Minimalist, Feminine Yet Edgy Destination Wedding in Portugal

Matt + Lena Photography

September 2, 2024

Eve always knew she’d never want to wear a traditional wedding gown. So, when she got engaged to Harry she started looking beyond the usual bridal boutiques for her outfit. Finding Simone Rocha was a dream come true and she travelled all the way to London from where they live in san Francisco to try on their pieces.

The couple chose Portugal as the location for their wedding. And although planning a destination wedding did come with its challenges, their venue, Casa Do Lago in Algarve, perfectly encapsulated everything they envisioned for their day. Their wedding planner, based locally, also ensured everything went off without a hitch.

“Our wedding day was a perfect blend of elements that reflect who we are as a couple”, Eve said. “It can be best described as a relaxed fairytale, embracing the natural surroundings and embodying our personalities. I drew inspiration primarily from my own everyday aesthetics. Having always embraced a style that is feminine yet edgy, I wanted our wedding to reflect this unique combination too.”

“My wedding dress, a creation by Simone Rocha, was a dream come true”, she continued. “Having always admired her designs, I fell in love with the dress the moment I saw it online. During a special wedding dress trip to London with my mum, it was the first dress I tried on, and it captured everything I envisioned. Unique and different, it truly reflected my personal style, and I found it incredibly comfortable. Simone Rocha’s attention to detail and her ability to create garments that are both fashion-forward and timeless made the dress a perfect fit for my wedding day. One of the things that excited me most about this dress is its versatility, not your typical wedding dress, and I’m hopeful to wear it again, creating more memories in this stunning piece.”

The ceremony was held outside, in front of the Quinta do Lago lake. The bride walked up the aisle as a friend sang Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen and played acoustic guitar. Afterwards they headed to the restaurant for a fantastic meal. They decor was simple, with the beautiful space not needing much extra. They had a mix of lavender and delicate pink and purple flowers, keeping everything else on the tables extremely minimal.

“Our key takeaway from our experience was the importance of staying true to your vision and not hesitating to put your own spin on traditional elements”, the bride concluded. “Your wedding should be an authentic reflection of your shared journey, and break away from convention. Our advice is to stay true to your unique style and let your personalities shine through. After all, your wedding is a celebration of your love story and the journey you’ve shared.

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