Roraine and Tyler’s first meeting happened thanks to the dating app Coffee Meets Bagel back in 2018. Little did they know that down the road, the couple would start a life together, adopting two cats and naming them Coffee and Bagel. Does it get any cuter than that? Over the years and many joint travels, the couple’s connection grew strong. Eventually, a destination wedding among the historic architecture of Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira in Lisbon, Portugal called their names!

A Palace Fit for Royalty

“Travel is a passion of ours,” Roraine says, “and we always come home with wonderful stories.” They wanted to create a shared experience for their loved ones, and Portugal offered a perfect blend of beauty, affordability, and logistical ease – especially with Tyler’s pilot skills to find great flight deals!

“We picked our top four venues before booking our wedding planner (Lisbon Wedding Planner),” the couple says. “We wanted to make sure they were able to assist us in the tours and are familiar with the vendors.”

The Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira stood out among the rest. It wasn’t just a venue, it was an experience. “The palace houses some of the oldest Azulejos in Portugal,” says Tyler, “and it transported us to a different time as well!” This historic venue, even used in a James Bond film, provided a backdrop unlike any other.

A Celebration Steeped in Tradition

Roraine and Tyler’s ceremony incorporated meaningful traditions from both their backgrounds. A special touch was the “blessing of the rings,” where guests passed the rings around to imbue them with well wishes. Filipino wedding traditions were also honored, including:

• The mother of the bride and groom jointly lit a candle to signify the joining of families.
• The father of the groom presented a bag of coins to the groom to signify prosperity in the marriage.
• The groom’s stepmother and stepfather put a veil on both the bride and groom to symbolize protection from harm, evil and temptation. 
• The maid of honor placed a cord in a figure eight/infinity to represent the bond, fidelity and commitment made. 

Day Filled with Fun and Personal Touches

The couple ensured their guests felt welcome and included. Welcome bags full of thoughtful goodies greeted them, and personalized touches like handwritten thank-you notes and custom logo sunglasses added a special touch.

Roraine shares, “We wanted everyone to have enough time to mingle without being rushed,” so they extended their cocktail hour and offered a full open bar and canapés. The dance floor came alive with the help of glow sticks – a fun and budget-friendly way to add some extra pizzazz!

Planning from Afar: Tips for Success

Roraine and Tyler offer valuable advice for couples planning a destination wedding. Firstly, they recommend a strong vision. “Social media can be overwhelming,” says Roraine, “so focus on what matters to you both as a couple.” They also credit their amazing Lisbon wedding planner for making the process smooth and enjoyable.

Destination Wedding: A Magical Choice

Reflecting on their decision, Tyler says, “Cost would probably be the biggest difference” if they had held the wedding at home. “Europe, or Portugal at least, seems to be very service-oriented,” adds Roraine. “The vendors were genuine and sincere, going the extra mile to make sure we had a great experience.”

Vendors: Photographer: Jesus Caballero; Wedding Planner, Florist, Cake: Lisbon Wedding Planner; Venue: Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira; Stationery: Via Paper Boutique; Hair & Makeup: Cati Beauty; Gown Designer: Gemy Maalouf; Groom’s Attire: Couture 1910; Bridesmaid Dresses: Lustre Formal Wear; Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle; Groom’s Shoes: Johnston & Murphy; Engagement Ring: Do Amore; Rings: Plum Bottom Gallery