Two Tuxedos in Sintra: Michael & John Michael's Romantic Wedding at Quinta da Bella Vista
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Wedding date: 06/22/2024
- City: Lisbon
Love Story
"We met on Hinge!" Michael enthusiastically shared. Fate had perfectly aligned when Michael moved back to his Philadelphia hometown during the pandemic, while John Michael had just relocated three blocks away. After matching online, the couple had their first date on September 14, 2021, and as they say, the rest is history.
Their journey to marriage began with a heartwarming proposal that caught Michael completely by surprise. "There were several different things that made it special, but being in our home, surrounded by family and friends, and our Golden Retriever Becky, made it very special," John Michael revealed with a smile.
It was clear to everyone around them that their paths were meant to cross—two lives destined to intertwine and grow into something extraordinary.
About Your Wedding
The couple envisioned a celebration that would "mix the old world charm of Portugal with modern, stylish guests against a beautiful, natural background." Having fallen in love with Portugal during their first international trip together (when Michael traveled there for work), they knew it would be the perfect destination for their wedding even before they were officially engaged.
"Our engagement was 1.5 years prior to the wedding, but the actual planning probably only took 6-9 months!" the couple shared. With the help of their exceptional wedding planner, Dóris Costa from DOMA, they orchestrated a masterpiece wedding that spanned multiple venues in Portugal.
The celebration began with a welcome dinner at Palacio de Tancos in Lisbon, setting the tone for the magnificent weekend ahead. For the main event, they selected Quinta da Bella Vista in Sintra for its charming and accessible location amid a grandiose estate.
Morning Details
The couple's attention to detail was evident from the very beginning, starting with their exquisite wedding stationery. Working with Christy at PaperTree Studios and Michael's father (who owns a packaging company), they created save-the-dates that featured custom luggage tags inscribed with "Boa Viagem!" – Portuguese for "Have a good trip."
"The invitations were, humbly, exceptional," John Michael said proudly. "Christy was able to create a design that brought in Portuguese tile design influence, and used exceptional product material. The photos of the invitations can only show how beautiful they were, not how incredible they felt also."
Long before their engagement, the couple had chosen their wedding rings together at Cartier – a testament to their certainty about their future together. Their color scheme of sage green with whites elegantly tied all elements of their celebration together.
Grooms Getting Ready
The morning of their wedding was wrapped in quiet anticipation and tender excitement, as each groom got ready in his own serene corner of Quinta da Bella Vista. Surrounded by the timeless beauty of the estate, Michael slipped into an ivory Tom Ford tuxedo jacket from Boyds in Philadelphia—a striking choice that shimmered softly against the historic charm of the palace walls. Just a short walk away, in one of the enchanting villas, John Michael dressed in his refined Suitsupply tuxedo, the moment humming with the kind of magic that only comes when two soulmates are about to promise forever.
First Look
The palace doorsteps at Quinta da Bella Vista provided the perfect setting for the couple's first look. As Michael approached, John Michael stood with his back turned, heart racing in anticipation. "Calma, calma," John Michael whispered, impersonating Anne Hathaway, as he turned to see his soon-to-be husband for the first time that day.
Their photographer, Anastasia Ivanichkina, captured the raw emotion of this intimate moment – the tender touches, tearful smiles, and the palpable love between them.
Ceremony
With the ceremony drawing near, a quiet excitement filled the air at Quinta da Bella Vista. Guests began to take their seats in the exquisite outdoor setting,where rows of elegant white chairs lined the aisle, each adorned with soft floral touches in the couple’s signature sage green and ivory palette. The gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh blooms, while the surrounding gardens created a serene, almost storybook backdrop—perfect for the vows that would soon follow.
A string quartet played a moving rendition of SZA's "Nobody Gets Me" as the couple walked down the aisle, bringing tears to many guests' eyes. "John Michael’s niece Ollie was our flower girl," Michael reminisced. "She wore a beautiful dress that had a long train with flowers and butterflies."
One of the most touching moments came when both mothers read the "Seven Blessings" – a traditional Jewish prayer bestowed upon couples at weddings. "Michael's aunt delivered remarks on behalf of his beloved grandmother, who could not be there in person for the event.”
Photoshoot After The Ceremony
"Our phenomenally talented photographer, Anastasia Ivanichkina, staged a magnificent photoshoot by the pool section of the villas at Quinta da Bella Vista during sunset," the couple shared enthusiastically.
The magical golden hour light created a dreamlike atmosphere as they posed for portraits. "The soft yet pronounced light bounced between the red roof tiles, the blue pool, our tan faces, and the greenery of the background," Michael described poetically.
Wedding Venue & Decor
The couple's sage green and white color scheme was elegantly incorporated throughout the venue's décor. From the floral arrangements by Happy Day Floral and Event Design to the table settings, every element reflected their sophisticated aesthetic.
"We went on our first international trip as a couple to Portugal -- Michael had to go there for work -- and fell in love with it," explained Michael. "Even though we weren't yet engaged, we realized it would be the perfect destination for a wedding."
John Michael added, "Once we got engaged, we narrowed in on Quinta da Bella Vista for its charming and accessible location in Sintra and its intimate setting amid a grandiose estate." The venue's natural beauty required minimal decoration, with strategic floral arrangements and lighting enhancing its inherent charm rather than overshadowing it.
Reception
Following the heartfelt ceremony, guests were welcomed into an evening of indulgence and joy, starting with an exquisite culinary experience by Casa da Comida. A chilled tomato gazpacho infused with riverside mint set a refreshing tone, followed by a choice between delicately prepared grouper accompanied by mashed vitelotte potatoes and roasted broccoli, or a rich beef tenderloin served with mushroom sauce, gratin potatoes, and a savory zucchini flan.
The dessert spread was particularly impressive, featuring an assortment that included the famous Pastel de Nata, tiramisu, chocolate and toffee semifreddo, lemon and lime tart meringue, brigadeiros, and cheesecake with raspberry coulis, complemented by an array of fruits, meats, and cheeses.
One of the evening's highlights came when all guests enthusiastically participated in dancing the hora, a traditional Jewish dance that had everyone on their feet. The entertainment continued with music by Pedro Benga from Jukebox, who kept the dance floor packed until the late hours.
Looking back on their magnificent celebration, Michael and John Michael couldn't help but express their gratitude for the incredible team that made their dream wedding possible. "Anastasia (Porgtugal Wedding Photographer) was everything we could have dreamed for and more," they praised their photographer. "She worked seamlessly with us as a couple -- and even helped us through some hiccups, like when we showed up at our engagement shoot and forgot to bring our pants! Her final products were stunning and are treasures that we will keep with us for our lifetimes and for our future offspring to see."
They reserved special praise for their wedding planner: "She was our north star/guiding light and orchestrated a masterpiece wedding with ease and delight. Her portfolio of vendors was superb. We now consider her a personal friend and confidant."
Beneath the star-dusted Portuguese sky, surrounded by loved ones and the timeless beauty of Quinta da Bella Vista, their celebration unfolded like a dream—marking the radiant beginning of a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Wedding Team
- Photographer Portugal Wedding Photographer
- Venue Quinta da Bella Vista
- Planner @domaweddings
- Videographer Videographer: @fullcut
- Florals @happyday.events
- Catering @casa_da_comida
- Invitations @papertreestudio
- Rentals @bcplanning_rentals
- Entertainment @hymnus_hymnus @pedro_benga
- MUAH for Guests @lauralucaz.makeup
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