multitasking
The bride was multitasking like a pro, with her bridesmaids helping out by painting her nails while someone else was doing her hair, all at the same time. Despite all the hustle and bustle, the atmosphere was calm and laid-back, which was a great thing to witness. It was amazing to see everything coming together in such a harmonious and seamless way.
Selrest: The Place
The ceremony was held amidst the stunning natural beauty of Selrest which has stunning views over the plains. Such a great place in Estremoz, Alentejo.
Selrest: Outdoor Ceremony
As the couple exchanged their heartfelt vows, their friends delivered speeches that filled the ceremony with pure joy and happiness. Laughter and happiness radiated from everyone, making it a moment that was truly unforgettable and emotional.
It’s moments like these that make me grateful to be a part of capturing such special and intimate moments of people’s lives.
After the ceremony, everyone was just chilling, appreciating the sun and blue skies together with great friends and great food. Mário Correia played some amazing covers on the guitar, a really cool vibe.
The Alentejo
You’ll be bewitched – Portugal’s largest region, covering a third of the country, truly captivates. Think dry, golden plains, rolling hillsides and lime-green vines. A rugged coastline, traditional whitewashed villages, marble towns and majestic medieval cities. Plus a proud if melancholic people, who valiantly cling to their local crafts. It is one of Portugal’s hidden gems.
The region’s weather is normally mild to hot and dry. Keep in mind that it was midsummer, thus temperatures may reach 40 °C (104 °F). It was no surprise that everyone was looking for something to drink.
Some are even going for it with the invisible cup and the wrong hand.
The Bride's Fun Twist on the Bouquet Toss
One specific moment that jumped out to me was when the bride wanted to try something new with her bouquet throw. Instead of throwing her bouquet to the single females in attendance, the bride devised a game to decide the lucky winner. She had everyone gather in a circle and had them holding an individual string attached to the bouquet. She was then cutting a string at a time while her eyes were closed.
It was such a cheerful and exciting occasion, and everyone was applauding and laughing as the game progressed. Finally, the winner was announced, and she was overjoyed to get this lovely bouquet. We love to record genuine moments that capture the soul of the day. At one point, you could see the bride’s sister entirely engaged in attempting to capture a picture as everything was going on. Of course, we had to capture that exact moment in our photographs.
Selrest: Table Decor
Reception: Surprise Speech
The bridesmaid surprised the couple with a heartfelt speech that had everyone in stitches. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.
Ending The Night
In a nutshell, this was the perfect Alentejo destination wedding. Every detail, from the breathtaking venue to the passionate speeches, was genuinely remarkable. If you’re seeking for the ideal location for your dream wedding, Alentejo is the place to be.
