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

Featured on:

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

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