Rita Daniel

real life wedding inspo

Rita & Daniel

photos Power On Photography Whatsapp 351 910794827 email poweronphotography@hotmail.com web www.poweronphotography.com

There was an undeniable spark between them from the very first moment they met.

Both working in the tourism industry, Rita from Guimaraes in the north of Portugal, and Daniel from Lisbon, were on a work trip at the time. Since the moment they met, they have never looked back, and within a month of that trip, had already moved in together. A big decision for both, especially Rita, as it meant uprooting her life in Guimaraes and changing her job location to move further south to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. But it was all worth it, when on New Years Eve 2020, while celebrating in Marrakesh, Morocco, Daniel nervously told Rita how much she meant to him and that he couldn’t picture life without her – then on one knee proposed. Rita’s reaction was to hug him tightly, before eventually saying the word he was waiting to hear – yes! With their wedding date set for the 4th of October, initially they were concerned that they might not be able to find a suitable venue. Couples normally start looking at venues two years in advance in Portugal, not nine months as was their circumstance. So when they discovered the 15th-16th century Noble House surrounded by vineyards, they both fell in love with it immediately and did everything possible to secure it for their wedding. “We called the place for two days to pressure the other couple that was interested in the venue for the same day as us” says Daniel.

The other couple were still looking at other venues and dates, so Daniel and Rita persevered and got lucky! By the end of January 2020 they had their venue, catering and invitations sorted, and by February, their honeymoon booked. Not long after - COVID struck... Due to the pandemic, their pre-wedding celebrations were a bit limited. “Bars and nightclubs in Portugal have been closed since March and remain closed” says Daniel, at the time of writing this story. They still managed to enjoy themselves though, with Rita and the girls celebrating in the north of Portugal, staying at a hotel in Porto, taking a boat trip on the Douro River, and playing paintball and slide/stand up paddle, while Daniel and his group of friends went south, rented a house and played paintball, karts and had a “few” drinks and poker nights. Both were very diligent when it came to planning their wedding and they chose their suppliers carefully, only after meeting with each of them in person. “Our decisions came not only down to budget but many times down to personal empathy and rapport created in those meetings” they explain. “A wedding is such an intimate affair that you need to develop some sort of relationship and trust with your main providers.”

Their photographer, Fabio from Poweron Photography was one such provider with whom they built a great rapport. “That made everything very natural and comfortable with him, which we think is important and shows in the pictures” they say, adding “we also liked him because he is a storyteller which we believe enhances the work.” Daniel and Rita agreed on most aspects of their wedding, but there was one area where their opinions differed. Rita had her mind set on lots of flowers and decorations, whereas Daniel thought there was no need to go overboard on the naturally beautiful venue. Daniel eventually agreed however, as he admits, “didn’t really have much choice”. So flowers and decorations it was! Flowers on the handrails, candlelight decorations for the cutting of the cake, plus candle bags meticulously filled with sand and a candle, then placed outside for a magical effect when the sun went down. “Our catering manager nearly became our wedding planner” says Daniel. Helping with all of the decorations, staging and event management, she went above and beyond what was expected, staying until nearly midnight! “It would not have been the same without Carina” they agree. On their wedding day, their maitre d’ surprised them also. “One thing we can point out was the absolute and utter care our maitre d’ had towards us” they remember. He brought them food throughout the cocktail hour, helped with timings, and ensured all of their needs were met. “We had never seen or met him before, but we will never forget Paulo.” Guests from Portugal and Spain witnessed their touching wedding vows first hand, while their Australian and German guests, unable to attend due to COVID, watched on via a streamed Zoom meeting. Not quite like being there in person, it did however allow some interaction, so Daniel’s Australian father, amongst others, were able to watch the ceremony and congratulate the happy newlyweds afterwards.

Much to the delight of their guests in attendance, Daniel and Rita organised a same day edit video which they played at their reception. “Only we knew about it and it was a beautiful moment for all guests who were surprised and blown away by it. We think it was a highlight for many.” Originally they didn’t plan on having video. Admitting they only selected a provider two weeks before their wedding. “Now, we have to say that having video is essential” says Daniel, “photos and video are the things that remind us that it wasn’t a dream.” Asked if they would change anything about their wedding day, they reply, “can we take the COVID 19 pandemic away? Seriously, we think it is the only thing we would change and that would allow us to have all our family present.” The most special moment for Rita was walking down the aisle and seeing Daniel. “I never felt so lucky and happy in my life” she remembers. Daniel too felt lucky, amazed by the certainty and effortlessness with how their whole relationship has evolved.

He says, “Met, one month later moved in, seven months later put down payment on a house, then cat, then bought a car...fast forward three and a half years and we are married and added a dog. Think we are only missing a kid now.” The happy newlyweds spent their first night in the Royal Suite of a nearby five star hotel, Dolce Campo Real. It was the same hotel their guests were staying at, so they caught up with everyone again for breakfast. Due to the pandemic, their original honeymoon that they had booked in February to New York City and Antigua had to be cancelled, so instead they decided to go to the Maldives. “It is probably currently the safest and most viable destination on the planet” says Daniel. “We stayed for one week at Gili Lankanfushi (previously Soneva Gili), which is one of the top luxury eco-resorts in the Maldives.” It suited this couple completely. With snorkelling, diving and dolphin cruises, it is a very natural low-key luxury where you go barefoot as soon as you step onto the transfer speedboat. “The most special and different experience that the hotel offers is the dine and sleep under the stars experiences,” says Daniel. “A dinner on the beach with your own chef, band and a romantic set up, followed by another romantic stargaze at constellations and shooting stars, before falling asleep. It is magical” But they both agree that better than the hotel is the people. “They are all so helpful and want to make sure you have the best time, that they do some surprises for the guests and never say no to a request. Oh, and the water temperature and the food? AMAZING!”

Daniel and Rita’s wedding advice for brides: Concentrate on yourself and the groom, do not marry just for the party and the showoff, and do not plan the wedding according to other’s suggestions or what they would like to have or where they want to be seated. Celebrate your love with the people you really love. Seriously consider a small wedding...we do not recommend big weddings with 200 or more guests. We only had 90 guests and we felt like we did not spend time with anyone. Be calm and always follow your heart.

I never felt so lucky and happy in my life

Wedding Date: 4th October 2020 • Number of Guests: 90 • Wedding Song/Dance: Oeiras Dance by Rita Vieira • Photographer: Power On Photography • Videographer: Sem Asa • Bridal Gown: Pronovias • Bridesmaids Dresses: Pronovias • Rings: Carlos Costa Jeweller • Accessories: Unike • Hair & Makeup: B Lust Hair and Makeup • Groom’s Suit: Rosa Teixeira Tailors • Ceremony & Reception: Quinta Valle do Riacho • Catering: Pateo Velho catering • Entertainment: Rituais Audiovisuals • Florist: Bella Florist • Cake: Carolina do Bolos • Stationery: Molde Wedding Design • Transport: Tesla Tours Portugal (Bride), Fredauto (guests)