Real Wedding: A Sun-Soaked Sintra Wedding at Penha Longa with Soft, Elegant Bridal Hair by Lília
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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