Maria & David Destination wedding at Arrábida Natural Park

Maria and David’s wedding had it all. Love, family, and just the right amount of chaos. A century-old oak tree, golden vineyards in the background, and a downpour that no one saw coming. But did that stop the party? Not a chance. From a ceremony that was equal parts wild and wonderful to a reception that kept everyone on their feet, it was the kind of day people will be talking about for years.

The Love Story

Maria and David’s love story started in the USA but took them all the way to Denmark, where David is from. They’re the kind of couple who laugh at their own jokes, give the best hugs, and don’t take themselves too seriously—which, as you’ll see, came in handy on their wedding day.

  • A newlywed couple walks hand in hand through a vineyard, smiling at each other with autumn foliage in the background.
  • A newlywed couple poses together in a vineyard, smiling as they embrace, with a scenic backdrop of rolling hills and autumn vines.
  • A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom walking hand in hand on a gravel path, smiling at each other in a vineyard setting.
  • A bride and groom share a loving gaze in a vineyard at sunset, their faces close together with a backdrop of autumn vines.
  • A newlywed couple walks hand in hand through a vineyard, surrounded by autumn foliage as the sun sets behind them.
  • A bride and groom hold each other closely in a vineyard, smiling lovingly in this black and white wedding portrait.

the Perfect Venue

When it came time to pick a wedding spot, they went for Hotel Casa Palmela, nestled in Arrábida Natural Park, this 18th – century house was the perfect venue! Mountain views, rustic charm, and a giant centenary oak tree overlooking the mountains. It was the perfect setting for a laid-back but beautiful day… and then, nature decided to RSVP in dramatic fashion.

  • A stunning white villa with elegant black wrought-iron accents, softly lit for an intimate wedding celebration in Portugal.
  • A breathtaking vineyard landscape at sunset, with rolling hills, autumn-colored vines, and a majestic oak tree in the foreground.
  • A hallway with traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles, an arched doorway, and a framed landscape painting.
  • A wedding table setting featuring a blue and white patterned plate, gold cutlery, and a personalized ceramic name card.
  • A cozy lounge room with a blue vintage sofa, framed artwork, and soft lighting, evoking a classic and elegant atmosphere.
  • A newlywed couple walks hand in hand up a stone pathway, smiling, as their wedding guests follow behind through a vineyard with autumn foliage and rolling hills in the background.

The CEREMONY Plan

Picture this: A stunning outdoor ceremony under an ancient oak tree, guests seated, vows being exchanged, love in the air—romantic, right? Now, add in a rogue cloud that suddenly decided it was time to test everyone’s dedication. Out of nowhere, the sky opened up, and rain started pouring down like a scene from a movie. But here’s the twist: no one moved. No frantic scrambling for cover, no panic—just a whole wedding full of people laughing, embracing the chaos, and getting absolutely drenched. Including me. Turns out, when you invite a bunch of easygoing guests from Denmark and beyond, a little rain just adds to the story.

  • A bride and groom share a romantic kiss under a tree, surrounded by floral arrangements, with a vineyard landscape in the background.
  • A groom stands with his back to the camera, his tuxedo jacket speckled with raindrops, as he faces his bride during their outdoor wedding ceremony.
  • A newlywed couple walks up a stone path with wedding guests following behind through a scenic vineyard with rolling hills in the background.
  • A bride and groom share a laugh during their outdoor vineyard wedding ceremony as the officiant reads from a book, with autumn vines and rolling hills in the background.
  • Wedding guests cover themselves with blankets, shawls, and jackets to stay dry during a rainy outdoor ceremony in a vineyard.
  • A guest holds a damp wedding speech while seated on a wooden platform, with rain droplets visible on their green dress.

The Attire

Maria and David’s wedding style was the perfect balance of elegant but not too buttoned-up. Think stylish, clean, and totally wearable—because let’s be real, no one wants to spend the night adjusting their outfit when there’s wine to drink and socks to cut (we’ll get to that). Even after getting soaked at the ceremony, they both somehow managed to look effortlessly cool. 

  • A pair of elegant bridal heels with crystal embellishments, captured in soft focus in black and white.
  • A bride in a white gown holding a bouquet of white roses and blue flowers, smiling softly in front of a bright window.
  • A black bowtie and tortoiseshell sunglasses placed neatly on a textured grey couch, capturing groom's wedding details.
  • A black-and-white photograph of a bride walking down the aisle with her father, smiling as guests stand and capture the moment on their phones.
  • A groom whispers into his bride’s ear as they hold hands, standing against a scenic vineyard backdrop at sunset.
  • A bride gently adjusts her veil while standing by a window, bathed in soft natural light.
  • A delicate lace wedding veil cascades onto the wooden floor, draped over a white door.
  • A groom in a classic black tuxedo walks confidently outside, with ivy-covered walls in the background.

Capturing the Moments


If you thought the rain was the highlight, you haven’t seen Maria and David’s first dance. They hit the dance floor like they had been secretly training for a ballroom championship … And then came the Danish tradition: the moment when the groom gets hoisted into the air, and the groomsmen cut his socks. David took it like a champ, losing his socks but gaining some hilarious memories in the process.
When the dance floor was in full swing, the drinks were flowing, it was time to leave, if this wedding had a motto, it would be: ‘Come for the love, stay for the rain, leave with a great story. And for the groom, half a pair of socks.’

  • A bride and groom stand at the altar during their wedding ceremony, with raindrops covering the groom’s suit as they exchange vows.
  • A newlywed couple shares their first dance under dramatic lighting and fog, surrounded by wedding guests watching in admiration.
  • The bride, holding her bouquet, shares a joyful moment with her bridesmaids against a scenic vineyard backdrop.
  • The groom and his groomsmen walk together in suits, laughing on a cobblestone path outside a historic venue.
  • A newlywed couple sitting on a vintage couch, laughing and holding champagne glasses in a black-and-white candid wedding moment.
  • The groom is lifted into the air by wedding guests on the dance floor, smiling with arms raised in celebration.

Vendors

Planning

Vanilla weddings

Videographer

Da palma films

Hair & makeup

Laura Lucas

Florals

Atelier da Flor

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