Hello my lovelies! Today’s real wedding is so so SO pretty! Childhood sweethearts Jelena and João had a destination wedding in Portugal, marrying in a beautiful catholic church before their reception in a country house estate surrounded by lush greenery, beautiful gardens, lemon and orange trees.
Jelena wore a romantic Pronovias wedding gown and carried the prettiest bridal bouquet including tulips, peonies, lilacs, and sweet peas – she chose those flowers because of the aroma, their delicate arrangement, and the simplicity.
Their stunning wedding photography was captured by talented Portuguese destination wedding photographers, Matt and Lena. Such gorgeous images and such a gorgeous wedding. Enjoy!!
Words by Jelena.
Our wedding was inspired by the natural environment with a slight rustic element and an old charm style.
I didn’t select one colour theme, we had various colours of light pink, purple, green and yellow with many earthy tones. I wanted to bring the natural outdoors inside and believed we achieved that effect.
My Pronovias, ivory, vintage lace wedding dress was chosen because of it’s elegant beauty, style, and old school charm. I wanted a form fitting dress that wrapped around me and displayed my natural curves. I felt glamorous, sexy, and oh so pretty in this dress.
My Kate Spade bridal shoes were a gift from my loving sister and maid of honour, Angela. The shoes provide some sparkle and shine yet are comfortable to dance in all night. I love them because they reminded me of the shoes Baby wore in the movie Dirty Dancing.
I walked down the aisle to a thousand years by Christina Perri. The song evokes such strong emotion out of me. I love the instrumental introduction and the words to the song are very eloquently written.
My mom and dad both gave me away. They both raised me and shaped my development and I wanted both of them to be a part of the modern tradition. They may have given me away but they gained a son.
My husband and I met through a mutual friend 10 years ago. We actually got married during our 10th year of dating! Once we were introduced we began talking on the phone for hours at a time.
We would lose sleep because we talked so long over the phone and of course no one wanted to be the first to hang up so we would talk some more.
After a few months of dating we knew we wanted to get married, but we were so young. I was 18 when I met João and he was 19 years old. We stayed together and watched each other finish post-secondary education and find enjoyable careers.
Two years ago, we bought our first home and began saving up for our special day – August 2nd, 2014. How quickly time flies by. Soon we hope to extend our family in the near future.
Our wedding photographer Matt and Lena have found their true calling in life. They are incredible photographers that see the world through many lenses! Pun intended.
They capture innocent, pure, and candid moments in life that translate into beautiful and serene photographs. I love the way they capture natural light in their photographs.
It’s truly refreshing. I can’t wait for my family portrait with the future kids in a few years. I highly recommend their services. They are the best. Excellent customer service and satisfaction. Professional, reliable, and oh so sweet!
My bridesmaids wore Dessy dresses in the colour suede rose. They selected different styles that they loved and felt comfortable in.
I purchased my veil from www.lightinthebox.com for a steal. I highly recommend using this website. Their shipments are prompt and you get great products for a fraction of the price. I was really pleased with my order.
Our wedding was planned by The Algarve Wedding Planners. I hired only the best wedding planner and communicated with Carin on a daily basis via e-mail with regards to all the documentation required for the church, the venue selection, food, flowers, photographers, videographers, etc.
I highly recommend her services. She’s amazing and even sweeter and gorgeous in person!
The venue was beautifully decorated by the owner of Os Agostos. The centre-pieces on each table were different yet grouped under the same theme. The theme was nature to symbolize and to celebrate life, growth, beauty, strength and the fragility of mother earth.
The florist was arranged by The Algarve Wedding Planners. I opted with the tulips, peonies, lilacs, and sweet peas because of the aroma, the delicate arrangement, and simplicity.
Our wedding cake was vanilla flavour and arranged by the Algarve Wedding Planners.
If I could impart any words of wisdom onto a new bride? I would suggest you don’t plan your wedding alone! Hire someone to help you and the journey will be enjoyable. I never felt stressed or felt frustrated planning my wedding.
I had so many choices and my wedding planner was there to guide me through each step. I even miss planning my wedding day with her. I feel like I made an ever-lasting friend -we’re tied at the hip because of one of the most precious moments in my life.
The most memorable part of our day was walking down the aisle while all eyes were on me, I was filled with joyful tears as I approached my future husband. My future husband was also teary eyed as he first glanced me walking down the aisle. I felt like our minds were in sync – we felt the same way about each other.
We had missed each others company as we hadn’t seen each other until this moment, so we were happy to be reunited in such a beautiful manner, in front of family and loved ones. It was so beautiful and perfect.
Oooo how lovely! Such a beautiful day surrounded by all those lush orange and lemon trees. Congratulations Jelena and João, thank you so much for sharing your destination wedding with the WTW blog :))
wedding credits / photographers: matt and lena photography / wedding venue: os agostos, location: santa barbara de nexe, portugal / wedding planners: algarve wedding planners / wedding dress: pronovias / brides veil: light in the box / bridesmaid dresses: dessy
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Inspiring and beautiful, love your pictures, everyone looks amazing and the venue is magnificent.
fabulous photography, much yellow tone used.