From the Mediterranean warmth of Sax to the riverside of Porto, our families come together for one unforgettable day. We would be honoured to have you with us.
Counting the days
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How we got here
Our story
01
Where it began
It began in Crieff, in the Scottish Highlands, a Spaniard and a Portuguesa, both far from home, who found each other by chance and never let go.
02
Across borders
From Ennis in Ireland to the years that made Barcelona home; back to Sax for the hush of the pandemic, and later a year beside the Atlantic in Esmoriz, Barcelona always calling us home again, until we settled in Sabadell. Through every move, our Darko was on every adventure: our boy, and forever in our hearts.
03
And now
Then, at golden hour above the sea at Es Vedrà, came the question, and a joyful yes. Now, surrounded by the people we love most, we’re ready to say it again, out loud, with all of you.
The plan
The day
An Iberian celebration runs late and joyful. Come ready to eat, dance and stay a while.
Ceremony
We say “I do” in the quinta’s own chapel. Please arrive a little early.
Reception
Drinks and bites: the welcome celebration, traditionally called the copo de água in Portugal.
Copo de água: the Portuguese name for the wedding reception that follows the ceremony.
Dinner
A long, generous Iberian dinner. Come hungry.
Party
Music and dancing into the small hours, until around 4am.
Getting there
Travel & arrival
The celebration is in the Porto area. Here is everything you need to plan the trip.
By air
Porto (OPO) is the closest airport, about 35–40 minutes from the venue. Lisbon (LIS) is a 3-hour drive or a 1-hour train if you fancy seeing more of Portugal.
Coming from Spain
Direct flights reach Porto from Alicante, Madrid and Barcelona. By car it is around a 9-hour drive from Alicante, a beautiful road trip across Iberia.
On the ground
A car is the easiest way to get around. Taxis and Uber/Bolt are widely available in and around Porto.
Penafiel sits in the green Sousa Valley, vinho-verde country, threaded with Romanesque stone and the unhurried welcome the Portuguese call simpatia. The venue is about 30 minutes from Porto, so a car makes everything easier. Two bases work well: settle into the countryside near the venue, or stay in Porto and drive out for the day.
Countryside near Penafiel
Quiet quintas and country houses a short drive from the venue. Wake to vineyards and birdsong. A car is essential out here.
Car essential
Porto city
More to see, eat and explore, about a 30–40 minute drive each way. Lovely for sightseeing. Plan an Uber or Bolt for the wedding night.
~30–40 min drive
A few places we love
A starting point, not a closed list. Message the hosts directly to ask for a wedding (“casamento”) rate or a block of rooms. Mid-August is peak season here, so book 6–9 months ahead.
On-site
Hotel da Eira
Book direct
Sleep where you celebrate: the estate’s own rooms among the vines. Booked directly with the venue, and they fill first.
A 19th-century manor house (solar) in Paço de Sousa, with gardens and a pool. Booked as a whole house (not by the room), so it’s ideal for a group of family or friends sharing.
Mid-August is high season in northern Portugal. Reserve 6–9 months ahead. The on-site rooms and the best quintas go first.
Message hosts directly
For rural quintas, a call, email or WhatsApp is usually cheaper than the big sites, and it’s the only way to ask for a wedding rate or a block of rooms. Portuguese hosts often reply on WhatsApp within the hour.
Booking online?
On Booking or Airbnb, look for an “AL” (Alojamento Local) registration number: the legal mark of a licensed, legitimate rental.
Sort your ride back
Taxis, Uber and Bolt are everywhere in Porto but scarce in rural Penafiel late at night. Arrange your return when you book the room.
While you’re here
A taste of a Portuguese wedding
If it’s your first wedding in Portugal, here’s a little of what to look forward to, and to lean into.
The copo de água
The reception after the ceremony: a long, generous banquet where we’ll come table to table to greet you. It keeps its own slow clock, often into the small hours.
The vira
A spinning northern folk dance to accordion and drum. When it starts, say yes: arms up, no experience required.
Amêndoas
Sugared almonds, five to a pouch: one each for love, health, happiness, fertility and a long life together.
The midnight feast
Just as the dancing flags, a late-night ceia appears: bifanas and caldo verde to carry the party on toward dawn.
Moments
Us, lately
Tap any photo to view
Be there
RSVP
We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Please let us know by 30 June 2027.
Good to know
Questions & answers
What time should I really arrive?
Please arrive about 20 minutes before the ceremony. Note that Iberian weddings run late. Dinner is in the evening and the party goes on well into the night.
What’s the dress code?
Formal / cocktail. One kind request: please avoid white. That’s reserved for the bride (though don’t be too surprised if the groom turns up in white too 😄). It’s a warm mid-August celebration, partly outdoors, so dress for a hot day and a cooler night.
Can I bring my children?
We love your little ones! Please let us know in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly.
Is there transport between venues?
Everything happens at one venue, so there’s no shuttle to worry about. We’ll share parking details closer to the date.
What about gifts?
Your presence is the gift. If you wish to contribute to our new adventure together, we’ll gladly share details on request.
Which language will the ceremony be in?
A warm mix of Spanish and Portuguese, with plenty of love that needs no translation.
Is there anything the day after?
For those staying nearby, there’s a relaxed brunch the day after (open until 5pm, with the pool) for €35 per adult, arranged in advance. It’s the perfect slow goodbye if you’re sleeping over: tell us in your RSVP (and to book a room) and we’ll sort the details with you.
