The history: Canadians Derek and Raquel knew that Destination Wedding was the right choice for them. Raquel’s parents are from the Azores and she runs a family-run jewelry business that imports Portuguese jewelry, so the couple had an obvious connection to Portugal. If they wanted to fly their guests halfway around the world, they wanted to find something very special. And they did!

The site: Palácio Marquês de Fronteira is a privately run museum house. It is still the residence of the Marquis, which gives an unusual life to most of the palaces, and it is a place full of hidden stories and treasures. Some of the rooms and spaces in the Fronteira Palace, the Terrace of the Liberal Arts and in the gardens can be rented for various events, as long as these events do not compromise the integrity and preservation of this historic monument. It has some of the most incredible tiles and so many hidden meanings in its displays that it feels magical to reveal these little secrets. And if that doesn’t move you, the gardens and palace itself, just 10 minutes from Lisbon, are simply breathtaking!

The atmosphere: Classic, elegant and full of palatial charm. The only word to describe this Destination Wedding is EPIC. This event was perfectly styled from the look of the bridal shower to the fabulous outdoor table setting on the terrace. It was as much a celebration of Portugal as it was for Raquel and Derek, as the couple wanted to make sure this was a night neither they nor their guests would soon forget.

The details: The wedding invitations created with embossed were sealed with wax and accompanied by a sprig of rosemary in each envelope, which had an old Portuguese postage stamp from a collector that the couple discovered Etsy. Right from the start, this touch created the feeling of bringing Portugal to the guests. When they first arrived in Portugal, Raquel and Derek took great care to coordinate the decor to match the grandeur of the palace without becoming too formal. They have integrated Portuguese elements such as tiles that they have given to their guests and referred to the unique detail of the terrace of the palace.

Highlights:

• Raquel is an art history graduate and loves art. When choosing the Palácio Marquês de Fronteira As a venue, the couple was able to incorporate a part of themselves into their destination wedding.
• A formal venue, like a palace or a castle, doesn’t mean you can’t let go and have fun with your guests. This wedding had the perfect balance between formality and fun. Raquel said, “It was an incredibly memorable and magical experience for us. It was a perfect day with a great balance between a stylish, elegant affair that ended with an incredible party. “
• Your wedding day can go by and by before you know it. Remember to take a few intimate moments together to enjoy the day. Derek and Raquel stepped back shortly after they were greeted at their table by their guests at the front desk. This was one of her most memorable moments of the day.

Suppliers:

Wedding planner / creator: Something borrowed // Photographer: D10 photo // Venue: Palácio Marquês de Fronteira // Videographer: Vanessa & Ivo // Catering / cake / bar / rental / dessert: Casa do Marquês // Flower pattern: Martins Alves // Invitations: embossed // Dress: Felichia bride, Dress up Mikaella bride (Design by Paloma Blanca) // Bridal shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo // Veil (made into a cloak by the bride’s seamstress): Laura Jayne Bride // head piece: Cherubs // Make-up: Catarina Andias // Hair: Raquel Raposo // Bridesmaid dresses: Nordstrom // Groom’s clothes: Custom Tux by Suit supply // DJ / lighting / dance floor / entertainment: Jukebox