If you've been wondering where to have your destination wedding, let US sweethearts Katie and Dylan serve as exceptional inspiration. With a modern minimalist theme, the real wedding couple jetted off to Italy where they said their 'I dos' at the historic Solar de Pancas in Lisbon. With an immensely stunning backdrop of an ivy-covered manor and a cloudless sky, a wondrously elegant bride in ivory satin, bridesmaids looking so beautiful in black, their big day will make you fall in love with white flowers and garden weddings. Exquisitely photographed by Pedro Filipe, you will want to book flights after seeing the gorgeous images from their summer wedding.
So, let's begin by getting to know our newlyweds a bit more, shall we? Their love story is a modern-day one as they first crossed paths online. They met on Bumble in January 2017, where sparks flew instantaneously. Katie tells us: "Our connection was immediate, and it felt as though we had known each other for a lifetime."
Five and a half years after their first date, they decided they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Dylan pulled out all the stops when he proposed on August 10th, 2022, just wait until you hear where he asked Katie the all-important question. "He chartered a custom 50-foot sailboat in Norwalk, Connecticut, with Captain Mike by our side, he popped the question. It was an unforgettable moment."
Are you currently swooning hard? Yes, so are we. Summing up their relationship and their love story, Katie says: "In simple words: we are best friends. Our bond is built on trust, understanding, and countless memories."
They said 'I do' 11 months later on July 16th, 2023, and they picked an astoundingly chic venue to exchange vows. If you're dreaming of getting married in Portugal, then get ready to fall head over heels in love.
The couple married in the historic vineyard venue Solar de Pancas in the Alenquer wine region. Dating back to 1498 and boasting authentic and imposing Portuguese architecture, it was originally a manor house which was converted into a wedding venue in recent years.
With wonderfully romantic and unique spaces indoors and out, picturesque gardens and a chapel, it is fully primed for a stylish and memorable wedding day. The vistas of vineyards and palm trees in the distance give a venue with jaw-dropping appeal.
Katie exuded elegance in her satin mermaid gown which shone resplendently in the summer sun. Wearing her beautiful blonde locks in a double folded bun, she accessorised with gold and pearl earrings and slipped into a pair of pearl-dappled bridal heels. Dylan kept things sharp in a black tux which he wore with a white shirt and a black bowtie and shoes.
Here are One Fab Day, we love nothing more than feasting our eyes on heartwarming and love-packed first look photos between wedding couples. If you have been wondering what a wedding first look photo is, let Katie and Dylan's super sweet moment provide perfect inspiration.
Katie elevated her bridal look to utterly enchanting levels with her floral embroidered veil and she carried a beautiful bouquet of white roses. We love that how Katie's mum took cues from her wedding wardrobe when it came to her fabulous floral gown.
A first look isn't only for your other half or your parents, why not do one with your bridesmaids. How lovely is this moment Katie shared with her favourite ladies, who looked utterly sensational in black bridesmaid dresses.
Aw, how proud did Katie's dad look when he saw her before she walked down the aisle? Too sweet.
The couple tied the knot in front of the ivy-covered manor. White wedding flowers are a truly versatile bloom that have made a fierce resurgence in popularity over the last few years. Katie and Dylan said 'I do' in front of a wall of white and creamy blooms, that was elegant and sophisticated, romantic and understated all in one.
They opted for a minimalistic wedding aesthetic, gleaning inspiration from Pinterest and TikTok and their friends. Katie headed up the planning and we have to applaud her for her immense style.
After exchanging vows the newlyweds and their guests toasted to their happily ever after with a sun-kissed champagne reception.
A moment for the insanely stylish mothers and fathers of the bride and groom please and thank you. So glam.
Is it just us, or is this gorgeous wedding venue serving real Romeo & Juliet vibes?
On the subject of wedding planning, Katie reveals the hardest decision was choosing a destination wedding because it meant that some of their loved ones might not be able to join them in celebrating their special day.
"Travel and quality time are essential to us, and we felt that a destination wedding would offer a unique experience. The easiest choice? Deciding to spend the rest of our lives together."
Wedding veils are immensely versatile. From the short and sweet birdcage to the show-stopping cathedral, colourful and even text embroidered veils. Katie built the case for just how fabulous a floral embroidered veil is.
Their open-air reception was kept pared-back with an injection of colour coming from the purple blooms held in brass vases and white pillar candles were held in glass containers adding a gentle romantic glow.
Katie admits that planning a destination wedding wasn't without its challenges. "Particularly due to family dynamics and having to plan most of it virtually from the USA." All the hard work was no doubt worth it because their day was undeniably mermerising.
Reminiscing on their sun-soaked special day, Katie says it was "magical, filled with love, laughter, and some unforgettable moments." We've seen so many dazzingly dreamy wedding sparkler photos at this stage, but how cool is Katie and Dylan's?
The couple celebrated tying the knot with their friends in Lagos, Portugal. For their honeymoon, they will be setting off on a thrilling adventure going on African safari in Kenya and Tanzania. After that, they plan on going on a serene retreat to Zanzibar with the beach as their number-one destination. Sounds dreamy.
A huge thank you to Katie and Dylan for sharing their incredible wedding with One Fab Day, their vineyard venue in Portugal was next-level dreamy. Thank you to Pedro Filipe for the sublime photos.
Dreaming of tying the knot abroad? Get inspired by these Real Destination Weddings!
