READING TIME: 3 min 33 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/23/2024
UPDATED: 10/29/2024
Weddings are not just events—they're moments of love, joy, and connection. Today, we had the honor of interviewing Ana Coelho Duarte, a renowned wedding planner whose passion for making dream weddings a reality is evident in every celebration she organizes. With an inspiring journey that led her from party decorations to weddings at some of Portugal’s most stunning venues, Ana's story is as unique as the weddings she plans.
For Ana, wedding planning was something that developed organically. Her journey started with organizing children’s parties, which quickly evolved into more significant events.
“I began with children’s parties, and from there, I was invited to write a book about party decorations. That led to corporate events, and before I knew it, I was planning my first wedding for a couple who wanted to make their family proud and have fun.”
However, it was a deeply personal experience that connected her even more deeply with weddings. “When my mother passed away, the only thing that stopped me from crying was watching *Say Yes to the Dress.* I think it was a sign that I was meant to be connected to brides and weddings,” Ana reflects.
Ana’s approach to wedding planning is deeply rooted in personalization. Her philosophy? Every couple deserves a wedding that reflects their unique story and vision.
“Our philosophy is that there are no bad weddings; we must work with the utmost professionalism, respect the budget, and honor the couple’s vision,” she shares. “Sometimes their vision may not be entirely feasible, but we always do our best to make it a fantastic day.”
Ana’s ability to tailor each wedding to the couple’s desires while still being realistic about what’s possible sets her apart. “We almost always achieve everything; the only thing we can't promise is sunshine at all our weddings. Other than that, nothing is impossible.”
What sets Ana apart is her deep commitment to understanding the couple’s needs. For her, communication is key.
“Listening to what they have to say, respecting them, and honoring them,” Ana emphasizes. This connection builds the trust that allows her to bring even the most ambitious visions to life.
She doesn’t believe in offering standard packages, preferring to customize each event from start to finish. “We don’t work with packages because we believe that every couple is unique. Each couple deserves our time and dedication to achieve the best.”
When asked about her most memorable wedding, Ana lights up with joy. “My daughter’s wedding, which took place two days ago, was probably the most challenging, exhausting, and demanding,” she recalls. “The expectations were high, and we wanted our family, friends, and especially the bride and groom to have a unique experience, not just an event.”
The personal connection to this particular wedding made it even more special.
Wedding planning comes with its fair share of challenges, and Ana has faced them all with grace and professionalism. One of the most significant challenges? Balancing the couple’s expectations with the cultural differences between Portugal and international clients.
“A polite way to say that the couples are always right is that they should trust the process,” Ana shares with a smile. “There are significant cultural differences between Portugal and other countries, but that doesn’t mean we are not professional. We just have a different way of communicating and making things happen.”
Ana has had the pleasure of working at some of Portugal’s most iconic venues, including the Palacio de Queluz, Quinta da Bella Vista in Sintra, and Seteais Palace. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, and Ana’s ability to adapt to these different spaces is one of her many talents.
For her, the key to a successful wedding is balance. “If the venue is architecturally rich, or if you have chosen a palace with a rich history, we will probably need less decor,” she advises. “That part of the budget can be used for other vendors, such as live music.”
For couples embarking on their wedding planning journey, Ana has some invaluable advice. “Do not choose a wedding planner based on the fee, but because you have good chemistry with them,” she says. “Remember, they will spend many months planning the wedding, and it’s important that the process is enjoyable and built on trust.”
This connection between the planner and the couple is essential for creating a wedding that’s not just beautiful but deeply personal.
When asked about her dream wedding venue, Ana doesn’t hesitate: “Some of the stunning venues on Lake Como,” she says with a smile. The allure of this breathtaking location has captured her imagination, and she dreams of planning a wedding there that combines elegance with romance.
Ana Coelho Duarte’s journey into wedding planning is one of passion, creativity, and a deep desire to bring joy to couples on their special day. Her unique approach to planning—one rooted in listening, personalization, and overcoming challenges—ensures that every wedding she plans is unforgettable. For those looking for a wedding planner who will go above and beyond to make their dreams come true, Ana is the perfect choice.
