Iman and Shaleeza’s love story began on a dating app, though the details are still debated. Iman insists it was Bumble (where the girl has to make the first move), while Shaleeza remains adamant it was Hinge. Either way, when these two souls found each other, they began their journey to the destination wedding altar in the picture-perfect setting of Lisbon, Portugal!

Having a wedding abroad in a sunny climate that was personal to the couple not only made sense, but it also extended the celebration and allowed guests to break the ice, creating a special kind of energy on the wedding day.

“Choosing Portugal as the destination for our wedding was one of the easiest decisions we made,” Shaleeza tells us. “Lisbon has always been special to us. It’s a place we frequent for family holidays, where we have a holiday home and close friends. On top of that, having a religious community center in Lisbon meant we could include our religious marriage as part of the celebrations, which was an incredible benefit.”

The search for the perfect venue, however, wasn’t quite as simple. Luckily, a close friend recommended Tamara of L’Agence Eventive, who provided the couple with expert guidance.

“We had some non-negotiables,” the couple says. “We wanted a venue that had architectural beauty and charm, and ideally one that was close to or linked with a premium hotel so our guests could stay in comfort. Accessibility was also a priority, as we had elderly guests with mobility challenges. Beyond the practicalities, we dreamed of a venue that could give us a dramatic and romantic setting for the ceremony, a separate space for the cocktail reception, and another for the sit-down dinner.”

And, perhaps most importantly, Shaleeza and Iman needed a venue where they could party and dance late into the night! Penha Longa Resort offered all of this and more.

The inspiration behind the wedding was deeply rooted in the architecture and culture of Portugal, “with a particular focus on the iconic Portuguese tile, or azulejo,” the bride says. These intricate patterns, rich in history and artistry, became the foundation for the entire aesthetic. The color palette followed suit with the iconic blues, whites, and earthy tones often seen on the tiles. From the invitations to the tablescapes and subtle design details throughout the day, the theme paid perfect homage to this Portuguese craftsmanship.

“Some of our favourite wedding details were the personal touches that made the day truly our own,” Shaleeza says. “Our ceremony was uniquely tailored, incorporating sage cleansing and crystals for a grounding, spiritual start to married life.”

Of course, Shaleeza and Iman’s day wouldn’t have been the same without their beloved dog, Coco, being incorporated into the festivities, something the couple deeply treasures now that she’s gone on to doggy heaven.

A vibrant South Asian-inspired event, complete with traditional henna painting, dancers, and energetic dhol players, welcomed guests and set the tone for the weekend.

“We were grateful to be able to incorporate Ismaili wedding traditions, which are rich with symbolism, spirituality, and a strong sense of community,” the couple says. For example, Shaleeza and Iman stuck to the tradition of breaking the sapatia, a small clay pot typically filled with lentils, grains, or coins. This ritual symbolizes the breaking away from the past and the beginning of a new chapter, and it’s meant to bring good luck, prosperity, and fertility to the couple’s life ahead. “Tradition also states that whoever breaks the pot first will rule the house (Shaleeza, of course, won),” Iman says.

Planning a wedding from afar definitely came with its challenges, but a few key decisions by the couple made all the difference.

“One of the best decisions we made was to work with a local planner rather than a destination planner from our own country,” the bride says. “Having someone who spoke the language, knew the culture, and had direct relationships with local vendors was invaluable. It not only helped with logistics but also with negotiating the best options for us.”

Additionally, Shaleeza and Iman made several trips to Portugal in the lead-up to the wedding. The site visits were particularly helpful, especially when it came to the food and wine tastings.

“We quickly realized that the quality (and the quantity!) of food and drink can make or break the guest experience, so being able to taste, compare, and fine-tune those choices in person was essential,” Iman tells us.

In the end, it came together just as the couple had hoped; every element reflected the setting of Lisbon, and they were able to attain the late-night music license they needed to have the long, loud, and joyous reception and afterparty they envisioned!

Vendors: Planning & Styling: L’Agence Eventive; Photography: João Almeida Fotografia; Venue: Penha Longa Resort; Rentals: Tudo é Festa; Flowers: Decoflorália; Catering: Penha Longa; Beauty: Rosita Shafiee; Attire: Mongas Fashion, Neru, Hockerty; Sari: Papa Don’t Preach; Wedding Gown: Zuhair Murad; Dress Store: The Wedding Club; Suit: Asworth & Bird