A Wedding at the “Open Sky Museum” AKA the Dilapidated Church Ruins in Brazil

Ruined Church Wedding

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Jagoara (say that ten times fast), known as Fazenda Jagoara Velha in Portuguese, was built between 1782 and 1786. The historic and dilapidated ruins served as the elegant (and dare we say *epic*) backdrop for Barbara + Henrique’s big day. Complementing the site’s history, and the ruinous state of the church, they made the property wedding ready with lemongrass, vines, and textured barks.

The two liked to think of their day as being in an open sky museum, full of history. Let’s dive deep into history + explore all the photos captured by Aloha Fotografia!

Ruined Church Wedding

All the darling details…

Ruined Church Wedding

Barbara and her gal pals (including their sweet pup) got prepped for the day in the rooms that still remain intact. From start to finish, it was history all day + night.

Ruined Church Wedding

Susana Bastos Dress

What a dress!! Replete with textural floral details and fringe, this elegant gown is by Susana Bastos.

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

rings

Ruined Church Wedding

I never dreamt of having a huge wedding party or a big ceremony… But it was actually Henrique that wanted the huge party! He loves to party and wanted all of our friends and family to surround us with love. But I knew if we were to do something like this… It had to be outside, with a great buffet, farm tables, and have lots of trees in the open air. 

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

If I have to choose the most iconic moment of my wedding, it was when my 6 year old nephew started to sing with my wedding band, Mariana Sobreira & Tri. He's this genius kids, full of talent... He must have been a great singer in his past life, singing Bruno Mars with such enthusiasm and stage presence like a superstar. Everybody loved it and of course we fell madly in love with him!​

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

pink bridesmaids

Inspired by the colors of the church ruins, the bridesmaids donned blush pink and salmon colored dresses.

groomsmen

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

That fringe + those lacy details = Serious LOVE!

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

To add to the ambiance and create a casual feeling, the place had several lounges for the guests… Including this peacock chair topped with bougainvillea! They crafted their dance floor from wood — to complement the farm’s structure, and guests partied all night long with a view of the full moon. 

Ruined Church Wedding

Barbara shares: For me, the most essential part of the day was to make sure the guests were immersed in nature and had a direct contact with history. 

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Greenery ran along the tables, along with small tangerines for a wild and organic feeling.

Ruined Church Wedding

Inspired by the feeling of a family dinner, meets buffet, the outdoor reception and dinner location was EXTRAORDINARY. Can you imagine walking up to this setting? Sign us up!!

jar favors

Ruined Church Wedding

pansy desserts

Desserts shots topped with edible flowers… How genius is that?

naked succulent cake

We’re ALL about this elegant semi-naked cake crafted by Ines Chaves.

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Ruined Church Wedding

Congratulations, Barbara + Henrique!!

Interested in exploring the dilapidated grounds even more? Check out this enchanting video clip by Par Filmes.

photography: Aloha Fotografia // venue name: Fazenda Jagoara Velha, Matozinhos, Minas Gerais, Brazil // planning: LeCult // florals: Museu de Grandes Novidades // wedding dress: Susana Bastos // hairpiece: Atelie Ana Vaz // bride's shoes: Ana Miranda // bride's ring: Vancox Jewelry // hair stylist: Washington Rodrigues // makeup artist: Washington Rodrigues // groom attire: Zak // groom's shoes: Zak // videography: Par Filmes // paper goods: Maison Papye // catering: Rullus Buffet // cake: Ines Chaves // desserts: Ines Chaves

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