Frankie & Sammy's Seaside Castle Wedding at Forte Da Cruz
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Wedding date: 09/25/2025
- City: Lisbon
Love Story
Their story began in the most modern of ways—a dating app—but what unfolded was timeless. "We met on a dating app in New York City, USA, at a time when neither of us expected our lives to intersect the way they did," the grooms share. "What started as a casual coffee date quickly turned into something undeniable," they recall. "We connected instantly and never really looked back."
But their love story was far from conventional. Shortly after meeting, Frankie moved overseas to pursue his pop music career, launching them into nearly two years of long-distance dating across continents, airports, and time zones. "Despite the miles between us, we chose each other every step of the way," they reflect. Eventually, they reunited and made Chicago their home, a city that marked the beginning of their life together in the same place.
This January, they celebrate a remarkable milestone: ten years together. "A decade marked by love, ambition, resilience, and the conviction that the right person makes every leap of faith worthwhile."
About Your Wedding
On September 25, 2025, 110 guests traveled from around the world to witness Frankie and Sammy exchange vows in Cascais and Estoril, Portugal. The couple chose their venue two years in advance and started planning about a year out, ensuring every detail would be perfect.
"Our vision was a destination wedding rooted in both heritage and place," they explain. Frankie is Portuguese American, while Sammy is British Indian, and Portugal held a natural pull for them both. Having grown up in Europe, Sammy had visited Portugal many times, forming an early connection to the country that later became a shared touchstone in their relationship.
“Sammy was drawn to the romance of a historic castle, while Frankie imagined something by the ocean, with open horizons and sunset views,” they share. “Forte da Cruz in Cascais offered both- a centuries-old seaside fortress set directly on the Atlantic. It felt like the perfect meeting point of history and romance, tradition and modernity.”
The style was classic yet expressive, a modern European summer celebration anchored in timeless elegance. "We envisioned a setting layered with vibrant florals, sun-washed tones, and an effortless sense of romance by the sea," they describe. "It was conceived as a love letter to our shared cultures, creativity, and community: a destination gathering defined by seaside views, soulful moments, and thoughtful, personal details that reflected our story."
What inspired them most during preparation was deeply intentional. "What inspired us most during the preparation was the opportunity to celebrate love in its fullest expression. We were deeply intentional about bringing our worlds together, friends and family from different cultures, backgrounds, and chapters of our lives, and creating a space that felt welcoming, joyful, and safe," they reveal. "For many of our guests, this was their first time attending a same-sex wedding. We wanted the weekend to feel less like an event and more like a shared experience: one that celebrated connection, openness, and the idea that love deserves to be seen, honored, and celebrated in all its forms."
Morning Details
Every detail of the morning preparations was thoughtfully curated to reflect the grooms' aesthetic and story. The invitations set the tone from the very beginning. "We designed our wedding invitations ourselves, ensuring every detail reflected our aesthetic and the story of our celebration," they share. "From typography to color palette, each element was thoughtfully curated to give guests a glimpse of the experience that awaited them."
The couple’s engagement rings were Cartier Trinity bands, a choice steeped in history and symbolism. First conceived by Louis Cartier in 1924, the iconic design unites three interwoven bands of white, yellow, and rose gold; a timeless expression of friendship, fidelity, and love. For the couple, the Trinity ring’s legacy mirrored their own values, making it a natural and deeply meaningful choice.
The rings were chosen in Cartier’s Paris flagship boutique, within the very office used by Louis Cartier himself; a setting that lent the moment an almost poetic sense of continuity. Surrounded by nearly a century of craftsmanship and romance, the selection felt destined, imbued with history and intention.
On the wedding day, the significance of the rings was heightened even further by an unexpected surprise. Sammy’s parents presented the couple with Cartier Panthère wedding bands set with four diamonds, a generous and elegant gesture that marked the transition from engagement to marriage. Together, the rings became symbols not only of enduring love, but of heritage, family, and timeless design.
The wedding stationery was designed by Marcia Fernandes, who also served as their wedding stylist, ensuring every printed piece complemented their overall vision.
Grooms Getting Ready
The morning of their wedding unfolded in the elegance of a private penthouse in Estoril, where sweeping panoramic views created a breathtaking setting for the day’s first moments. Sammy wore a classic, impeccably tailored tuxedo, while Frankie chose a similarly refined look, distinct in its own details, yet perfectly aligned in style. Together, their ensembles reflected timeless sophistication, understated luxury, and a shared sense of effortless elegance.
"We were joined by each other, our wedding party, made up of siblings and closest friends, and our fathers," they share. Their mothers were at the venue receiving the full glam treatment and joined them later for pre-wedding photos once everyone arrived at Forte da Cruz.
The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and joy as they prepared together, surrounded by the people who meant the most to them. The getting-ready photos captured the intimacy and excitement of those precious moments before saying "I do."
Photoshoot Before The Ceremony
The pre-ceremony photoshoot was carefully planned across three stunning locations, each telling a different part of their story. "We chose three distinct locations to capture the full essence of our wedding weekend," they explain. "The Penthouse offered a modern, intimate setting with panoramic views, perfect for personal and candid moments. Forte da Cruz Castle provided historic grandeur and architectural drama, reflecting the timeless elegance of our celebration. Finally, the beach at the castle’s edge allowed us to embrace the natural beauty of the Atlantic, with sun-washed tones and the soft glow of the sunset, creating a serene and romantic backdrop."
Together, these locations wove a visual narrative. "Together, these locations tell the story of our love, from private intimacy to celebratory elegance and sunlit romance by the sea," they reflect. The resulting images captured not just the beauty of the day, but the depth of their connection against Portugal's stunning coastal landscape.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place at the front entrance of Forte da Cruz, with the centuries-old fortress providing a dramatic backdrop. "The ceremony took place at the front entrance of Forte da Cruz, with the castle itself serving as a dramatic and timeless backdrop," they describe. "Its historic architecture framed the moment perfectly, blending grandeur with intimacy and creating a setting both elegant and unforgettable."
As guests took their seats, the anticipation built. The processional featured their niece from the United Kingdom, Ayda, as flower girl. "Her presence added a tender, intimate touch to the ceremony, making the moment feel even more personal and cherished," they share.
"One of the most memorable moments from our ceremony was the anticipation just before we entered," they recall. "As the violin version of “Birds of a Feather” played, we watched our wedding party process in, exchanging glances filled with excitement and emotion."
Then came their entrance, walking down the aisle together to a violin rendition of "Until I Found You" by Amoney. "A tender and romantic arrangement that perfectly captured the intimacy and emotion of the moment," they note. "We walked down the aisle together, pausing to take in the space and the presence of everyone we love, then turned to each other, held hands, and stepped forward into this next chapter together."
The ceremony itself was deeply personal, incorporating meaningful traditions from both of their cultures. "We exchanged floral garlands, a special Indian custom symbolizing the welcoming of one another into each other’s families," they explain. "From Frankie’s Portuguese heritage, we included the exchange of bracelets, a cherished ritual that represents love, connection, and family bonds. These personal touches honored our roots while adding vibrant, intimate moments to our celebration."
"Sharing our personally written vows in front of our family and friends was profoundly moving, a moment that captured the intimacy and depth of our connection," they reflect. And then came the unforgettable finale: "The culmination of the ceremony was marked with vibrant colored smoke cannons erupting behind us as we shared our first kiss as a married couple, a joyful, cinematic celebration of love, vibrancy, and togetherness."
Photoshoot After The Ceremony
Following the ceremony, photographer Vadim Pastuh captured the newlyweds throughout Forte da Cruz. The post-ceremony photoshoot took advantage of every corner of the historic castle, from its ancient stone walls to its sweeping ocean views.
"Inside Forte da Cruz and all around the castle," they describe as their chosen locations. The golden hour light illuminated the fortress, creating images that were both romantic and timeless. These photos captured the joy and relief of having just married, the weight of anticipation replaced by pure celebration.
Wedding Venue & Decor
Choosing Forte da Cruz was a decision made with both heart and vision. "We chose Forte da Cruz in Estoril, Portugal, because it perfectly blended the elements we both envisioned," they share. The connection was immediate. "It was the first venue we visited, and we instantly felt that every moment of the wedding—from the ceremony to the reception and photos—could unfold in a unique and beautiful space. Though we toured a few other locations, our hearts were already set: Forte da Cruz embodied everything we had imagined and more."
The color palette reflected the coastal setting and European aesthetic: "Classic greens and white, blues and fuchsia," creating a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere throughout the celebration.
Personalization was key to making the day feel intimate despite the destination setting. "We incorporated several deeply personal touches that reflected our journey together," they explain. "Guests found their seats using luggage tags, and at each place was an envelope with their name, containing a handwritten note from us. Each note expressed how special the guest is to us and how privileged we felt to have them join our celebration."
Even the table names told their story. "Every table was named after a country we’ve visited, accompanied by a brief note sharing why it holds meaning in our story. These details allowed us to create a thoughtful, intimate experience that celebrated both our love and the community surrounding it."
Reception
The celebration continued as the sun set over the Atlantic, with the reception unfolding in true style. For their first dance, Frankie and Sammy chose "False Alarm" (Acoustic Version) by Matoma. "The original EDM version had quickly become 'our song' when we first started dating, and when we discovered the acoustic rendition, we fell in love all over again," they share. "It felt intimate, personal, and perfectly captured the evolution of our love."
The culinary experience was nothing short of exceptional. "Our three-course menu was curated by the Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa, a Michelin-rated venue, ensuring every dish reflected both refinement and creativity," they note. "Each course was thoughtfully designed to pay homage to our diverse backgrounds, with nods to Indian, British, and Portuguese culinary traditions." The beverage program was equally impressive. "Guests also enjoyed specialty cocktails, champagne, and wines from Portugal's Douro Valley, creating a dining experience that was both personal and sophisticated."
The Ritz-Carlton at Penha Longa also created their wedding cake, "reflecting the same refinement and attention to detail as the rest of our celebration. Its design complemented the aesthetic of our day while offering a delicious, memorable centerpiece for our reception."
As the evening drew to a close, one moment stands out above all others. "One that stands out vividly is our sparkler exit: running through a tunnel of light toward the castle turret where our wedding cake awaited," they remember. "The euphoria of that moment—the warmth, laughter, and sheer exuberance of our friends and family—captured the spirit of the entire celebration."
Frankie and Sammy's wedding was more than just a beautiful event—it was a powerful statement about love, inclusion, and celebration. "Every detail of our wedding was designed to celebrate love, culture, and connection, not just between us, but with everyone who shared the weekend with us," they reflect.
Their final words capture the essence of what they created: "From the personalized touches and meaningful traditions to the stunning locations and curated experiences, our celebration was a reflection of who we are as a couple: adventurous, creative, and deeply committed to honoring our families, heritage, and community. We hope our story inspires others to celebrate love in its many forms, with intention, joy, and style."
Wedding Team
- Photography Vadim Pastuh
- Planning About Events Portugal
- Venue Forte da Cruz
- Videography @daniel_c2pfilmes
- Styling @marciafernandes.co
- Entertainment @deluxeeventos.pt @wonderflowsax
- Catering @penhalongacatering
- MUAH @b_lust_hair_makeup
- Dresses @babaronicom
- Stationary @invitemomentosfelizes
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