Sunlit Simplicity: Rita Nunes Crafts Two Effortless Bridal Looks for a Sintra Wedding Story
Featured in Junebug Weddings. Perfect inspiration for couples planning a chic and emotional destination celebration. In the heart of Sintra, Portugal, where sunlight dances across historic stone and lush greenery, this editorial captures the essence of minimalist wedding design. Featuring two distinct bridal looks by renowned makeup artist Rita Nunes, it’s a celebration of refined textures, timeless tones, and effortless elegance
Featured on Junebug wedding magazine, a minimal destination wedding editorial where our Fresh artist Rita Nunes showcased a refined bridal artistry
There’s something undeniably romantic about Sintra especially the Camelia gardens and its lush hills, historic estates, and golden light offer the perfect backdrop for couples dreaming of an intimate, elevated wedding experience in Portugal.
In this recent editorial featured on Junebug Weddings, we explored the beauty of minimalism through two distinct bridal looks, brought to life by our makeup artist Rita Nunes, whose signature style blends soft sophistication with timeless technique.
Designed for the modern bride planning a destination wedding in Portugal, this shoot proves that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing impact it means choosing each element with intention.
A Celebration of Texture, Light, and Natural Beauty
Shot on a sun-filled day in Sintra, the styling focused on rich textures and soft tones — allowing the setting, the beauty, and the emotion to speak for themselves.
With two models, we showcased a dual interpretation of bridal minimalism: one classic and fresh, the other slightly moodier and more editorial — but both grounded in the same philosophy of effortless beauty. From flowing silk fabrics to neutral florals and the soft architecture of the venue, the design language was clear: refinement through simplicity.
Rita Nunes: Bridal Makeup That Elevates Without Overpowering
Known for her ability to enhance natural features while maintaining a polished, luminous finish, Rita Nunes crafted two bridal beauty looks tailored to the models’ individual features and gown styles.
Her approach highlights what makes each bride unique using light, tone, and technique to ensure the look lasts from the first photo to the last dance. This style reflects the simple, elegant and warm style that reflects the Portuguese classic aesthetic: an elegance that transcend time and with a simple beauty. Whether working on editorial campaigns or real wedding mornings, Rita is a trusted name in Portugal’s destination wedding scene for brides who value quality, detail, and discretion.
If you're planning a destination wedding in Portugal whether nestled in the hills of Sintra, the charm of Lisbon, or the golden calm of the Alentejo, there’s a growing appreciation for minimalism as a way to elevate elegance. Inspired by this editorial, one of the best ways to embrace that approach is by allowing materials to speak for themselves. Rather than filling the space with unnecessary décor, the use of high-quality, natural elements like silk, linen, stone, or raw wood brings quiet depth and texture. These choices feel luxurious without distracting from the environment or from the bride herself.
Colour is also key in creating a timeless aesthetic. In this shoot, the choice of neutral tones and soft, earthy shades worked harmoniously with Sintra’s warm light, enhancing the natural surroundings rather than competing with them. This kind of palette creates a beautiful foundation for the overall mood and complements bridal beauty perfectly. It’s also where Rita Nunes' artistry truly stands out — her approach to makeup focuses on luminous skin and refined detail, enhancing natural features while remaining true to each bride’s unique style.
Ultimately, simplicity leaves room for what really matters: emotion, presence, and connection. By stripping back excess, the true atmosphere of the day comes forward. The smallest glances, subtle movements, and unscripted moments become the heart of the story — and with the right team around you, from beauty professionals to photographers like @catiasoaresphotography, those fleeting expressions are captured with grace and authenticity. It’s this balance of intention and restraint that makes minimalist destination weddings feel so powerful — and so personal.
Vendors:
Makeup — @rita.rnunes @freshfacedpt
Photography —@catiasoaresphotography
Venue — @cameliagardens
Video — @brasdiofilms
Wedding Stylist —@unreal.wedding
Floral Design — @flowerlovewedding
Dress — @jesuspeiroporto
Suit + Shoes — @zolfclothes
Rentals — @aura.rentals
Earrings — @garota_portuguesa
Cake design — @monsucre_patisserie
Stationery — @alma.atelierdesign
Models — @andreiapacheca @beatrizxcards @sima0_manoel
Real Wedding: A Sun-Soaked Sintra Wedding at Penha Longa with Soft, Elegant Bridal Hair by Lília
Featured on Destination I Do Magazine, Discover this elegant summer wedding in Sintra at the historic Penha Longa Monastery, where our hairstylist created a soft, romantic bridal look with flowing bangs and a natural finish. A perfect inspiration for destination weddings in Portugal. with Sintra’s unique climate offering beauty in every season, from sunny August days to misty autumn romance.
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Featured in Destination I DO, tell us the experience of a couple dreaming of sunshine and a celebration that felt like a holiday, Holly and Michael left their UK hometown behind and headed to Portugal for their destination wedding, a place they both remembered fondly from childhood travels. With its charm, history, and golden light, Portugal felt like the perfect setting for a romantic, week-long celebration surrounded by friends and family.
“Everybody loved the idea of having a holiday with the wedding,” says Holly.
The couple set their hearts on Sintra, a town known for its lush landscapes, palaces, and enchanting architecture. It didn’t take long for them to discover the magic of Penha Longa Resort, and more specifically, its breathtaking 14th-century monastery: a venue that offered a fairytale setting with a rich historical backdrop and the convenience of modern luxury. “It was real-life fairy-tale and the perfect contrast to the modern resort,” they shared. The ancient stone walls, arched ceilings, and peaceful monastery gardens offered the kind of atmosphere that instantly slows everything down — exactly what they were looking for.
Make it stand out
The couple set their hearts on Sintra, a town known for its lush landscapes, palaces, and enchanting architecture. It didn’t take long for them to discover the magic of Penha Longa Resort, and more specifically, its breathtaking 14th-century monastery: a venue that offered a fairytale setting with a rich historical backdrop and the convenience of modern luxury. “It was real-life fairy-tale and the perfect contrast to the modern resort,” they shared. The ancient stone walls, arched ceilings, and peaceful monastery gardens offered the kind of atmosphere that instantly slows everything down — exactly what they were looking for.
In a setting like this, there’s no need for anything overcomplicated and Holly’s bridal hair style created by Lília reflected that perfectly.
She envisioned a look that felt soft and romantic, one that would complement her veil and the gentle palette of the day without trying too hard. Our hairstylist worked closely with her to create a style that felt like an extension of her personality: a simple, elegant gathered hairstyle with flowing, face-framing bangs that moved beautifully in the breeze.
It was the kind of look that never asked for attention — it simply belonged there, in that sunlit courtyard, in that soft Portuguese air, on that kind of day.
The design was soft and natural, with a palette of blush, off-white, and greenery that echoed the surrounding landscape. The ceremony was held inside the monastery, with its centuries-old fireplace and arched ceilings as a backdrop. Afterwards, guests moved through the gardens for cocktails, gathered in the dining hall for dinner, and danced beneath the stars in the open-air courtyard.
“Our wedding day had beautiful sunshine — just how we had dreamt.”
Why Sintra Is One of Portugal’s Most Magical Wedding Destinations
Tucked between the coast and the hills, Sintra is unlike anywhere else in Portugal and maybe even in Europe. It’s a place where history feels alive, where forests feel enchanted, and where every corner of a garden seems to hide its own little secret.
In the height of summer, Sintra’s microclimate makes it a unique escape from the heat, offering cool breezes and golden light even in August. And in autumn and winter, the mist that rolls through the forest creates an atmosphere that’s pure magic poetic, mysterious, and deeply romantic. The changing colors of the Natural Park make it a stunning setting all year round.
Whether you're drawn to the sunlight of late summer or the moody beauty of a foggy winter morning, Sintra offers something special for every season and with the right beauty team beside you, your wedding day can feel every bit as effortless and timeless as this one.
Vendors:
Hair: Lilia Costa;
Vendors: Photographer: Matt + Lena Photography;
Wedding Planner: Nikolina Silva from Splendida Weddings;
Ceremony/Reception Site: Penha Longa Resort;
Florist: GreenPic’k
DJ and Lighting: Your Jukebox;
Saxophone player: Pedro Morais;
Videographers: Syncview
Real Wedding - A Beautiful Love Story with Portuguese Charm
Featured on Zankyou Portugal The wedding of Margy & Jon was the perfect moment for celebrating romance and elegance with the beauty of Portugal. Our Fresh Faced Bridal artists, Lola and Agnes, created flawless bridal makeup and hairstyling that enhanced the bride’s natural glow. This feature showcases our dedication to professional wedding hair and makeup in Sintra and Lisbon.
We are delighted to announce that the stunning wedding of Margy and Jon has been featured on Zankyou Portugal under the headline “um casamento com elegância à portuguesa”. This unforgettable celebration combined timeless romance with the natural beauty of Portugal, and we are proud that our team’s artistry played an important role in the look and feel of the day.
Our bridal beauty specialist, Lola , created a flawless makeup look that highlighted the bride’s natural glow while ensuring long-lasting elegance from the ceremony to the last dance. In addition, she provided a full grooming service for the groom, ensuring he looked polished and camera-ready for every moment. Complementing this, our dear Agnes designed and created a flawless elegant bridal hairstyle that perfectly matched both the dress and the overall wedding aesthetic.
Being featured in an international wedding publication like Zankyou is a wonderful recognition of the passion and dedication we bring to every couple. Whether you are looking for bridal makeup in Portugal, a wedding hairstylist in Lisbon, or a professional makeup artist for weddings, our mission is to help every bride and groom feel beautiful, confident, and radiant on the most important day of their lives.
Perfect showcase of Lola Grooming service
Vendors
Makeup :Our founder Lola
Hair: Lets Hair - Agnes
Grooming: Makeup :Our founder Lola
Wedding Planner, decoration and furniture: Fashion Moments Eventos
Entertainment and audiovisuals: Rituais Eventos
Venue: Camélia Gardens- Sintra e Torel Palace - Lisbon
Catering: Blank Catering
Photography: Couplet Photo
Vídeo: Duarte WV and Saxofone: Whitesax
Our Work featured on:
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Real Wedding - Arab Heritage Meets Baroque Elegance with Fresh Faced Artists
Featured on wedvibes.media Discover Ghada and Munir’s stunning destination wedding in Porto, Portugal, a celebration blending Arabic heritage with Portuguese elegance. Set at the baroque Palácio do Freixo, this multicultural wedding featured refined traditions, heartfelt rituals, and radiant bridal makeup and hairstyling by Fresh Faced Portugal’s Miguel Stapleton and Eric Ribeiro.
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. “”
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
Real wedding: A Minimalist Elopement at an Architectural Gem in Alentejo
See in the Lane Magazine: “I wanted the hair and makeup to be as simple as possible so I still felt and looked like myself. Lilia tied my hair in a ponytail with a bow on top from a silk organza ribbon from my designer, Felicia Budi. Meanwhile, makeup artist Miguel Stapleton created a fresh, natural, dewy look with his magic hands.”
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Featured on The lane wedding magazine: On a secluded hillside beneath the golden Alentejo sun, Valencia and Jesse exchanged vows in one of Portugal’s most architecturally unique venues Casa na Terra. Designed by Manuel Aires Mateus and built into the earth and surrounded by raw, unspoiled landscape, this intimate elopement was about connection, intention, and quiet beauty perfect or architecture lovers in love and photographers.
But amidst the minimalist backdrop and natural stillness, one detail brought softness and soul to the scene: Valencia’s bridal look, thoughtfully created by our in-house artists, Lilia and Miguel.
Hair: A Soft Statement in the Simplest Form
In keeping with the setting and her personal style, Valencia envisioned something pure and uncomplicated: a look that felt authentic, timeless, and grounded in the natural environment.
Lilia Costa, one of our trusted hairstylists, created a low ponytail adorned with a silk organza bow, hand-selected from Valencia’s dress designer. It was an intentionally delicate detail, simple yet striking that moved gently with the wind and echoed the flowing lines of her silk chiffon gown.
This kind of styling is at the heart of what we believe in: hair that feels effortless, romantic, and real, made for intimate celebrations where every element tells a quiet story.
Makeup: Skin First, Always
To match this refined and natural aesthetic, Miguel Stapleton worked with Valencia to create a fresh, luminous look that enhanced her features without masking them.
He kept the skin dewy and breathable, using light layers and soft tones to let her natural glow shine through. A touch of blush gave her cheeks warmth, while her lips and eyes were left understated, in tones that complemented the warm, earthy hues of the Alentejo landscape.
It was the perfect beauty pairing: hair that moved freely in the breeze, and makeup that felt like skin a true celebration of understated beauty in one of Portugal’s most extraordinary locations.
“I wanted the hair and makeup to be as simple as possible so I still felt and looked like myself. Lilia tied my hair in a ponytail with a bow on top from a silk organza ribbon from my designer, Felicia Budi. Meanwhile, makeup artist Miguel Stapleton created a fresh, natural, dewy look with his magic hands.”
A Beauty Look That Belonged to the Landscape
As dusk fell over Monsaraz, and the couple stood on the grass rooftop of Casa na Terra watching the sun set into the hills, everything about the day felt intentional. No excess. No distractions. Just two people, deeply present, and a look that allowed the bride to feel elegant, effortless, and entirely herself.
If you're planning a minimalist or nature-inspired elopement or wedding in Alentejo from the hills, flatlands or the coastal cliffs our team specializes in natural bridal hair and makeup that adapts to your setting, your dress, and your personal style and that know the climate and how to make a glam last from the 1st shootings to the wedding party.
Vendors:
Hair /Lilia Costa
Makeup / Miguel Stapleton
Wedding Venue /Casa na Terra, Silent Living
Photography / Couplet Photography
Videography / 24 Films
Bride’s Dress / Fbudi
Bride’s Shoes / Dior & Loeffler Randall
Groom’s Formal Wear / Wong Hang
Wedding Rings / FROM
Jewelry & Accessories / Tulola
Stationery / Syllable Calligraphy
Florist / Kckliko Flower Studio
Cake / Migalha Doce
Celebrant / Andreas Piper from Wedding Portugal