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Olivia and Tim first met over 10 years ago at a New Year’s Eve festival in New Zealand called Rhythm’n’Vines, so it was perfect that they ended up getting married at one of the most beautiful vineyards in Portugal, Quinta Sant’Ana, rustic, colourful, relaxed but polished at the same time.
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Portugal has been a special place to the New Zealand pair since their first visit. “We fell in love with the kind people, beautiful architecture and landscapes and, of course, the port.”
Getting ready was a highlight. The boys got ready at a casual pace, starting the day with a swim and some whiskey. Meanwhile the girls listened to disco and showed off their shape wear.
The wedding was a happy blur from start to finish. Nerves and excitement mixed into one. It was a big reunion of closest family and friends, in the most magical destination. “We felt so loved that everyone travelled to be there for us. As cheesy as it sounds, it was nothing less than a fairy tale.”
When it came to style Olivia choose a classic full gown paired with heirloom emerald jewellery and shoes for a pop of colour. The dress was designed by Vinka Design in New Zealand. “Anita, the designer, understood exactly what I wanted. We choose a dupioni silk so it would catch the light well and I loved how it felt to wear. She sewed a piece of my mum’s mother’s wedding dress fabric into the skirt so she could be with me on the day. My sister lent me her underskirt from her wedding to add even more volume. We lugged it all of this from New Zealand to Portugal!
Seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony and feeling like we were in our own little bubble, just us two under the floral arch, is a feeling etched in my heart that I will treasure forever.
The photoshoot with our bridal party was a blast, we had so much fun! There were no soft smiles in sight!”
Wedding Planner & Stylist: Paula Duarte, Quinta de Sant’Ana @quintadesantanamafra
Wedding Dress: Vinka Design, New Zealand @vinkadesign
Brides shoes: Rupert Sanderson @rupertsanderson
Grooms Suit: Working Style, New Zealand @workinstylenz
Bridesmaids dresses: Shona Joy @shonajoy
Rings: Herb Merkle Design @herbmerklejewellery
Make-Up: Joana Moreira @joanamoreira_makeup
Hair: Lilia Costa @goodhairdaybyliliacosta
Band & DJ: Andre Galvao and Félix Band @andrerebelogalvao