Portugese lovers Mafalda and Carlos met through mutual friends at a beach party. “We joke that it was love at second sight,” Mafalda told us, “because on the first day I thought we had nothing in common!”

They began planning a completely different wedding, but when they found people’s opinions confusing matters for them, decided to strip things back and do things just as they wanted them. “The decor and style was really important for me. Carlos and I chose every single detail.”

Their biggest expense was the clothes, as Mafalda had her dress made from scratch by A Bela Noiva. Eternal Flowers Portugal took care of florals, and other props Mafalda picked up from places like H&M and Zara.

They saved a lot of money by having a very small wedding though, in fact, it was just the two of them. “In the end it was a beautiful day and a truly romantic ceremony with just me and Carlos in the middle of nowhere.” Afterward they shared a cocktail and had time to talk and just have fun. “It was exactly as we imagined.”

“The only thing I wish was that I’d had more time to plan,” Mafalda concluded. “I think it happens to all engaged couples. There were a lot of things to think about, even for a small wedding. But I’m glad we had a day that we wanted, not as our parents or other people would have liked.”

“If your style is different, do a small wedding, just you and your partner,” she advises. “Sometimes, if your family are traditional and won’t understand your decisions, it’s best just to just follow your instinct and have the small rock and roll wedding of your dreams!”