Charlie Brear elegance for a Midsummer Night’s Dream-Inspired Wedding in the Algarve

Hello everyone. What have you got planned for this weekend? I hope it’s something lovely and summery. I’m flying to Greece to teach Pilates at a Yoga and Pilates retreat for three weeks, and the wedding we’re sharing  today has got me even more excited about going with its cool European style, vivid blue skies and sun-drenched landscape.

I have to warn you that these images by Matt + Lena Photography are just *magical*, so pour yourself a glass of something cool and refreshing, find a spot of sunlight to sit in, and enjoy this beautiful wedding.

Amy and Joe married amidst the orange groves of the Portuguese Algarve on 10 September 2016. They have a second home in the Algarve and had always wanted to marry abroad, and their venue, Os Agostos, Loulé, Portugal, offered the perfect rustic chic feel. Surrounded by lush orange groves, beautiful forests and spectacular views, it lent itself perfectly to the theme of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream‘.

Film by Vanessa & Ivo

“Os Agostos in Portugal fitted who we are and our relaxed style. Once we saw the venue in all its beautiful rustic charm – a converted barn amidst the orange grove, olive, oak and evergreen trees, it inspired ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. The colours of summer in an enchanted forest. It was perfect.”

Photography Matt + Lena Photography

Amy chose a light, floaty layered gown by Charlie Brear, perfect for the balmy Portuguese weather that they enjoyed. A simple slip with a light overdress, its style looks incredibly fresh and relaxed. She personalised the gown, which she chose at The White Closet in Didsbury, by adding a slim jewelled belt from the Sash & Co.

“I loved how classic and understated my dress was, and it had no structure so it was SO comfortable!”

The bride also wore a classic scalloped, lace-edged Mantilla veil from HM Veils, a lovely nod to the wedding’s location, and strappy Benjamin Adams London sandals. Jewellery was a pair of sparkling Buckley London earrings and bracelet, which mirrored her belt and shoes so well.

The grown-up bridesmaids wore mid-length sequinned gowns from ASOS in the prettiest shade of sea green in a style to mirror the simple, classic gown worn by Amy.

Chic posies of flowers decorated their hair, and matched these charming floral headbands worn by the flowergirls.

The groom dressed in a light blue Ted Baker suit, managing to stay cool and calm in the summer weather. His buttonhole was a simple spray of gypsophila and lavender stems, to match the bridal flowers.

“Seeing Joe at the end of the aisle was my favourite moment.  I was so unbelievably nervous, but finally seeing his face made me calm!”

The couple met through Joe’s sister, and married twenty months after their engagement.

“Joe proposed on New Year’s Day 2015. We were in Zanzibar in a restaurant in the middle of the sea. He didn’t get down on one knee, something I’ll never let him live down! It was still an incredible proposal though. He had carried the ring around with him for two weeks in Uganda beforehand.”

Portugal-based wedding planner Sandra, from Algarve Wedding Planners, helped the couple to plan their day from their home in the UK. Over on our wedding supplier directory Little Book for Brides we list several planners keen to help you arrange your day, whether in the UK or further afield; please visit the directory here if you’re in need of a little helping hand.

The couple exchanged their vows in an outdoor ceremony shaded by wide parasols and swathes of gauze. Have you noticed the cute little fans provided for the guests? It’s so pretty with the little buckets of gypsophila on the chair ends and fresh petals scattered down the aisle.

 

Amy and Joe made the ceremony their own, choosing readings and music that was special to them.

One of their readings was ‘A Lovely Love Story‘ by Edward Monkton; a really lovely, humorous poem. The newly-weds signed the register whilst their string quartet played the theme tune from ‘Jurassic Park‘.

Flowers were the work of local florist Oura Flores, who also put together the dainty, frothy bouquets carried by the flowergirls and bridesmaids.

“We had English roses and baby’s breath. My bouquet was one of my favourite things – it was the most beautiful bouquet I’ve ever seen! I have Pinterest to thank for the bouquet style.”

Portugal-based Matt + Lena Photography have really captured the emotion of the ceremony in these photographs, as well as the beautiful light which changes throughout the day.

“I can’t even put into words how much I LOVE their work! Every single picture is a work of art.”

What do you think about the beautiful styling of the venue for the reception? I really like the place settings decorated with sprigs of lavender and twine; so simple and pretty. The table names, and the rest of the wedding stationery, was designed by a friend, Erin of Short and Sweet Designs.

The overall feeling is light and magical with the pink roses, lace tablecloths and pure white furniture. The magical ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ theme was achieved outside with tea-lights hanging from the trees in glass baubles and posies of gypsophila.

The newly-weds made a donation to Brain Tumour Research on behalf of their guests, in place of favours.

After the wedding breakfast the party continued around the outdoor pool with the cutting of the cake, a multi-tiered chocolate sponge naked cake decorated with fresh strawberries and cream. The Originals provided music for dancing the night away, and the newly-weds first dance was to Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘.

“No-one knew what we were doing so it was great surprising everyone with ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’!”

Words of Wedded Wisdom

“Make sure you ask one of your bridesmaids to keep giving you water throughout the day.”

Amy and Joe, congratulations on your marriage. I hope you enjoy many return visits to the Algarve to soak up that beautiful scenery.

Wishing you all a happy weekend

Ele xx