For Brits, Chris and Ebony, love blossomed in the workplace, where a simple introduction turned into a lifelong partnership. When it came time to tie the knot, the couple knew they wanted something extraordinary—a destination wedding that combined their cultures, family, and friends all in one setting. The charming seaside town of Ericeira, Portugal (specifically Quinta do Roseiral) won out over the rest.

“We always wanted to do a destination wedding as we thought we would get more for our money and more likely to guarantee sunshine,” Chris says. 

With strong family ties to both Portugal and Jamaica, their choices quickly narrowed. “It was either Portugal or Jamaica since Ebony is half Portuguese and I’m Jamaican. Portugal won in the end because it was easier and more affordable for our guests to travel there,” Chris explains. Plus, having Ebony’s father nearby in Lisbon made planning much smoother.

Their search for the perfect venue led them to Quinta do Roseiral, an enchanting estate with breathtaking scenery and authentic Portuguese charm. “We actually searched for venues the day before flying to Portugal, just looking on Google. Quinta do Roseiral was the first venue we saw, and it completely blew us away—we never expected to be so impressed right from the start,” Chris recalls.

Planning a wedding from a different country wasn’t without its challenges, but Chris and Ebony made it work with well-organized trips and the support of loved ones. “We managed to visit Portugal three times before the wedding for food tastings, exploring the local area, trying different restaurants, and checking out places where our guests could stay,” Chris explains.

Despite not hiring a wedding planner, they found invaluable support from their venue. “Thankfully, the venue handled most of the logistics for us. If you’re planning a destination wedding and need to source vendors yourself, don’t leave it until the last minute,” Chris advises.

From the ceremony to the reception, every detail of their wedding reflected their personalities and cultures. “We wanted a traditional Portuguese aesthetic, so we incorporated blue, white, and lemon-themed décor into our table settings and menu designs,” Chris says.

For couples dreaming of a destination wedding, Chris and Ebony’s story proves that taking the leap is worth it—your perfect wedding can happen with the right planning and the right place.

Vendors: Photography: Trillion Productions; Videography: Shaun Holder Films; Bridesmaids Dresses: Oh Hello Clothing; Venue: Quinta do Roseiral; Makeup: Maria Neves; Hair: Bernardo Souza; Flowers: LizGarden Events; Cake: Ana Carreira; Groomsmen Attire: Moss Bros; Groom’s Attire: Milano Couture; Photo Booth: 360 Video Booth by Scarlett Entertainment; Gown Designer: Surrey Brides