Today’s wedding editorial is a beautiful blend of traditional values, Portuguese influence and rustic, alfresco styling. Perfect wedding inspiration for brides-to-be who are looking for stylish yet simple and down to earth detail.
Words and images by Alabaster Jar Photography.
As vendors we met together to discuss how we could create a styled shoot that would encourage future clients to think outside the box and design a wedding day that represents who they are not just what is trending on Pinterest. We wanted bold colours, culture, unique aspects and something we would want to be a part of.
We were inspired by the culture of Portugal, where weddings are celebrations of love and a uniting of friends and family and deeply rooted in tradition. For our shoot we decided on an intimate celebration.
It is a small, alfresco backyard reception. Food and laughter is abundant. The atmosphere is joyous but calm and relaxed. Tradition is important and it is in the subtle details where one gets a glimpse of the true heart of the bride and groom.
The groom wears wedding cufflinks with symbols of a swallow – a Portuguese national symbol representing family, love, loyalty and fidelity. In his breast-pocket he carries a traditional Portuguese ‘lenco de namorados’ – a handkerchief embroidered by his future bride with a sweet message of love and commitment.
The bride wears traditional Portuguese earrings and shawl. On her bouquet, a medallion from her father. The guest favours placed on the place setting are replicas of traditional Portuguese Azulejo tiles.
The bride is alluring, but refined. She is timeless. She values quality and beautiful things and appreciates good craftsmanship and details yet is neither fussy nor pretentious. This is seen in the beautiful lace linen, dishes, glassware and other tabletop items she chooses, and yet she sits in the boat barefoot, carefree and joyful; this day is the happiest day of her life.
She is a natural beauty – makeup and hair is simple, but elegant. Like our couple, the decor is simple, but refined. It is inspired by the surroundings and true to the Portuguese inspiration. Beautifully coloured vintage plates and glassware in blues and greens together with soft white and terra cotta are reminiscent of seaside villages.
Thanks so much to Alabaster Jar Wedding for sharing this lovely wedding editorial with us. We are loving the homely, Portuguese backyard vibe!
shoot credits: planning & rentals: little river vintage rentals and event design / photographer: alabaster jar photography / decor rentals: mt’s wedding design / floral: lsp designs / make-up: laceface make-up artistry / cufflinks: minoosha / venue: private residence
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