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

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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

A British Vogue-Featured Wedding at Quinta da Bella Vista: Celebrating Bridal Beauty Across Borders

We’re so proud to have been part of this unforgettable wedding at Quinta da Bella Vista, featured in British Vogue. This dreamy destination celebration was the perfect blend of elegance, culture, and modern romance and the bride’s beauty look truly stole the show.

The incredible Miguel created a soft, radiant makeup look that enhanced the bride’s natural features while giving her that lit-from-within glow. With flawless skin, gently defined eyes, and a soft nude lip, the look felt timeless yet fresh — perfect for golden-hour portraits and a full day of celebration under the Portuguese sun.

Hairstyling was done by the talented Agnes, who created sleek, center-parted waves that were both effortless and refined. The polished finish gave just the right amount of glamour, while the style held beautifully in the warm weather and moved gracefully throughout the day.

As a team that values cultural diversity and specializes in destination weddings and multicultural bridal beauty, we were honored to bring this vision to life. From honoring Jewish wedding traditions to delivering a beauty look worthy of a Vogue feature, this day was everything we love about what we do.

Vendors:
Makeup: Miguel
Hairstylist: Agnes

Wedding planner & Styling: @fernandamartinezevents
Caterer: @themadkitchen_portugal
Venue: @bellavistasintra
Flowers: @decorelle.eu
Stationary: @prettie.weddingdesign
Invitations: @gusandrubyletterpress
Music: @groovebox_se
Rentals: @bcplanning_rentals
Photo & Video: @jjmtphotography
Second Photographer: @niacarvalho
Jewelry: @ebhornjewelers
Bridal Store: @lelitebridal
Wedding dress: @inesdisanto
Veil: @grace_loves_lace
Suit: @cadandthedandy

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

Real wedding: A Minimalist Elopement at an Architectural Gem in Alentejo

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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.”

— Valencia - Bride to The Lane Magazine

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