Abi & Jack Wedding at Penha Longa: A Summer Celebration in Sintra

Sintra has a way of making any occasion feel a little more special, and this wedding was no exception. With its grand architecture and lush gardens, the setting struck the perfect balance between classic and modern, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and refined.
From a beautiful ceremony to a dance floor that stayed busy well into the night, every moment had its own quiet magic. Nothing overstated; just a day that felt exactly right.

The Love Story

Abi and Jack met back in New York USA, where they came from and hit it off, and—spoiler alert— They ended up getting married! Their relationship was built on good times, lots of traveling and dancing when no one is watching. When it came to planning their wedding, they wanted something stylish but not stiff, fun but not chaotic. So, naturally, they packed their bags and headed to Portugal, where the wine is great, the views are even better, and where you slow down and enjoy life.

  • Groom in a black tuxedo twirls his bride in an elegant lace gown under an ornate, historic archway with geometric tiled walls.
  • A weathered, historic dome structure surrounded by lush greenery in Portugal.
  • Bride and groom share a joyful gaze at sunset, with the bride in a lace gown holding a pastel bouquet and the groom in a black tuxedo with a boutonniere.
  • A newlywed couple shares a kiss under an elegant, weathered archway with geometric tile patterns.
  • Bride and groom share a joyful moment outdoors on a sunlit field, the bride playfully fixing the groom's hair while he smiles.
  • A serene historic water fountain framed by aged stone walls and lush greenery in the background.

the Perfect Venue

Nestled in the Sintra natural park, Penha Longa had everything Abi and Jack were looking for. History, charm, and enough space to throw a two-day celebration. The rehearsal dinner kicked things off with good food and even better company, setting the stage for the big day. The wedding took place in the different areas around the resort, from the Sala dos Arcos where they had dinner to the ceremony at the Nuncio Garden, a 16th-century hideaway that was originally built for quiet contemplation—though on this particular day, it was more about exchanging vows, happy tears, and lots of love.

  • A historic monastery with terracotta rooftops and domed towers nestled against a lush green mountain landscape under a clear blue sky.
  • Bride and groom walk hand in hand across a lush green field at sunset, their long shadows stretching behind them.
  • A weathered stone bust of a historical figure stands in front of an arched brick entryway adorned with geometric patterns.
  • A cluster of vibrant pink hydrangeas in full bloom, surrounded by lush green leaves.
  • A charming pink chapel with a domed roof sits against a lush green mountain backdrop, under a clear blue sky.
  • A scenic view of rolling green hills and lush trees bathed in the warm glow of golden hour, with soft sunlight filtering through the misty sky.

The CEREMONY Plan

Big shoutout to Charlotte from ARW Weddings for keeping everything on track and making sure no one ended up saying “I do” in the wrong spot. The ceremony was outdoors, with colorful floral arrangements by Flor de Laranjeira bringing in just the right amount of ‘wow’ factor. Abi and Jack exchanged their vows surrounded by their closest family and friends.

  • Close-up of white roses and blue flowers arranged along a rustic stone wall for a wedding.
  • Wedding guests in elegant attire mingling outside a historic venue under the sun.
  • A bride smiles while holding a bouquet of pastel-colored flowers during her wedding ceremony.
  • A newlywed couple raises their hands in celebration at the altar, surrounded by bridesmaids, groomsmen, and cheering guests in an intimate outdoor wedding setting.
  • Just-married couple shares a joyful kiss after their wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests in a sunlit outdoor venue.
  • Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup in a historic venue in Portugal, featuring soft pastel floral arrangements and rustic wooden chairs.

The Attire

Jack and his groomsmen went full James Bond mode in classic tuxedos—shaken, not stirred. Abi looked effortlessly elegant in a light, chic dress that was equal parts stylish and “yes, I can dance in this.” Her bridesmaids rocked different shades of blue, blending seamlessly with the décor. The whole vibe? Classic but not too serious—like a black-tie event where everyone secretly knows they’re going to end up barefoot by midnight.

  • The groom and his groomsmen walk together in a grand venue, dressed in classic black tuxedos, sharing a joyful moment.
  • A wedding flat lay featuring elegant invitations, pearl-embellished bridal shoes, perfume, jewelry, and wedding rings, set on a soft veil.
  • A bride in a delicate lace wedding gown stands by a window, holding a bouquet of soft pastel flowers, with sunlight illuminating her veil.
  • The groom stands in anticipation as the bride approaches him for their first look, set in a grand, historic hall adorned with intricate blue tile artwork.
  • The bride, surrounded by her bridesmaids in soft blue dresses, shares a joyful moment as they adjust her wedding gown in a sunlit, elegant room.
  • A flat-lay composition featuring a blue wedding invitation, pearl necklace, earrings, wedding rings, and a Jo Malone perfume bottle on a soft white fabric background.
  • A black-and-white close-up of a bride’s hand gently lifting the lace train of her wedding dress, showcasing intricate floral embroidery and a delicate pearl bracelet.
  • A groom in a black tuxedo and bowtie adjusts his suit jacket while looking down, with a soft, neutral background highlighting his boutonniere.

Capturing the Moments


The evening rolled on with the kind of energy you get when you mix love, great speeches, and just the right amount of wine. Abi and Jack kicked things off with their first dance, followed by a round of speeches that ranged from touching (parents) to absolutely roasting (best man and maid of honor). Then came the dance floor, where the highlights included Abi dancing with her dad in a moment that had everyone emotional, and Jack and his mom absolutely bringing the house down to David Bowie.
I left when drinks were flowing, shoes were being abandoned, and the DJ was on a mission to keep the party going until security had to step in. My job was done. My camera ( and my heart) was full. And I had the absolute privilege of documenting a wedding that was equal parts stylish, hilarious, and the best kind of chaos.

  • The bride and her bridesmaids in matching light blue pajamas raising champagne glasses in a joyful toast while getting ready for the wedding.
  • The bride and groom dancing energetically at their wedding reception, surrounded by guests on a checkered dance floor.
  • The bride and groom make a joyful grand entrance into their wedding reception, hand in hand, at an elegant venue with vaulted ceilings.
  • The groom laughs with his groomsmen in a historic Lisbon palace, captured in a black-and-white moment before the wedding ceremony.
  • A lively wedding reception scene with guests dancing energetically on a black and white checkered dance floor, capturing the excitement of the evening.
  • A joyful wedding dinner moment with guests raising champagne glasses in a celebratory toast, smiling and enjoying the elegant reception atmosphere.

Vendors

Planning & Design

ARW Weddings and events

Florals

Flor de laranjeira Design Floral

Venue

Penhalonga Resort

Makeup

Claudia Agua makeup

Hair

Raquel Raposo

DJ

@paulsoir @pauloreispercussao

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An Outdoor Alentejo Wedding