Emma and Martin’s love story began like a Hallmark story in Ireland at the 2016 Rose of Tralee International Festival. Emma was the “Carlow Rose” (official representative of County Carlow), and Martin was assigned as her “Rose Escort.” While dressed in a tuxedo, his duties included ensuring her packed schedule of events ran smoothly, holding her bags, and even supplying tissues and lip gloss. From a meet-cute in Ireland to a floral altar in the sun, learn more about Emma and Martin’s Portugal wedding at Solar do Paco below.

“We met at this festival and started dating straight after,” Emma says. “The rest is history.” 

When it came time to plan their June wedding, Portugal was a natural choice. Martin’s parents own a villa in the Algarve (the southernmost region of the country). The couple has visited every year since their relationship began.

“We both love the sun and having our wedding abroad was always our preference,” the bride says. 

The couple selected Solar do Paco as their venue, drawn to its beautiful blend of modern and historical architecture. Working with planner Weddings by Rebecca made coordinating the destination event a breeze, leaving Emma and Martin feeling completely taken care of and at ease.

The wedding day featured highly personalized touches. Emma and Martin designed their own stationery on Canva, and Flowers by Aude provided the stunning floral arrangements. The couple also incorporated meaningful accessories. Martin wore engraved cufflinks from Moda London, and Emma pinned her grandfather’s medal inside her Milla Nova gown. 

Before the ceremony, Emma and Martin shared a private first look before their guests arrived at the venue. “I think this allowed us to both feel really relaxed during the ceremony,” Emma notes.

The ceremony itself was deeply personal. A friend read a custom poem featuring lines in Irish, and the couple exchanged vows they wrote themselves. To cap off the beautiful moment, the newlyweds walked back up the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, which has been a long-time favorite song of theirs.

Instead of standard numbers, their seating chart categorized tables by destinations the couple had visited together. They even honored their unique meet-cute and dear friends made through it by creating a table for fellow “Carlow Roses” and escorts.

Looking back, the couple encourages others to embrace the entire wedding planning journey.

“The whole process is special,” Emma says. “The wedding day itself is magic, but all the dress fittings, speech writing, preparation evenings with your partner, mum, sister, friends, etc. are also so special.” 

Emma continues, saying, “[The wedding celebration] is a time when you get to see your favorite people more than you might usually, and I think treating the whole process as a gift to be celebrated means you can look back with no regrets. Also, think more about how the day will feel for you rather than how it looks. Enjoy yourself!”

Vendors: Photographer: Matt + Lena Photography; Wedding Planner: Weddings by Rebecca; Ceremony & Reception Site: Solar do Paco; Florist: Flowers by Aude; Cake: Ana Rita Makeup: Sharon Phillips; Hair: Rudi Imperato; Grooms’ Clothing: Tux Louis Copeland; Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie; Videographer: Luis Silva; Wedding Dress: Milla Nova; Bride’s Shoes: Michael Kors; Veil: Anna O Veils; Bride’s Earrings: Mo Muse; Personalized Cufflinks: Moda London; Rings: Fitzspatrick Diamonds; Band: The Originals; Saxophone: Carlos Gloria