Real Wedding - A timeless elegant look in Lisbon

Captured through the talented lens of Vadim Pastuh, this is a stunning example of the makeup artistry of our founder, Miguel, and Eric recently featured with a special mention in the August 2025 issue of Vogue. A true testament to his creative vision and commitment to authentic beauty.

When it comes to destination weddings in Portugal, few places offer the charm, elegance, and regal beauty of Lisbon and this stunning bride from Taiwan is the perfect example of how timeless style meets cultural elegance in the heart of Europe.

For her intimate elopement in Lisbon and Sintra, this bride chose a bridal look that beautifully reflected her personality: elegant, graceful, and effortlessly chic. Her vision came to life thanks to our talented hairstylist Eric, who created a sophisticated updo that perfectly complemented her natural features and dress.

The Bridal Beauty Look: Refined, Romantic & Effortless

This bride’s look was all about embracing natural beauty with a luxury touch. Her Asian bridal makeup created by Miguel our founder was kept soft, fresh, and minimalist enhancing her features without overpowering them, for a look that felt both modern and timeless.

Hair by Eric – A Classic Updo with Timeless Elegance

Eric crafted a clean and elegant updo that balanced tradition with modern sophistication. The hairstyle highlighted her face beautifully while staying secure and graceful throughout the entire day — from quiet moments of reflection to romantic walks through the palace halls. This is the kind of wedding hairstyle that transcends trends, making it a perfect choice for brides who want to look effortlessly elegant in their wedding photos for years to come.

Effortless Makeup – Natural Radiance for the Modern Bride

The makeup was designed to let her natural skin glow, with subtle tones that enhanced her eyes and soft lip color to tie it all together. This effortless makeup look for Asian brides is ideal for those eloping abroad especially in warm European light where comfort, longevity, and photography-friendly finish are key.

The Location: Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, Lisbon

The bridal photoshoot took place at the iconic Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, a national monument, open to visitors in Lisbon, and one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Lisbon. With its grand staircases, detailed architecture, and regal atmosphere, the palace provided a perfect setting for this sophisticated beauty look and ideal for elopements and editorial-style bridal photography.

Why Portugal is the Perfect Destination for Asian Brides

Portugal is quickly becoming a top destination for Asian couples looking to elope or host an intimate destination wedding in Europe. With its mix of historical venues, warm climate, and talented local vendors, it’s no wonder brides from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and beyond are choosing Lisbon and Sintra for their dream weddings.

Whether you’re envisioning a luxury palace elopement or a countryside wedding in Alentejo, Portugal offers unforgettable settings paired with world-class hair and makeup artistry to make your day feel truly special.

Vendors

Makeup: Miguel Staplenton
Hair: Eric Ribeiro
Photography: @genesiolaranjo
Car:@genesiolaranjo
Venue @pestanapalace

Real Wedding - Arab Heritage Meets Baroque Elegance with Fresh Faced Artists

Ghada, a Syrian-Lebanese-Texan creative, and Munir, from the prominent Palestinian Dajani family, celebrated their love in a breathtaking destination wedding in Porto, Portugal. Their four-day celebration at the baroque Palácio do Freixo blended Arabic heritage with Portuguese elegance, creating a truly multicultural wedding experience.

Every detail of the wedding reflected the couple’s roots and traditions while embracing the romance and charm of Portugal. From the bridal makeup and hairstyling by our founder Miguel Stapleton and Eric Ribeiro to the curated design, the celebration honored Arab culture and created a sophisticated, timeless atmosphere for family and friends.

Our talented Fresh Faced Portugal artists played a key role in bringing the couple’s vision to life. Miguel Stapleton crafted a soft, radiant bridal makeup look that perfectly highlighted Ghada’s natural beauty, while Eric Ribeiro designed an elegant hairstyle that complemented her baroque-inspired gown and allowed her to dance freely throughout the evening. Together, they ensured the bride looked effortlessly stunning while maintaining a polished, authentic style.

This wedding is a perfect example of how destination weddings in Portugal can thoughtfully merge heritage, culture, and elegance, offering a unique, memorable experience for couples from diverse backgrounds.

““Ghada embraced her natural beauty with soft waves worn down, paired with a radiant soft glam makeup look. Both were beautifully crafted by Fresh Faced Portugal— makeup by Miguel Stapleton and hair by Eric Ribeiro — bringing warmth and polish to a look that felt authentically her. “”

— wedvibes.media - Real weddings May 14, 2025 by Vlada Kuz

Article featured on:

Vendors

Makeup - Our founder Miguel Stapleton
Hairstylist- Eric Ribeiro

PLANNING & STYLING @domaweddings

VENUE @pestanapalaciodofreixo
PHOTOGRAPHY @alicevicenteweddings
VIDEOGRAPHY @akulshinasonya
FLORALS @ohmariaflores
STATIONERY @inloveweddings
RENTALS @bcplanning_rentals
DRAPERY @griffin_events_  
AV'S @rituaiseventos
DJ @cynthia_lahoud
BAND @al_awde_zafa
SIGNATURE BAR @luv_laultimaynosvamos
CAKE @miss_pavlova