Casa da Praia
WEDDING PLANNERS
We are pleased
to present…
There are places born from a dream that, over time, become the stage for unforgettable memories. Casa da Praia is one of those places. Created in the 1980s by Rita and Vanessa’s parents, it began as a space for joyful parties and happy gatherings. What no one could have imagined was that, decades later, this family project would reinvent itself to become a national reference in seaside weddings.
In 2005, Rita and Vanessa decided to breathe new life into their family’s legacy and transform the space into a destination for love celebrations. Just three years later, in 2008, they became pioneers in Portugal by organizing beach weddings, an idea that seemed bold at the time but quickly won the hearts of couples from across the country and abroad. Today, Casa da Praia is synonymous with freedom, emotion, and authenticity, where every detail is thoughtfully designed to create unique experiences.
More than a venue, Casa da Praia is the reflection of two sisters’ dedication, women who traded their teaching careers for the passion of guiding couples through one of the most meaningful days of their lives. They brought with them the discipline of the classroom, along with sensitivity, creativity, and a deep desire to turn each wedding into a timeless moment.
What makes this place truly special is not only its privileged location, surrounded by the sea, charming gardens, and versatile spaces like castles and palaces, but the way Rita and Vanessa embrace every couple’s story. Their mission is clear: to ensure that every bride and groom enjoy a stress-free day, knowing that each detail is handled with precision, care, and heart.
Here, couples find more than just a venue, they find a team that listens, supports, and brings dreams to life. Whether it’s a barefoot ceremony on the sand at sunset, an elegant garden celebration, or a vibrant reception indoors, every experience is tailored to reflect the couple’s personality and love story.
For couples arriving from abroad, Casa da Praia extends the same dedication, offering logistical support, accommodation, translations, and all necessary services to make Portugal the perfect backdrop for their love story.
In the end, what remains are the memories, the smiles, the joyful tears, the embraces, the kind words from couples and guests. That’s what fuels Rita and Vanessa at every celebration. And that’s why Casa da Praia continues to inspire trends and elevate the standard of weddings in Portugal, always looking toward the future, with their hearts deeply rooted in passion for what they do.
Step into the world of art…
Rita and Vanessa, tell us a bit about yourselves. How did Casa da Praia begin?
Casa da Praia was born from our parents’ dream. In the 1980s, they created a unique space for unforgettable parties and happy gatherings. Over time, we felt the need to give the place new life, and in 2005 we began transforming it into a venue dedicated to weddings. By 2008, we had become pioneers in Portugal by organizing beach weddings — something quite bold at the time — and soon became a national reference in this kind of celebration. Today, Casa da Praia is a family project built with heart and dedication, with the mission of creating truly unforgettable moments for every couple.
What made you fall in love with this work and leave your careers as teachers?
We’re both trained teachers, but as we became more involved in wedding planning, we discovered a true passion for creating unique experiences. Seeing the happiness of our couples, being part of their dream, and helping shape every detail turned this work into a calling. We decided to dedicate ourselves fully to weddings, bringing with us the same discipline and commitment we had in the classroom — but now with a creative and deeply emotional dimension.
What part of your work brings you the most joy?
The most magical moment is seeing everything come to life — when the venue is ready and the couple walks in, filled with emotion. The feedback we receive from couples and guests also means the world to us. Every smile, every tear of joy, is proof that all the work and dedication were worth it.
What makes Casa da Praia stand out from other venues?
We offer a unique combination: a beachfront location, beautiful gardens, castle spaces, outstanding local cuisine, and a dedicated team that treats every wedding as one of a kind. We create experiences that go beyond the ordinary — ensuring memorable moments and a completely stress-free organization, so couples and guests can simply enjoy every moment.
How do you maintain your energy and creativity, especially during busy seasons?
Organization and planning are key, but we also take small breaks to recharge. We draw inspiration from nature, travel, international events, and, of course, from the couples themselves. We believe creativity thrives when we’re balanced and well-rested, so we prioritize our well-being and keep open communication within the team.
How do you see Casa da Praia’s role in the national and international wedding market?
We’re proud to be a national reference, especially in beach weddings. But we also welcome international couples, offering them our full expertise, support, and logistics so they feel confident and at ease. Our goal is to keep inspiring trends and elevating the standard of wedding experiences in Portugal.
Is there a particular couple’s story that touched you deeply?
There have been couples who challenged us to find creative solutions — whether due to unexpected weather changes or very personal requests. Turning those challenges into unforgettable moments always touches us deeply and reminds us why we do what we do: to create unique memories, no matter the circumstances.
How do you handle the emotional stress that couples often feel? And as sisters, how do you support each other?
Our role is to be calm, reassuring guides. We understand the nerves that come with wedding planning, so we offer solutions, alternatives, and peace of mind. As sisters, we support one another — combining empathy and experience — to ensure nothing goes unnoticed and everything is handled with care and professionalism.
What extra support do you offer to international couples?
We provide a full-service experience: guidance on legal requirements, translations, logistics, supplier coordination, transportation, accommodation, and guest assistance. Our goal is to ensure that couples from anywhere in the world feel completely supported and can enjoy their day without a single worry.
Of all the different spaces, which is your favorite for ceremonies or receptions, and why?
Each space has its own magic, but the beach will always hold a special place in our hearts — the sound of the waves, the sunset, the feeling of freedom… it’s unforgettable. The gardens, castles, and palaces offer a more elegant and intimate atmosphere. Choosing the right setting always depends on each couple’s personality and dream.
What’s the best feedback you’ve ever received from a couple or guests?
We’ve received heartfelt messages saying the day exceeded every expectation and that every detail felt made with love. Knowing that we’ve helped create memories that will last forever is the greatest reward of all.
Do you have any future projects or dreams?
Looking ahead is always inspiring for us. We want to continue innovating and creating even more personalized experiences for our couples. And yes — there are some very special updates coming soon, including exciting transformations to our venue… but we can’t reveal everything just yet. We promise it will be worth the wait!
