Amandine and Jules are French, with deep roots in Portugal. For their wedding, they wanted a place that could hold both sides of their story. They found it at Quinta do Outeiro, in the Douro Valley.
Two families, two cultures, one long weekend among the vineyards.
The Douro, and the people in it
The Douro is breathtaking. The terraced vines, the river below, and that golden light in the late afternoon. It is hard to take a bad picture there.
But when I think of this wedding, I don't think of the view first. I think of the people. The hugs that lasted a little too long. The happy tears. Two families meeting in the middle and becoming one table.
For couples who don't love the camera
Amandine and Jules told me early on that they are very camera-shy. Many couples say this, and I always tell them the same thing: you don't need to be good in front of a camera. You just need to be with each other.
I stayed discreet for most of the weekend, from the preparations to the ceremony and all the way through the party. When they needed a little guidance, I gave it. The rest of the time, I let the day happen.
Amandine later called me their "fairy godmother," which might be the sweetest thing a couple has ever written about me.
Getting married in the Douro Valley?
The Douro is about two hours from Porto and a world away from the city. It is a wonderful choice for a destination wedding in Portugal, especially if you want a full weekend with your guests, good wine, and a lot of space to breathe.
See Amandine & Jules' full love story
Dreaming of the Douro? Tell me about your plans. I reply within 24 hours.
