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.
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