Lisbon, Portugal — the place where a new chapter of the book of joint authorship for Steve and Elena began.
A beautiful country, still unusual and largely unexplored for our compatriots, and so popular among the English, among whom the groom belongs.
The wedding took place at the Quinta residence, sunk in the lush green of immaculate gardens, so similar to traditional English gardens. In an effort to be involved in all stages of the wedding organization, the couple joined the site inspection and fell in love with the venue at first sight. We turned out to be the first and only Russian Delegation to hold a wedding there.

Portugal is one of the few countries where you can choose any place for the official ceremony — whatever and wherever you want. So we took advantage of the opportunity and held the ceremony in the garden.

The conceptual idea for the pre-wedding shoot epitomized the idea that no matter where Steve and Lena are, they are always there for each other.

Especially for the invitations to the ceremony, a watercolor image of Villa Quinta was painted.

For our wedding photo shoot, we found a private villa that is closed to the public for most of the year. After meeting the couple, the owners opened the doors and offered their garden as a wedding backdrop for a memorable photo shoot. The magic, the atmosphere and the incredible beauty of the local landscape gave us the idea for the «Midsummer Night’s Dream» concept.

To achieve Steve’s usual English soulfulness, the ceremony utilized the old English tradition of tying ribbons or, literally, knots — «tie the knot». In the language of English idioms it literally means «to marry», and the tradition itself carries a light unifying, binding symbolism for the union.

During the party guests were entertained by stilt walkers, gymnasts and a popular Portuguese cover band. In the décor we tried to emphasize the light and airy atmosphere of the fairytale night. We arranged compositions in vases of different heights, used mirrors and candles. Near the smooth ponds there were letters-initials of the newlywed couple, completing the design of the lounge area. Here guests could relax on soft cushions with wedding symbols, eat at the sweet table among flickering candles.

At the decorated table, guests signed cards to send a greeting to anyone present, even to themselves, as a remembrance of the day.
The surprise for the groom at the end of the evening was a dance from the bride supported by her bridesmaids.
A hundred twinkling lanterns with warm wishes lit up the evening sky — creating a warm, memorable climax.

On the second day, the entire wedding delegation moved to Cascais, a coastal town near Lisbon. A five-star boutique hotel with incredible ocean views and delicious barbecue. The party continued with the rhythms of bossa nova.