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