This is Amy and Dirk, a beautiful couple who literally met in Heaven! They tied the knot in a gorgeous destination wedding in Portugal, on a sunny day, with perfect ocean views. We love that the venue’s Portuguese tiles inspired Amy and Dirk’s blue and white decor!
Couple: Amy and Dirk
Engagement length: 4 years
Wedding date: 2022-06-04
Wedding location: Algarve, Portugal
Photographer and Videographer: It’s All About
Wedding planner: Algarve Wedding Planners
Amy and Dirk met in Albufeira in 2014. They were both on holiday and met in a club called “Heaven”, so yes, they actually met in Heaven!
Dirk proposed on Christmas Day in 2018. This is Amy’s side of the story:
“We were exchanging presents on Christmas morning, together with my family, and Dirk left the room and came back with a little box in his hand. He had asked my Dad’s permission so my Dad knew it was going to happen, whereas my Mom’s jaw was on the floor for the day! It was very special as Christmas time is my favourite time of the year.”
Their wedding was a mix of rustic and fairytale. They chose a gorgeous wedding venue with blue and white Portuguese tiles, so that was the inspiration for the theme. Amy’s favourite flowers are blue hydrangea’s so those featured a lot on the day.
Amy wore a classic satin, Ivory dress with lace back detail and a boat neck. It also had a bow on the front and a very long train.
Dirk wore a navy, 3 piece suit which had a lovely shine to it in the sun!
The Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids wore a dusky blue, floor length dress with lace detail. The two Best Men wore a navy suit with champagne coloured ties, and the Flower Girls’ dresses were blue with champagne coloured flowers.
Their ceremony was held at Lady of the Rock, a beautiful cliff top that juts out into the sea. Here’s what Amy had to say about it:
“It was a beautiful sunny day and the water surrounding it was the most gorgeous shade of blue. We had a white pergola that was covered in blue and white flowers, lots of hydrangeas! We had a quartet which was playing when the guests arrived. The ceremony itself was a beautiful civil ceremony. Our story was told to our guests and we included a hand binding and ring blessing to it. We also had a friend read out a poem in Irish and then again in English. It was wonderful to hear the Irish language right here in Portugal.”
Their wedding venue was Estoi Palace. When they viewed it in 2019 with their wedding planner, Paula, they immediately fell in love with it. It is an old pink palace with beautiful Portuguese tiles and stunning gardens. Their welcome drinks were held in these gardens and it was magical! But the real magic came at dinner. They hosted their dinner under the trees, with chandeliers hanging from them (which their fabulous wedding planner made happen). The twinkle and the sparkle from them was incredible.
For entertainment, they chose Daddy Jack. They were amazing and kept everybody dancing all night! They played Amy’s parents’ favourite song, which was specifically requested. For the welcome drinks, they had Beatrice Duo entertaining guests. She is a wonderful winger and created a lovely atmosphere.
Amy’s favourite memory is walking towards Lady of the Rock and seeing all her favourite people in one place. Then she saw Dirk, with a big smile on her face and it was all beautiful!
Newlyweds give fantastic wedding planning advice. Here’s what Amy and Dirk had to say:
“Enjoy it all, from the planning to the main day itself. Take time for you and your new husband on the day too. We had a 40 minute drive to the venue after the ceremony and it was one of my favourite parts of the day as we got to catch up with each other!”
Suppliers
Ceremony venue: Lady of the Rock | Reception venue: Estoi Palace | Wedding planner: Algarve Wedding Planners | Photographer and videographer: It’s All About | Musician: Beatrice Duo | Band and DJ: Daddy Jack | Hair: Hairstyling by Joana | Makeup: Susana Aleixo | Couple’s outfits: Koonings Wedding Palace Holland | Cake: A Taste of Decadence | Celebrant/solemniser: Anne from Algarve Celebrants | Stationery: By Florence | Accessories: Rosie and Dott | Flowers: Jasmime em Flor
