A ski date gone wrong—complete with swapped gear and plenty of falling—was the start of Lauren and Jake’s adventure together. Years later, that same playful spirit shaped a wedding that would take them across the globe to the rolling hills of Portugal. Surrounded by wildflowers, mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses, and the charm of a historic manor, their Portugal destination wedding captured by Junebug photographer Pedro Filipe Fotografia brought 150 loved ones together for a weekend that was as joyful as it was romantic.

What We Love About This Portugal Destination Wedding:

• A wildflower-filled palette with mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses in warm, autumnal tones
• The groom’s unexpected tan velvet jacket paired with classic black accents
• Live painters creating guest portraits as a one-of-a-kind wedding favor
• Personal touches, including custom cutouts of their dog Deli for the dance floor
• The lush greenery and crawling ivy of the property that brought romance and texture

Featured Vendor:

Pedro Filipe Fotografia

Wedding Fashion with Personality

While the setting in Portugal set the tone, the couple’s fashion choices brought it to life. For the welcome party in Lisbon at Hotel Mundial, Lauren opted for a modern knit maxi dress from SER.O.YA , perfectly contrasting her more traditional wedding gown.

Shop Lauren’s Welcome Party Look:

“I thought I wanted a simple dress, but I ended up gravitating toward an A-line with lace and special detailing. I felt like a princess,” she said.

Jake skipped the expected black or navy tux and instead chose a tan velvet jacket with a bow tie, black pants, and velvet loafers.

Shop Black Velvet Loafers:

The wedding party also reflected the couple’s warm, laid-back aesthetic. Bridesmaids wore dresses of their choice within a defined autumnal color palette, and groomsmen looked sharp in navy tuxedos.

Finding the Perfect Venue in Portugal

From the start, Lauren and Jake wanted a wedding that felt colorful, romantic, and full of personality. They considered their priorities early on. Focusing not just on how the day would look, but how it would feel.

“For us, we wanted the wedding to look beautiful, but the vibe and food and beverage were equally as important,” Lauren shared. “That meant allocating a majority of our budget towards food, drinks, and music.”

After countless hours of online research and friend referrals, they found Solar de Pancas. A stunning historic manor with an attached tented space that seamlessly connected indoors and outdoors. “We wanted a venue large enough for 150 guests but still intimate. Solar de Pancas perfectly struck that balance.”

Surrounded by ivy-covered walls and golden autumn light, Lauren and Jake exchanged vows in a semi-circle of white chairs that brought everyone closer to the moment. Bright florals framed the altar, while each guest found a custom “Wedding Post”—a playful nod to the couple’s story. The ceremony was simple, warm, and personal, ending in cheers as they shared their first kiss.

Adding  Interactive and Playful Touches to the Celebration

One of the standout elements of this Portugal destination wedding was the live guest portrait painting during cocktail hour by Bloom Bliss Art. “We love hearing that many of our guests now have their portraits hanging in their homes.”

Under a clear-top tent, guests gathered around bamboo chairs and tables dressed in white linens, colorful blooms, and floral napkins topped with custom tile place cards. A long head table anchored the space, framed by a lush hanging floral installation. Since their beloved dog Deli couldn’t travel, they found a creative way to include her—printing custom dog head cutouts for guests to wave on the dance floor. 

Why a Planner Made All the Difference

Planning a wedding overseas is no small task, which is why Lauren and Jake say their planner was essential. “He brought our vision to life in the most beautiful way,” Lauren shared. His guidance helped them navigate everything from securing music and photography to balancing their budget priorities.

Their advice for other couples planning a Portugal destination wedding?  “Know your non-negotiables and stick to them. Enjoy your day to the fullest, and if you can—get a wedding planner.”