Lisbon became the backdrop for a celebration that mixed grandeur with playful, personal touches. Karen and Wyman hosted a two-day wedding that began with a welcome gathering at Pestana Palace and continued with vows and a stunning dinner at Palácio de Queluz. From film‑inspired song choices to late‑night pizza, every part of the weekend felt soulful, beautiful, and perfectly in tune with them. With the meticulous planning of Ana Coelho Duarte, the weekend felt generous with time — unhurried, thoughtful, and mapped out to the smallest detail so that every moment could be fully lived.
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Style: Romantic, Elegant, Chic
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 104
Setting: Palace
Season: Spring
Karen and Wyman first crossed paths during the summer after their first year at NYU, meeting at a beach house owned by a mutual friend. Their connection deepened when they studied abroad in Shanghai the following semester, and from then on, they were inseparable. Years later, Wyman proposed on a private boat tour of Lake Como, with calm waters and sweeping landscapes as their backdrop.
The couple’s wedding date held profound meaning. On May 31st, exactly eleven years after they first met at that beach house, they exchanged vows surrounded by 104 of their closest family and friends
Concept & Location
Portugal had always been close to their hearts after several visits for school and leisure. When the couple began planning, they turned to Ana Coelho Duarte, who helped shape their vision into a celebration that embraced the grandeur of Portuguese palaces while staying true to their story.
The planning process revolved around vision boards drawn from Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, combined with thoughtful conversations with their planners. Choosing Palácio de Queluz became the anchor for every other decision. Its regal architecture and expansive gardens offered both drama and intimacy, aligning perfectly with their romantic theme.
From there, everything fell into place: accommodations for guests that echoed the palace’s character, a timeless Sarah Seven gown, a Bridgerton-inspired string quartet, and decor that respected rather than overshadowed the venue.
Welcome Day
The festivities began at Pestana Palace, where guests gathered for a relaxed and joyful evening. Cameras clicked constantly as friends documented the day on film and phones, adding to the celebratory buzz.
The welcome bags, designed by Karen’s cousin Monica Eserjose, included port wine, egg tarts from Pastéis de Belém, and small essentials for travel and recovery. Each bag felt like a love letter to Lisbon, with details that made guests smile the moment they opened it.
The evening unfolded with laughter, snapshots, and spontaneous toasts. Against the backdrop of the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, the welcome party felt soulful and unforgettable, like an introduction to a weekend that promised both beauty and heart.
Wedding Day
Bridal Fashion
Karen embraced two distinct bridal looks, both perfectly suited to the grandeur of the setting. For the ceremony, she wore The Morrison Dress and a cathedral veil by Sarah Seven, paired with Kate Spade shoes and Swarovski jewelry. Her hair was styled into a sleek bun, and makeup was kept soft and glamorous by Tom Perdigao.
“The bride felt like a princess getting ready at Pestana Palace surrounded by my closest family and friends.”
She carried a bouquet of calla lilies paired with striking anthuriums, a sculptural and modern choice that matched the palace setting.
For the evening, she changed into a Mirror Palais dress and corset with Maison Margiela shoes, offering a more playful and modern silhouette while still keeping with the elegance of the day.
Groom’s Fashion
Wyman chose a classic black tuxedo from Suit Supply, complemented by Allen Edmonds shoes. His most meaningful detail was a pocket square cut from Karen’s dress — a subtle yet touching symbol of unity. This personal touch elevated his look beyond tradition, reminding him of the bond they share.
First Look
The first look was an emotional moment that set the tone for the day. Inside the ornate interiors of palace, Karen and Wyman saw each other for the first time in their wedding attire.
The weight of a decade-long love story surfaced, and both were overcome with tears. Their embrace reflected the intimacy of their journey, captured beautifully by Adriana Morais.
Ceremony
Held in the gardens of Palácio de Queluz, the ceremony felt like stepping into a fairytale. Guests were welcomed with parasols and seated among lush arrangements by Happy Day Events. A string quartet from Adlib Strings played as Karen walked down the aisle to a special arrangement of I Wanna Be Yours.
The ceremony incorporated traditions from the bride’s Filipino heritage, using the cord and veil from her parents’ own wedding to symbolize unity and lasting love. Adding to the significance, Karen’s childhood friend officiated, bringing warmth and familiarity to the proceedings.
“The vows were extremely emotional and reflected the couple’s enduring love over the last 10 years”, shared the planner. Karen, who expected to cry, found herself joined by Wyman, whose tears surprised their guests and left few dry eyes in the garden.
Cocktail Hour
After the vows, guests enjoyed the palace grounds during cocktail hour. Mad Kitchen served seasonal canapes alongside signature cocktails, including an Espresso Martini, a Flora, and a Bubble Cosmo. For non-drinkers, the Flying Apple mocktail proved equally popular. Dessert tables featured fresh fruit and delicate sweets with strawberries, echoing the couple’s preference for light and refreshing flavors.
Private Moment
Karen and Wyman had built in time to pause and reflect, slipping away between cocktail hour and dinner. These moments gave them space to absorb the day away from the crowd, creating memories of stillness in contrast to the grandeur of the celebration.
Their videographer, Everyheart Films, captured these quiet exchanges, adding another layer of intimacy to the story of the day.
Decor & Flowers
The design carried through the palace’s natural elegance, with Ana Coelho Duarte curating an approach that respected the venue’s rich interiors and gardens. Happy Day Events filled the reception with the bride’s favorite flowers: calla lilies, anthuriums, and lush greenery.
Tables were adorned with layered china, colorful fruit accents, and centerpieces that felt abundant yet refined. The arrangements framed spaces without competing with the palace’s architecture, striking a balance between opulence and warmth.
Reception
The reception unfolded on the palace terrace, where a long banquet table stretched beneath arches of greenery and chandeliers. Deluxe Eventos illuminated the evening, enhancing the atmosphere with both lighting and music. Guests were treated to a playlist curated by the couple, featuring songs from Twilight and Shrek that wove humor and nostalgia into the elegant setting.
The first dance to Baby I’m Yours by Arctic Monkeys set the mood, followed by heartfelt toasts from the bride’s father and the groom’s sisters. Later in the evening, guests enjoyed late-night Domino’s pizza — an unexpected but welcome comfort after hours of dancing.
The celebration balanced grandeur with personality: Billy Joel’s Vienna for the father-daughter dance, The Beatles’ In My Life for the mother-son moment, and a surprise performance of Mr. Brightside by the string quartet. A towering cake decorated with delicate florals served as a centerpiece before the dance floor opened. Karen, now in her Mirror Palais gown, twirled alongside flower girls and friends, the night glowing with chandeliers and laughter.
Karen and Wyman’s Lisbon wedding was defined by love, family, and a deep sense of place. Every choice spoke to who they are as a couple. With the guidance of Ana Coelho Duarte and the artistry of their vendor team, they brought to life a celebration that guests will carry with them long after the last toast.
Advice from the couple:
• Trust your vendors. Pick professionals you genuinely like and trust their expertise, so you can focus on enjoying your day.
• Build in time to breathe. Schedule buffer time throughout the day so you’re not rushing from moment to moment, and pre-schedule alone time to soak in everything.
• Always remember the “why”. When your to-do list feels overwhelming, remember you’re throwing a celebration of your relationship, not producing a show. Your decisions should feel authentic to who you are as a couple.
PLANNER Ana Coelho Duarte Weddings | PHOTOGRAPHER Adriana Morais | VIDEOGRAPHER Everyheart Films | VENUE Pestana Palace, Palácio de Queluz | MUAH Tom Perdigao | CATERING Mad Kitchen | FLORALS Happy Day Events | STRING QUARTET Adlib Strings | LIGHTING & SOUND Deluxe Eventos | WELCOME BAG DESIGN Monica Eserjose
