~ The extra-special occasion that sparked my recent visit to Portugal ~
My best Friend's Wedding
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Preparing the Bride
The arrival back at the house prompted a dash to get ready. We weren't running late, however, one can never have too much time. After quickly getting into our gowns we began helping Elise get ready for the ceremony. Thankful for her know-how with fastening the dress, Debbie helped to secure Elise into her stunning Sassi Holford wedding gown. Elise then selected and had me help her with her chosen jewellery for the day.
Before the Wedding
Before leaving for the Monastery everyone took a moment downstairs at Elise and Helders' gorgeous house to pose for photos before the wedding ceremony.
Wedding Ceremony
Beginning just after 5 pm upon Elise's princess arrival in her wedding car, the ceremony took place in the impressive Penha Longa Palace. A candlelit aisle and gorgeous vaulted ceiling provided the backdrop to Helder and Elise's heartfelt vows, and set the scene for the ceremony of the year. Walking down the aisle accompanied by Sean and Debbie then taking my place in the front row, I fought back the tears as I witnessed my best friend marry the man of her dreams in what was a truly beautiful ceremony.
Parabéns... Veels geluk...
Congratulations to the beautiful bride and groom.
I.e. the amazing couple I now measure my relationships up to.
I wish Elise and Helder everlasting bliss xo
Parabéns... Veels geluk...
Congratulations to the beautiful bride and groom.
I.e. the amazing couple I now measure my relationships up to.
I wish Elise and Helder everlasting bliss xo
Cocktail Reception
A toast to the newlyweds.
Subsequent to the wedding ceremony, at 6 pm guests were led into the courtyard to celebrate with a cocktail reception and congratulate the newlyweds.
Subsequent to the wedding ceremony, at 6 pm guests were led into the courtyard to celebrate with a cocktail reception and congratulate the newlyweds.
dinner, open bar and disco
At 7:30 pm guests were seated for dinner. If everyone wasn't already blown away by the stunning location of the ceremony, one by one their jaws definitely hit the floor upon entry into the Nobre Room. The decor was flawless and the roses, the lavish, fragrant roses... the room was just breathtaking.
Elise and Helder entered to a round of applause and completed a lap of the room before a formal dinner was served and the heartwarming speeches commenced. Later in the evening guests had their photos taken with the happy couple in the foyer of the building, before entering the bar and dance-floor to continue on with the joyous celebrations.
Elise and Helder entered to a round of applause and completed a lap of the room before a formal dinner was served and the heartwarming speeches commenced. Later in the evening guests had their photos taken with the happy couple in the foyer of the building, before entering the bar and dance-floor to continue on with the joyous celebrations.
The Penha Longa staff were especially helpful throughout the night, providing the bridal party with slippers and blankets if needed, as it became quite chilly as the night went on.
Not quite knowing when to quit, myself, the other bridesmaid Debbie and her boyfriend Roger continued celebrating at the venue until long after all of the other guests had gone back to their accommodations. The staff were both smart and generous in giving us 2 bottles of wine to enjoy back at the hotel bar instead, so we made our way over to the Ritz-Carlton to continue the celebrations.
Not quite knowing when to quit, myself, the other bridesmaid Debbie and her boyfriend Roger continued celebrating at the venue until long after all of the other guests had gone back to their accommodations. The staff were both smart and generous in giving us 2 bottles of wine to enjoy back at the hotel bar instead, so we made our way over to the Ritz-Carlton to continue the celebrations.
PENHA LONGA MONASTERY
Set amidst a 545-acre national Park on the southern Sintra Mountains, Penha Longa Resort is a breathtakingly beautiful location and home to Penha Longa Monastery. Dating back to the 14th century, the monastery has been lovingly restored and maintained to the highest of standards, thus creating the wedding location most people only dream of.
ADDRESS:
Ritz-Carlton / Penha Longa Luxury Hotel and Golf Resort
Estrada da Lagoa Azul, Sintra, 2714-511, Portugal. WEBSITE PHONE:
+351 21 924 9011
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