Fun Destination Wedding in Portugal (With a Brass Band Parade)

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Photo by Jesus Caballer via Bridal Musings

I cannot think of a better way to start the week than with a wedding that makes you smile, and today’s celebration has me beaming from ear to ear.

Aisling & John are an Irish couple who chose Portugal for their destination wedding. This gorgeous bride and groom spent their day with big smiles on their faces, and when you see their fabulous photos by Jesus Caballero, you’ll see why.

From a parade through the town with a brass band at the helm (yep, you read that right), to colourful portraits in front of bright yellow walls, and from a romantic sun-soaked vineyard stroll to pretty reception decor, this wedding is brimming with the loveliest ideas.

It’s pretty easy to see why 175 guests made the journey to celebrate with this very special couple…

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Our Wedding Day

John and I both have a passion for travelling and had always dreamed of having a foreign wedding.

When we came across Quinta de Santana we knew there was something unique and special about this venue straight away. As soon as we saw it in person, its amazing beauty and rustic charm really resonated with us. We felt so blessed to be able to begin our lives together there as husband and wife.

It really was the best day of our lives, it was like a dream come true!

From the beginning to the end, we wouldn’t have changed a thing. Life doesn’t get any better than having all of your dearest family and friends with you drinking champagne cocktails in the glorious sunshine of Portugal as newlyweds!

We were very fortunate and honoured that 175 guests were able to join us from Ireland and all over the world!

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The Pre-Wedding Prep

We can’t speak highly enough of Ann Frost, Paula Duarate and all of the staff in Quinta de Santa. Together with our wedding planner Sofia Catarino, they made planning our dream wedding abroad so easy and relaxed and coordinated everything perfectly on the day.

The morning of the wedding, John, the fathers of the bride and groom and his groomsmen got ready in Vila Gale in Ericeira, where we were all staying.

The bridesmaids, the mothers of the bride and groom and I got ready in Quinta de Santana. We all had so much fun getting ready with the excitement building throughout!

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The Ceremony

Our ceremony was a 10 minute walk from the venue to Sao Silverstre do Gradil Church. We had incredible singing from one of my bridesmaids Sinead Cronin and music from String Quartet Solutions making the occasion very special and enjoyable for us.

On leaving the church, the amazing Cottas Club surprised all of our guests by popping out from a little bar across the road!

They escorted us back to Quinta de Santana, past the friendly locals, creating a brilliant atmosphere, getting everybody in the party mood!

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The Reception

On returning to the Quinta, they danced and sang with us all for the drinks reception! We enjoyed an abundance of delicious canapés and cocktails, including wine tasting in the cellar which was a big hit for our Irish guests to cool down from the Portuguese sun!

We then had our brilliant father of the bride and grooms speeches in the vineyard which was a really special moment for us both.

After dinner, the remaining speeches and cutting the wedding cake, we went downstairs to the sparkly lit terrace for a dessert buffet and danced the night away with help from the very talented Funky Dynamite and DJ Tino!