Niamh & Victoria
An ALENTEJo Elopement

From the moment we met, I knew this would be one of those celebrations that didn’t need much direction. The way they expressed their love was emotional and an inspiration. I simply had to step back, let them be, and capture the magic as it unfolded.

The Love Story

Victoria and Niamh knew they wanted something different for their elopement—something intimate, surrounded by nature, far from the crowds. Their love for Portugal led them to explore beyond the usual destinations, and when I suggested Alentejo, I secretly hoped they’d say yes. And they did.

  • A newlywed couple in white lace dresses shares a joyful laugh in a sunlit field during golden hour. The soft light and golden grass create a romantic and carefree atmosphere as they enjoy a lighthearted moment together.
  • A newlywed couple in white wedding dresses shares a joyful moment outside a Mediterranean-style building with a tiled roof and an arched doorway. Holding hands, they smile warmly at each other against a minimalist white wall, framed by lush greenery.
  • A newlywed couple in elegant white lace dresses shares a romantic kiss in a sunlit field during golden hour. One bride holds a glass of red wine, while the soft sunlight enhances the intimate and heartfelt moment.
  • A close-up of two brides wearing white lace dresses and bold red shoes, standing on a tiled floor. The striking footwear choice adds a stylish and personal touch to their wedding attire.
  • A close-up of two brides in delicate white lace dresses, standing near a softly lit window. One gently adjusts the other's dress, highlighting a tender and intimate wedding day moment.
  • A newlywed couple in white lace dresses shares an intimate embrace in a sunlit field at golden hour. Their foreheads touch as they smile softly, surrounded by tall grass and warm evening light, capturing a romantic and serene wedding moment.

the Perfect Venue

Hotel São Lourenço do Barrocal was the ideal setting for their elopement. A beautifully restored 19th-century estate, this boutique hotel blends rustic charm with understated luxury. With its warm terracotta hues, historic architecture, and soft evening light, Barrocal provided endless opportunities for stunning photographs. Every corner of this property tells a uniquely different story, making it a dream location for couples seeking a romantic and secluded elopement in Portugal.

  • A cozy, rustic lounge with a brown leather sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a framed black-and-white photograph of an olive tree. Sunlight streams through the window, casting a warm glow on the walls, creating an inviting and tranquil atmosphere.
  • A newlywed couple in white lace dresses shares an intimate embrace on a rustic stone terrace as the sun sets behind them. One bride wraps her arms around the other, with a scenic countryside and historic stone ruins in the background, capturing a romantic and timeless moment.
  • A rustic white archway covered in cascading green ivy, with wooden beams above and a sunlit courtyard in the background. The contrast of organic greenery against the smooth plaster wall creates a serene Mediterranean aesthetic.
  • A close-up of a sunlit olive tree branch with ripe black olives hanging from its slender stems. The golden-hour light softly highlights the texture of the olives and leaves, creating a tranquil and natural atmosphere.
  • A cozy lounge area with warm leather armchairs, soft lighting, and vintage framed photographs on the walls. The arched ceiling and neutral tones enhance the inviting and nostalgic ambiance of this rustic setting.
  • A beautifully minimalist Mediterranean-style building with white stucco walls, terracotta roof tiles, and a circular window. Green vines climb along the lower facade, while soft olive tree branches frame the top, creating a serene and elegant composition.

The Elopement Plan

For Victoria and Niamh, their elopement day was about being free from distractions. They exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony led by Carly Petracco, enveloped in warm sunlight and the tranquility of the Alentejo countryside. The ceremony felt deeply personal—no crowds, no rush.

As the sun dipped lower, we explored the grounds, taking advantage of the golden light. The pace was slow, and relaxed—just as an elopement in the Alentejo should be.

  • A hand pours red wine from a rustic bottle onto a wooden outdoor table set with olive oil, fresh olives, and traditional ceramic plates. The sunlight enhances the warm, inviting atmosphere of a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
  • A bride in a delicate lace dress gazes at her partner with emotion as she listens to wedding vows. A handwritten notebook is held between them, capturing the raw and heartfelt moment of their intimate outdoor ceremony.
  • A couple in white lace dresses holds hands during an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by golden fields and lush trees. A friend officiates while reading from a tablet, and a rustic table with wine and flowers adds to the natural elegance of the scene.
  • A newlywed couple in elegant white lace dresses clinks wine glasses in a golden field, sharing a joyful and intimate toast. Their hands gently intertwine, capturing a romantic and celebratory moment in the warm sunlight.
  • A close-up of two brides exchanging wedding rings during their intimate ceremony, smiling warmly under soft sunlight.
  • Hands dipping bread into a plate of olive oil during an intimate outdoor wedding celebration.

The Attire

Victoria’s and Niamh’s elopement looks were effortlessly chic, complementing both the natural surroundings and each other. Their choice of outfits reflected their personal styles—sophisticated yet relaxed, timeless yet modern. Their attention to detail, from the delicate lace and subtle textures of their dresses made for effortless portraits.

  • A pair of red wedding shoes placed on a white window sill with natural light streaming in.
  • A delicate lace wedding dress hanging in front of a window with red shoes below.
  • Bride in a robe reaching for her wedding dress hanging on a green door.
  • A bride helping her partner get ready in a softly lit, white-walled room in Portugal before their wedding.
  • A close-up of two brides holding hands, dressed in elegant white wedding dresses, with matching red shoes in Portugal.
  • A bride fastening her partner’s wedding dress in a bright, minimalist room with natural light in Portugal.

Capturing the Moments

Some elopements unfold naturally, and this was one of them. Victoria and Niamh moved throughout the day with ease—laughing, exploring, and completely at home in the Alentejo landscape. I let the setting work its magic, using natural light to highlight the warmth of the afternoon and the stillness of the evening.

  • Two brides in wedding dresses standing in a sunlit field of tall grass, foreheads touching as they share an intimate moment.
  • Two brides standing on ancient castle ruins, embracing under a bright blue sky with a single cloud floating above.
  • A newlywed couple enjoying an intimate outdoor dinner at sunset, wrapped in a cozy striped blanket, overlooking a scenic countryside landscape.
  • Two brides in white wedding dresses gently holding hands while sipping red wine in an outdoor setting.
  • A bride tenderly resting her hand on her partner’s chest as they stand close together in golden-hour sunlight, surrounded by nature.
  • A newlywed couple in white wedding dresses walking hand in hand under a large tree in a sunlit countryside field.

Vendors

Venue

Hotel São Lourenço do Barrocal

Hair & Makeup

Cati Beauty

Celebrant

yourweddingcelebrant

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