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A Dreamy Irish Destination Wedding in Portugal at Pousada Mosteiro Amares


In the quaint town of Amares, Portugal - nestled amidst green serene landscapes, lies the enchanting Pousada Mosteiro Amares, a historical monastery turned into a stunning luxury hotel and wedding venue.


Bride and groom walking in the courtyard of old monastery

Photocredits: The Wonder Creatives


Pousada Mosteiro Amares stands as a testament to timeless elegance and architectural brilliance. Renowned for its rich history and exquisite charm, this historic monastery-turned-luxury hotel has garnered widespread acclaim, including a prestigious architectural prize for its meticulous renovations. The esteemed architect Eduardo Souto de Moura spearheaded the restoration efforts, seamlessly blending centuries-old architectural features with modern amenities to create a harmonious fusion of past and present. Pousada Mosteiro Amares stands as a shining example of architectural excellence, inviting guests to embark on a journey through time while indulging in unparalleled comfort and sophistication.


It was here that Rachel and Chris symbolically embarked on their journey as life partners in a celebration filled with laughter, joy, and unexpected twists.

From the outset, Rachel and Chris were the example of a dream team, effortlessly navigating through the wedding planning process with grace and enthusiasm. They were an absolute breeze to work with.


Our first face-to-face meeting happened when Rachel and Chris visited Portugal, and we all met up at Pousada Mosteiro Amares. They absolutely loved the venue—it had just the right atmosphere they were hoping for. After booking the venue, we began the journey of finding the perfect vendors to match their vision. Rachel and Chris were fortunate enough to make another trip to Portugal for a menu tasting and a lovely photoshoot in Porto with the talented photographers from The Wonder Creatives, Pedro & Nathalia. Rachel also had a trial for hair and makeup at Jenny Makeupland. A technical visit to the venue allowed us to finetune the final details and logistics.



As the days leading up to the wedding unfolded, the weather cast a shadow of uncertainty over their meticulously planned outdoor wedding day. As their wedding planner and coordinator we couldn't help but feel the weight of uncertainty as the weather played its unpredictable games in the days leading up to the event. Waking up on the morning of the wedding to rain and heavy clouds, it seemed as though our carefully laid plans for an outdoor wedding might be dashed.


However, we were all determined to fullfill Rachel and Chris's dream of exchanging vows amidst nature's beauty. We rallied the florists and musicians to prepare for an indoor setup while keeping a close eye on the skies. Last-minute adjustments, such as placing chairs strategically, were made. Despite the adrenaline-fueled moments behind the scenes, we breathed a sigh of relief when the clouds parted, and the sun began to shine just in time for the ceremony. Rachel & Chris had a first-look session in the courtyard, after which the first guests arrived and everything was impeccably arranged and ready perfectly on time.



With the groom and his groomsmen making a dignified entrance, followed by Rachel's grandmother scattering petals as the flower girl, the atmosphere was nothing short of enchanting. To protect Rachel´s gorgeous bridal dress from getting stained, we fastly rolled out an impeccable clean white carpet, after Chris, the groomsmen and bridesmaids had made their entrance.



After the heartfelt exchange of vows, guests were treated to a delightful cocktail hour on the terrace, adorned with a personalised bar unit bearing the name "The Dooley's," a charming nod to the groom's family heritage. Despite the initial weather challenges, it was clear that love had triumphed.

For the crowning glory, a breathtaking Instagrammable and delicious wedding cake from Butterfly Cakedesign stole the show.



As evening descended, the festivities moved indoors to a majestic room beautifully decorated with contemporary chandeliers, white single flowers in bud vases and lots and lots of candles, surpassing all expectations.

Dinner was a culinary delight, while the pièce de résistance awaited in the adjacent room -

a lavish buffet of desserts, fruits, and cheeses.


Dining room with high curved ceilings and modern chandeliers, decorated for a wedding dinner

Bride and groom standing during speech looking to all their guests

Closeup of table decor for a wedding dinner with single flowers in bud vases and lots of candles

Under the shimmering mirror balls, evoking a sense of mystery and allure, the party unfolded with an electrifying energy filled the air, fueled by the soulful tunes of a live band led by Patricia Teixeira, winner of The Voice of Portugal. The celebration transcended into a whirlwind of joy and jubilation, lasting well into the midnight hours.



In the end, Rachel and Chris's destination wedding in Pousada Mosteiro Amares was a testament to their unwavering love, resilience, and the magic of serendipity. As they danced the night away, surrounded by loved ones, they knew that their journey together was just beginning - a journey filled with endless adventures, boundless love, and countless reasons to celebrate love and life.


Photocredits: The Wonder Creative



 

CREDITS TO THE INCREDIBLE VENDOR TEAM


Venue: Pousada Mosteiro Amares

Photography: The Wonder Creatives

Videography: Ninho Films

Flowers: Flor de Ló

Rentals: Saltimbanco

Music: Isabela Ventura

Lighting: Rui Almeid

Cake: Butterfly Cakedesign

Hair & Makeup: Jenny Makeupland



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