In the hills just outside Lisbon, Lauren and Jake gathered their closest people for a wedding that felt personal and grounded, with nods to tradition and thoughtful, modern details. Captured by Pedro Filipe, every moment glows with warmth, from the intimate first look to the spirited dance floor. Set at the historic Solar de Pancas, the day unfolded slowly, in a setting that combined old-world romance with relaxed charm.
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Style: Romantic, Classic, Warm
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 150
Setting: Backyard
Season: Summer
Lauren and Jake first connected the old-fashioned way — on Hinge. Their first date involved trading roles on the slopes, with Jake skiing and Lauren attempting snowboarding for the first time. It was far from graceful, but full of laughter, and set the tone for their relationship: lighthearted, adventurous, and easy. One year of planning later, they brought that same spirit to Portugal, where they hosted their destination wedding in front of their dearest guests.
Day Before
Before the vows, the couple wandered the cobblestone streets of Lisbon hand in hand. Their outfits for the pre-wedding shoot were crisp and city-casual: Lauren in a sculptural knit dress with sheer pleated panels, Jake in tailored navy trousers and a cream polo shirt. The streets served as a fitting backdrop: charming, romantic, and alive with history.
Later, friends and family gathered on a rooftop bar as the sun set over the city. With São Jorge Castle in view and glasses of rosé and beer in hand, it was the perfect way to ease into the weekend.
Wedding Day
Bridal Fashion
Lauren’s bridal style captured contrast in the best way. For the welcome day, she wore a sleek, playful white dress from SER.O.YA that felt fresh and modern. Her wedding gown, however, told a more timeless story. Designed by Anna Bé Bridal, it featured an A-line silhouette with intricate lace details and soft volume. She had initially imagined something minimalist but ended up choosing a gown that felt like a true fairytale.
Groom’s Fashion
Jake wanted something that felt different from a typical tux. He chose a tan velvet jacket, black dress pants, a bow tie, and black velvet shoes from SuitSupply. The texture and tones worked perfectly against the venue’s ivy-covered walls.
Bridesmaids wore gowns in a gradient of deep orange, copper, rose, and plum. Each selected her own dress within a palette of warm, autumnal tones, creating a rich, layered look that felt celebratory and unforced. Groomsmen wore classic navy tuxedos, adding contrast to Jake’s softer palette.
First Look
The first look took place in a quiet corner of the venue, against a wall of dense ivy. When Lauren stepped through the doorway in her gown, bouquet in hand, it was a moment of stillness before the momentum of the day began. No crowd, no distractions. Just the two of them, finally here.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the courtyard of Solar de Pancas, framed by ivy-covered walls and dotted with seasonal blooms. The setup was simple but elegant: white folding chairs arranged in a semi-circle and floral arrangements in coral, orange, and blush. With guidance from planner Eh Possível, the couple brought their vision to life with care and intention.
The couple exchanged vows in front of their guests in a ceremony that felt heartfelt and classic. The energy was soft, but full of joy, with Lauren and Jake soaking in the moment.
"Our vows were incredibly special."
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests were invited to mingle in the manor’s garden. One of the standout elements was the couple’schoice to gift their guests custom portraits, painted live by Bloom Bliss Art. This unique detail truly created tangible memories. Many guests have since framed their portraits at home, a testament to how meaningful the gesture was.
Live music by Your Jukebox added rhythm to the evening, while the venue’s lush surroundings created a naturally cinematic atmosphere. Throughout the cocktail hour, Pedro Filipe documented the laughter, the toasts, and the quiet in-between moments, offering a rich, emotional layer to the day’s visual story.
Reception & Decor
The reception took place beneath a clear tent that opened the space to the soft summer sky, allowing candlelight and floral color to take center stage. Guests were welcomed to long wooden tables set with floral-printed napkins, rattan chargers, amber glassware, and clusters of glowing votives.
Above the tables, a dramatic floral installation hovered mid-air — an overflowing canopy of dahlias, eucalyptus, and autumn-hued foliage. The design, created by Christophe Giudici, brought together all the warmth of the season in a suspended moment of beauty.
The couple’s first dance unfolded in the center of the tent under this floral canopy. With string lights crisscrossing above and the wooden floor beneath them, it felt like a scene pulled from a timeless story.
As the evening progressed, a tower of coupe glasses filled with espresso martinis awaited guests, signaling the start of the late-night celebration. The cake was a semi-naked tiered confection dressed with fresh blooms.
The celebration wrapped in the same spirit it began with music, color, and joy, all beautifully documented by photographer Pedro Filipe and videographer Rendezvous Films. Their work captured not just the style of the day, but the soul of it.
Advice from the couple:
• I wouldn’t have done anything different! Enjoy your day to the fullest, know your non-negotiables and stick to them, and GET A WEDDING PLANNER (if you can).
PHOTOGRAPHER Pedro Filipe Fotografia | VIDEOGRAPHER Rendezvous Films | VENUE Solar de Pancas | WEDDING PLANNER Éh Possível | FLORALS Christophe Giudici | DRESS Anna Bé Bridal | SUIT Suitsupply | MUA Kantovick | LIVE PAINTING Bloom Bliss Art | DJ Your Jukebox | BRIDE Lauren
