Names: Sophie & Kevin Allen
Length of engagement: 20 months
Wedding Date: 24.07.2018
Wedding location: Lady of the Rock Portugal
Photographer: Ana Parker
Planner: Glamour Algarve Weddings
We met… 10 years ago in a place called the Newz Bar in Liverpool England. It was the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, we exchanged numbers and the rest is history.
Our proposal… Kevin took me on a holiday to the Maldives for my Birthday. We stayed in a Water Villa, with private access to the sea. We got into the water as soon as we arrived at the villa and Kevin proposed to me there and then in the water. I said yes immediately.
Our wedding theme/colours… I wanted our wedding to be crisp and clean and opted for white with tiny accents on soft gold. It was fresh and minimal and a colour I knew I would never regret choosing. The bridesmaids wore white dresses, the flowers were white, peonies and gypsy grass and our flower girls and page boys wherein white and champagne gold outfits.
Things we DIY’d/made ourselves… We took charge of the table theme and decided to name them after places we had been together. We provided a framed photograph of us at that place, accompanied by a card giving a little description of what we did at that place and why it meant something to us.
My dress… was by an American designer called Sarah Seven. It was called Lorelei. It had a very modern, clean look. Soft aline, layered, chiffon skirt, sleeveless, with a plunge front and a low back. It was so light, I felt comfortable all day. I just loved it.
My hair and make up… This was done by Abi Parker. She was recommended to me by a friend back here in Liverpool. My hair was left down with a soft wave and my make up was natural with a golden glow.
His suit… Grey, 3 piece suit, white shirt and a grey textured tie. Smart, black, lace up shoes.
What our bridal party wore… The best men and father of the groom wherein the same suit as Kevin, they wore soft gold textured ties.
The Bridesmaids wore white, floor length, satin, strappy dresses. They were from Asos’s bridal range. They had their hair back in a relaxed fishtail plait with real gypsophila running through it. They all wore soft gold high heels with pearl details.
Our ceremony… took place in Lady of the Rock. It was amazing for all our guests to see for the first time. The views were amazing, the weather was perfect. It was decorated beautifully with white flowers and Chiavari chairs. We were married by a local celebrant and the music played by a piano and violin duo.
We chose our photographer because… her work seemed cool and fresh. We just loved the look of her portfolio. Plus she was highly recommended by our wedding planners Glamour. They had worked with her many times and it was always a positive experience.
We chose our wedding coordinator because… We got the best feeling and connection from them. Nothing was too much, they were open and honest and not at all pushy.
We chose our venue because… reception took place in Vidamar Hotel. We just loved the palm trees, the view of the sea, the size of the venue, with different places to hold each part of the reception, garden for cocktail hour, decking for dinner, inside for the party
Our menu… we chose the bbq buffet menu. we thought this was best and took the pressure off us to gather everyone’s dietary requirements. It was the best decision we made. The food on offer was of the highest quality, the choice was vast, everyone commented on how amazing it was. The monkfish was one of the nicest things we have tasted, we still about it now.
Our honeymoon… we went to Las Vegas. It was truly amazing. We took in the sights, went to see shows, went to pool parties, ate out in amazing restaurants and visited some of the best night clubs, a real mix of things. loved every minute of it.
My favourite part of the wedding day… When we sat down for the speeches at the top table and I could see just how many of our family and friends came over to watch us get married. We felt truly grateful.
My piece of advice for other couples… relax and take in every part of the day, it goes so fast. Don’t get married without hiring a fabulous photographer and videographer, the best money we ever spent, memories forever.
What is it that makes your wedding unique?
The fact 93 members of our friends and family flew over to Portugal to be with us. Never before had we gathered everyone together at the same time like that. I doubt it will happen again, which makes our day extra special to us.
Suppliers
Wedding location: Lady of the Rock Portugal | Photographer: Ana Parker | Planner: Glamour Algarve Weddings | Dress: Sarah Seven | Hair and Makeup: Abi Parker | Reception location: Vidamar Hotel | Bridesmaids dresses: Asos
