Real Wedding - A timeless elegant look in Lisbon
Featured on Vogue: Discover a timeless bridal look created for an elegant Taiwanese bride who chose Lisbon and Sintra for her luxury destination elopement in Portugal. Featuring a classic updo by hairstylist Eric and soft, natural makeup ideal for Asian brides. Captured at Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, one of Lisbon’s most iconic wedding venues.
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: 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