Sunlit Simplicity: Rita Nunes Crafts Two Effortless Bridal Looks for a Sintra Wedding Story

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.

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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
⁠

Natural Beauty Meets Countryside Romance: Lindsay & Baxter’s Alentejo Elopement

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When Lindsay and Baxter decided to elope, they knew they wanted something meaningful, something off the beaten path a place where their love could take center stage between the smells of the dry grass and the ancient olive trees. Their journey took them all the way from California to the quiet countryside of Arraiolos, in Portugal’s Alentejo region, where their intimate wedding unfolded like a dream at Casas Caiadas – Watermills of the Alentejo Featured on Junebug weddings.

But what truly made this elopement shine (besides their obvious chemistry and those cowboy boots ) was the effortless beauty that defined the day: soft, romantic, and totally in tune with the natural surroundings.

The Magic of Alentejo

If you’ve never heard of Alentejo, let us introduce you to one of Portugal’s most underrated gems. Just a couple of hours from Lisbon, this region is all rolling hills, olive trees, cork forests, and golden light. It’s peaceful, slow-paced, and wildly beautiful the kind of place that invites you to breathe deeper, move slower, and savor every moment.

Arraiolos, the small municipality where Casas Caiadas is located, is known for its handwoven rugs and medieval castle, but on this day, it became the perfect backdrop for a celebration that was both soulful and stylish.

A Beauty Look as Soft as the Setting

Lindsay didn’t want anything fussy or overdone. She wanted to feel like herself just a little more radiant. Enter: two incredibly talented local artists who understood the assignment completely.

Glowy, Effortless Makeup by Miguel Stapleton

Miguel Stapleton created a makeup look that was fresh, natural, and light perfect for an outdoor ceremony under the Alentejo sun.

He kept the skin dewy and breathable, added a soft touch of blush for that healthy glow, and used warm, earthy tones on the eyes. The final touch was a nude lip that let Lindsay’s smile do all the talking. It was a no-fuss, glow-from-within kind of look exactly what you want when you’re eloping in nature.

Soft, Textured Hair by Lilia Costa

For hair, Lilia Costa went with a loose, textured wave that moved beautifully with the breeze. It was simple, romantic, and felt so organic to the setting nothing stiff, nothing too “done.” Just an easy, lived-in style that made Lindsay look (and feel) completely at ease.

And the best part? The entire beauty look held up through golden hour portraits, sweet kisses, and barefoot walks through the countryside.

Why Hair & Makeup Matter Even More for Destination Weddings

When you're getting married in a place like Alentejo where you’re surrounded by nature, exposed to the elements, and soaking up all the emotion you want a beauty look that enhances who you are without fighting the setting. Local professionals like Miguel and Lilia bring that balance effortlessly. They understand the climate, the light, and the pace of a destination wedding, and they know how to make you feel your best without ever feeling like someone else.

Vendors:
Makeup Artist – Miguel Stapleton
Hair Styling – Lilia Costa

Photography – Hugo Coelho
Event Planning, Floral Design, & Rentals – MUZA Weddings
Wedding Venue – Casas Caiadas
Cake – Edelweiss
Wedding Dress – Cecilie Bahnsen
Groom’s Apparel – Taylor Stitch