Mediterranean Europe is an infinitely romantic a part of the world to host your wedding, and Portugal specifically is some of the up and coming destinations within the Elegante by Michelle J repertoire. Earlier this yr we planned Emily and Avery’s Jewish destination wedding in Portugal (the primary of two celebrations we’d deliver for the families this season!), and we invite you to affix us of their Algarve setting as we glance back on their three days of joy.
3 things to take note when planning a Jewish destination wedding in Portugal
- There are Jewish communities and synagogues throughout Portugal, and kosher catering may be an option in your wedding. Because of this adhering to the extent of observance required for you and your guests will not be an issue, should this be a vital consideration for you
- Portugal gets highly regarded in the summertime, so we don’t recommend selecting July or August in your wedding there without specific plans for keeping you and your guests cool. May, June and September are more advisable decisions
- The marriage industry in Portugal is growing, nevertheless it’s vital to keep in mind that you won’t have as much selection when on the lookout for local suppliers as you do at home. If we are able to’t find suppliers in your destination that you simply click with and love, flying them out from other countries is an option many couples find yourself taking
Emily & Avery’s Jewish Destination Wedding in Portugal
Day 1 – Welcome
Elegante by Michelle J couples like to throw welcome parties, and for Emily and Avery’s Jewish destination wedding in Portugal we had something really special in mind. Emily’s grandfather has had a vacation home in Portugal for a few years, and he or she and her family spent wonderful summers there whilst growing up. What higher place to host their welcome party than at his villa? To see all of it come together was to witness probably the most beautiful full circle moment for Emily and Avery on the eve of their wedding, and we were really reminded of how vital family is to the guts of a Jewish wedding.
Guests were invited to spend the evening within the garden of the villa, taking within the balmy Mediterranean evening by the pool whilst sipping cocktails and having fun with canapes. There have been heartfelt speeches, and at the tip of the night each guest left with a ‘branded’ welcome bag complete with hand written notes and goodies to enjoy during their stay.
For more insights into the right way to throw a tremendous welcome party and what to place in your wedding welcome bags, explore more of our blogs.
Day 2 – Wedding
The marriage itself was hosted at Casa da Quinta de Cima, a boutique hotel on a big estate full of orange groves. It’s a stupendous white and terracotta venue with a cobbled courtyard, swimming pool and enough rooms to host immediate family and friends, and the right Portuguese canvas so as to add your personal wedding design to.
Our 5-step method for bringing your wedding aesthetic to life is a secret no more – click here to learn how we go from idea to execution.
The design for Emily and Avery’s Jewish wedding in Portugal began with the venue’s orange groves, and we decided to make citrus the anchor for the visuals. Bespoke stationery and illustrations were created by Big Day Designs and Anna Jayne Designs, including the hand drawn oranges and lemons which carried through all of the paper goods for the weekend. We worked with Ely Flowers to create chuppah florals, bouquets and tablescape arrangements bursting with pinks and oranges, a vibrant contrast to the clean white backdrop of the courtyard.
The dinner tables were truly a highlight to divulge to Emily and Avery and their guests, with thoughtfully layered place settings of wicker, terracotta and blue and white pottery typical of the region, laid on bare wood tables. The settings were finished with warm honey colored glassware, gold cutlery, terracotta napkins and personalised menus. More florals were added in vivid tones, and the entire look was accomplished by mini orange trees in little plant pots, completing a completely charming design.
As night fell, Israeli dancing flowed between dinner courses and into a celebration, all masterfully orchestrated by the Matzoh Boys who we flew out from England to entertain.
Day 3 – Encore
No trip to Portugal can be complete without dipping a toe within the ocean, so on the ultimate day of their wedding weekend Emily and Avery hosted an encore brunch at Ancao Beach Club. The great thing about having yet another event after your wedding is within the reminiscing, basking within the glow of the previous days and savouring the celebration for a bit longer. Food and drinks flowed, and guests could freely come and go between the relaxed vibe of the beach and the bustling venue.
Planning and delivering Emily and Avery’s Jewish destination wedding in Portugal was a joy for therefore many reasons, not least because we got to know the families very fondly – particularly as we hosted one more of their children’s weddings later within the yr, which might be making its own appearance on the blog soon. Special thanks go to 515 Photo Co for the incredible captures you see on this blog, to Denee Motion who (as all the time) produced a wonderful video, and to Soul Food who kept everyone fed and completely happy throughout the weekend.
When you’re considering planning your personal wedding within the Mediterranean and would really like some more inspiration, why not take a take a look at:
Talia & Nadav’s Jewish wedding in Spain.
Katie & Tom’s Jewish wedding in Mallorca.
Natalie & Marc’s Jewish wedding in Italy.
You may additionally like:
Our guide to kosher catering at destination weddings.
The fact of planning a marriage in Italy from the UK and the US.
Contact Michelle for destination weddings throughout Mediterranean Europe.
