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
Natural Beauty Meets Countryside Romance: Lindsay & Baxter’s Alentejo Elopement
Featured on Junebug magazine: Discover Lindsay & Baxter’s destination elopement in Alentejo, Portugal, featured effortless bridal beauty by Miguel Stapleton and Lilia Costa. With soft waves and glowing, natural makeup, this romantic look fit perfectly into the serene countryside of Arraiolos. As seen on Junebug Weddings, it’s ideal inspiration for brides seeking authentic elegance in nature.
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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
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