Dreaming of a destination wedding that’s both romantic and stress-free? Just look at Colette and Tom’s stunning destination wedding in Algarve, Portugal! Their story is filled with sunshine, delicious food, and tons of tips to make your big day as magical as theirs.

Love at First Sight (Almost)

Colette and Tom met at a trendy SoHo bar and knew there was something special right away. 

Why Portugal?

Colette had a long-standing love affair with Portugal. “I’ve been traveling there for 25 years,” she gushes, “and I just adore the people, the food, the scenery…everything!” Plus, she thought a destination wedding would be a fun adventure for their guests.

A Venue Steeped in Family History

The Algarve had held a special place in Colette’s heart since her childhood family vacations. Her sister had even gotten married at the luxurious Vila Vita Parc (VVP) a decade before, so they knew it would be perfect. “We’re huge foodies,” Colette admits, “and VVP offers some seriously incredible cuisine. Plus, the Portuguese-style gardens are pure magic!”

Monochrome Chic with a Portuguese Twist

Colette and Tom went for a timeless and elegant monochrome theme. Since the Vila Vita Parc and Silves Cathedral were already so breathtaking, they kept the decor simple yet impactful. Lush white roses, anemones, and greenery adorned the Cathedral, and the theme continued seamlessly into the ballroom.

Here’s a cute DIY tip they shared: to add a touch of Portuguese flair, they used traditional Portuguese tiles for their table numbers! They even spent some quality pre-wedding time frantically hand-printing the numbers on the tiles – talk about dedication!

A Traditional Ceremony with a Personal Touch

Colette and Tom opted for a classic Catholic ceremony, with a few special touches incorporated in that reflected their personalities.

Planning from Afar Made Easy

Even though they were planning their wedding from afar, Colette and Tom rave about how smooth the process was. “We had a long engagement and some amazing vendors who made everything a breeze,” Colette says. Their incredible wedding coordinator, Helena, was always there to answer questions and solve any problems. Plus, their photographers, Matt and Lena, went above and beyond, even visiting the venues beforehand to plan the perfect photo ops!

A Week-Long Celebration of Love

Choosing a destination wedding meant more than just a beautiful ceremony. It allowed Colette and Tom to spend quality time with their loved ones, turning the whole week into a giant celebration. “We had several different parties and events,” Colette shares, “which made the whole experience even more special.”

Colette’s Golden Advice for Destination Wedding Couples

“Make the planning process fun!” she advises. Celebrate every milestone, whether it’s a dress fitting or a music meeting. Turn it into an excuse for a little celebration – you deserve it!

Vendors: Photographer: Matt + Lena Photography; Wedding Planner: Weddings by Rebecca; Ceremony/Reception Site: Silves Cathedral & Vila Vita Parc; Florist: Ely Flores; Stationery: Boutique 14; Cake: Vila Vita parc; Hair & Makeup: MYAH hair; Makeup: Makeup By Raquel B; Gown Designer: Galia Lahav; Men’s Attire: Marks & Spencer; Bridesmaids Clothing Designer: Club L London; Bride’s shoes: Sophia Webster; Topaz ring: Boodles; Rings: Kevin Charles; Ceremony Music: Piano Man Leandro Russo; Saxophone: Gil Abrantes; Reception Band: Outbreak Band; DJ: DJ Tiggy; Video: Orlando Horta; Day 2 Venue: Prainha Clube Alvor