This Whirlwind Trip Through Europe Turned Into a Surprise Wedding in Portugal!

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

Holly + Brock were on a whirlwind trip throughout Europe with four of their best friends, when they said to each other, “What if we just forget all the traditional stuff and get married on the trip?” And that’s where the idea began! Holly shares: We decided that we’d like to get hitched, but weren’t interested in the fluff that comes with a traditional wedding… What I love about eloping is that the day was completely about us. We had very few obligations on the day, which meant we could actually enjoy our day.

They met up with photographer, Nisha Ravji, and roamed the tiled streets of Lisbon in their wedding attire, before being whisked off to a stunning clifftop for the ceremony. With the help of My Fancy Wedding Planners Portugal, they were able to pull it all off quickly + seamlessly, so they could enjoy the rest of their travels!

Sounds like quite the dream, right? Let’s go – Portugal awaits!

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

My, my, my — what a gorgeous view!

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

The Streets of Lisbon

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Being able to get ready with each other and wandering the streets of beautiful Lisbon, while being photographed.

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

Fun Fact: The distinct tiles that Portugal is known for are called “azulejos,” and first appeared in Portugal around the 15th century, when the area was under Moorish rule. The word azulejos is Arabic in origin, and roughly translates to “polished stone.” 

The Wedding Attire

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

flower crown bride

Staying with Holly + Brock’s desire of keeping things carefree + bohemian-inspired, My Fancy Wedding Planners Portugal crafted this gorgeous bouquet + floral crown for the lovely bride.

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

Keeping things casual and cool, while still dressed up, Brock rocked mismatched pieces from Topman.

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

How gorgeous is Holly’s lacy boho-inspired gown from Spell Designs?! Perfect for the easy, breezy nature of their wedding day.

The Ceremony on the Cliff

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

The ceremony took place on the lush green hills, overlooking the water.

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

The Intimate Dinner

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

My Fancy Wedding Planners Portugal put together a magical bohemian-inspired picnic dinner on the hillside, so H+B didn’t have to worry about anything.

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

Complete with charcuterie, delicious bites, wine, and one gorgeous naked cake topped with florals from Migalha Doce — doesn’t this look delectable?!

table name

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

No fuss; just friends, food, and pretty florals!!

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

The Newlyweds

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

Following the intimate dinner, the two newlyweds got to explore the coast and breathe in the moment, together.

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

We didn’t worry too much about the details. Brock made a Spotify playlist of our favorite songs. We didn’t have a first dance, but instead enjoyed the presence of all our friends + each other. 

teepee

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Make the day as casual and carefree as possible. It's your day, about the two of you, and no one else. Instead of worrying about little details and your guests, forget about them and enjoy your day.

Surprise Lisbon adventure wedding

We’re all for these kind of surprises! Way to keep things interesting + spontaneous… And what better way to end a trip through Europe?!

Congratulations, H+B!!

photography: Nisha Ravji // event design: My Fancy Wedding Planners Portugal // planning: My Fancy Wedding Planners Portugal // florals: My Fancy Wedding Planners Portugal // wedding dress boutique: Spell Designs // bride's shoes: Massimo Dutti // bridesmaid dresses: Miss Crabb Summertime dress // hair stylist: Carla D'Oliveira // makeup artist: Carla D'Oliveira // groom attire: Topshop - Topman // cake: Migalha doce

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