Location: Alentejo, Portugal
Setting: Ceremony – forest; Reception – farmhouse
Season: Summer
Wedding theme/style: Natural, elegant, and relaxed.
Victoria and Ben’s wedding celebrated love, togetherness, and the breathtaking beauty of Alentejo, Portugal. Nestled in the serene surroundings of Craveiral, their wedding weekend was meticulously crafted to provide a meaningful and joyful experience for their closest friends and family.
“From the moment we arrived at the farmhouse, we knew it was the perfect venue,” Victoria recalls. The expansive property, with its sustainable approach, incredible food, farm animals, and luxurious amenities like three pools and two saunas, offered something for everyone. “Having everyone stay on the property for three days was the best decision we could have made,” she added.
Keely Flatness from Riviera Love Club ensured that every aspect of the wedding was perfectly executed. Her seamless coordination of the events, thoughtful design elements, and ability to create a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere were instrumental in making the weekend a success. Her commitment to sustainability also aligned with the couple’s values, incorporating eco-friendly practices throughout the celebration.
WELCOME DINNER
The welcome dinner set the tone for the festivities, bringing guests together in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. Held in the beautiful outdoor dining area guests were greeted with glasses of crisp natural wine and the soft golden light of the sunset. The tables were elegantly set with simple yet refined decor, creating an intimate ambiance that encouraged conversation and connection.
"A casual poolside event featuring pizza, charcuterie, and an open bar allowed guests to mingle and take in everything the venue has to offer. A "build your own" welcome bag table featuring crosswords, liquid IV, disposable cameras, and snacks from their home in Amsterdam allowed guests to grab what they needed to party all weekend long. We would attend this welcome event 10x over, it was that good!"
Victoria and Ben ensured that everyone felt welcomed and included. “It was important for us to create an environment where our friends and family could relax and enjoy themselves right from the start,” Ben noted. The evening was filled with delicious food, warm conversations, and a palpable sense of anticipation for the celebrations to come.
WEDDING DAY
The morning of the wedding was filled with a serene and joyful atmosphere as Victoria prepared for the big day surrounded by her closest friends and family. Her suite was a hub of excitement and emotion, with laughter and heartfelt moments shared as everyone got ready.
Alex Origuella and Ines Matos expertly did the bride’s makeup and hair. They created a natural yet elegant look that perfectly complemented the wedding’s relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. Her makeup featured soft, glowing skin with subtle, earthy tones on the eyes and natural lip color, enhancing her natural beauty without overpowering it. Her hair was styled in a classic, low bun with loose tendrils framing her face.
The bridal gown, designed by Marta Marti, was a masterpiece of unique and alternative wedding attire. The dress featured delicate pleats and flowing sheer sleeves, creating a romantic and ethereal silhouette.
The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of her look, from the intricate lace accents to the exquisite pearl earrings. Victoria held a simple bouquet of lavender and rosemary, adding a fragrant and rustic touch to her ensemble.
Ben chose a sand-colored linen suit from Suit Supply, which fit seamlessly with the natural, airy ambiance of the setting. The lightweight fabric kept him comfortable throughout the day’s events. Paired with a crisp white shirt and brown leather shoes, Ben’s ensemble was both stylish and understated.
The ceremony took place amidst the tranquil beauty of a forested area within the estate. Victoria walked down the wooded path with her father, her flowing gown trailing softly behind. The ceremony concluded with joyous applause and smiles as Victoria and Ben took their first steps as a married couple, surrounded by the love and support of their closest family and friends.
"Our dream was to have a ceremony among the trees and to feel connected to nature. For the ceremony, we did not have one officiant but instead had six family members take us through a ceremony of their own words on what it means to meet, fall in love, and grow in love. Afterward, we read personal letters to each other and wrote our own vows that reflected who we were as a couple."
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the reception area, eagerly anticipating the celebrations that lay ahead. It was illuminated by soft, romantic lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Food was a central theme of the wedding, with a focus on creating a relaxed, family-style dining experience. “When many couples spend hours on floral arrangements, we decided to forgo the flowers and focus on the food,” Victoria explained. The reception dinner was a lively affair, with guests freely moving around, enjoying natural wine, and savoring a traditional Portuguese cheesecake in place of a conventional wedding cake.
Tables were adorned with simple yet chic linen runners, and place settings featured natural tones and minimalistic touches, perfectly capturing the couple’s aesthetic. The table decorations included fresh herbs and fruits, adding a fragrant and organic feel to the ambiance.
Guests enjoyed a delightful meal that showcased local flavors and seasonal ingredients. Laughter and joy filled the air as family and friends toasted to the newlyweds, sharing heartfelt speeches and stories. The evening was filled with memorable moments.
"After dinner, the ultimate goal was to get everyone on the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning. The DJs brought the best staging, light fixtures, and disco ball to complete the vision. We curated a playlist with the DJ, starting out with crowd pleasers for any age, moving on to songs you sing in the shower, and ending the night with a Euro dance party."
One of the most joyous moments was the traditional hora dance, where Victoria and Ben were lifted high on chairs, surrounded by their jubilant guests.
At midnight, Victoria changed into her dream disco dress for an “Abba” happy half-hour, starting with “Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie!” The night concluded with a spirited conga line, a fitting end to a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
PLANNER Riviera Love Club | PHOTOGRAPHERS Across the Mountains | VENUE & CATERING Craveiral | MUAH Alex Origuella, Ines Matos | GOWN Marta Marti | SUIT Suit Supply | MUSIC Your Jukebox | MENU Linen and Poppi
