Soraia & Márcio
06 SEPTEMBER 2025
Let’s start with your story.
“Soraia and Márcio met very young, still teenagers, when a simple exchange of glances marked the beginning of a story that time only came to strengthen. What started quietly transformed, over the years, into a solid and deeply rooted relationship, built on respect, mutual support, and shared growth.
Throughout many years together, they have gone through phases, changes, and experiences that shaped a calm and conscious love — a love that knows how to give space, celebrate achievements, and walk side by side with intention. More than a long relationship, theirs is a story of daily choice, true complicity, and a connection that continues to grow, mature, and deeply alive.”
Soraia and Márcio, what brought you together as a couple? Could you share a little of your story with us?
“We met very young – I was 15 when we first saw each other, and we officially became a couple at 17. So, we’ve now been together for 18 years, and we are very proud of this long-lasting, healthy relationship. We’ve shared so many experiences and gone through countless phases together, and our love only grows stronger and more rooted over time. We have a healthy relationship built on mutual respect, encouraging each other, celebrating each other’s happiness as our own, while giving space to grow individually. And what’s more beautiful than growing together, supporting each other, and walking through life side by side?
The first time I saw him, we were at a DZRT concert in Zurich. We didn’t speak, only exchanged glances, but I felt something different. I thought I would never see him again – I had no idea we were from the same region, and that our parents had even gone to school together! A week later, he was at the bus station at my doorstep, with friends of mine. That was really the beginning, though it took another two years before Márcio decided to start a serious relationship with me, because I never did things halfway. Either all or nothing – and here we are, 18 years later!”
Soraya, with roots in Minho and a life in Switzerland, what made Portugal — and especially the Alentejo — the perfect destination for your wedding?
“We’re both from Minho, from neighboring towns in Braga. We’re proud of our roots, and even though Zurich has become our second home, we are truly Portuguese at heart. For years, Comporta has been our little escape during our summer holidays in Portugal and over time we fell in love with the Alentejo region.
Márcio proposed to me in 2023 at A Comporta during a horseback ride along the beach, and when we started planning the wedding, it was clear it had to take place in the beautiful landscape of the Alentejo. Its calm and peaceful atmosphere, rich culture, gastronomy, welcoming people, and the traditional Cante Alentejano have always been close to our hearts. One day we hope to retire there, so it felt completely natural to get married in this region and create our happiest memories in this special part of Portugal.”
When you first thought about getting married in Portugal, what was the very first image or feeling that came to mind about your special day?
“We never wanted a traditional wedding and were very clear about it from the start: the very first image that came to our minds became exactly what unfolded on our wedding day (see picture below). Surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of Alentejo on a warm, sunny day, among cork and olive trees, we celebrated under an oak or olive tree with our closest and most cherished people. An intimate, authentic ceremony – simple and heartfelt – where nature itself became the most beautiful decoration, accompanied by the traditional Cante Alentejano. Minimalist, genuine, and unforgettable – just as we had imagined.”
Monte do Ramalho has a unique light and atmosphere. What truly captivated you and made you choose this place?
“We discovered Monte do Ramalho on the recommendation of a friend of Márcio’s, who had just gotten married there. Since we live in Switzerland, visiting the venues in person wasn’t easy logistically, but Monte do Ramalho met all our criteria, so we decided on the location already in December 2023, without having seen it live. It just felt right. What truly convinced us was, without a doubt, the endless landscape surrounding the venue, the light, and the typical Alentejo charm. The venue was entirely ours for the weekend, making the celebration intimate and personal, exactly as we had imagined.”
Your wedding dress was created by the atelier Nuno Abrantes — Soraya, what did choosing this design mean to you for your big day?
“ I discovered Nuno Abrantes through Isabela Valadeiro, who inspired my wedding vision, and I knew I wouldn’t find what I wanted in a typical bridal shop. I wanted something understated, simple, and reflective of me. After our first call, I immediately felt his empathy and passion. The first sketch he sent captured me completely – I could already see myself in the dress. Choosing Nuno meant embracing Portuguese craftsmanship and talent, wearing a unique dress imagined by him and made for me, full of love, attention to detail, and soul.”
What emotions did you want your guests to feel from the moment they arrived and throughout the entire celebration in this Alentejo setting?
“We wanted our guests to feel carefree, joyful, deeply loved and connected, like one big family, from the moment they arrived and throughout the entire celebration.
We hoped to surprise them and give them a weekend they would never forget. Above all, we wanted everything to feel natural and relaxed, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the experience together. Our goal was that, by the end of the weekend, they would feel exactly what we do: this wedding reflects Soraia and Márcio perfectly, and it was beautiful.”
Is there a moment from the day that, even now, still gives you goosebumps or instantly makes you smile when you think about it?
“Yes, the moment I walked from my room toward the ceremony and saw the exact scene I had always envisioned: my future husband waiting for me under the tree, surrounded by our most cherished people, set against the stunning landscape. I felt a wave of warmth, accompanied by my mother and father, with the Cante Alentejano as the soundtrack, which moved me deeply. A dream come true.”
What was the most unexpected and emotional reaction from a guest or friend during the celebration?
“ I hadn’t expected so many people to cry, especially the men in the group. J My father was completely overcome with emotion and couldn’t stop crying. Daniela (our magnificent celebrant) had asked everyone to put their phones away, since everything would be captured by excellent professionals and could truly enjoy the ceremony – and everyone really did.”
If you had to describe your wedding without mentioning any decorative elements — only through feelings — what would be the three strongest emotions you experienced?
“If I had to describe our wedding through feelings alone, the three strongest emotions we experienced were: natural, effortless, and beautiful. Every moment felt authentic, flowing seamlessly, and deeply reflective of who we are.”
“ I believe our country has become top-tier for weddings. Portugal is incredibly diverse and beautiful, offering countless stunning venues for every taste, an amazing selection of talented professionals with excellent service in every area (to be honest, it can be hard to choose), fantastic food, and wonderful weather. If Portugal is good at anything, it’s being a wonderful host!”
For you, what makes Portugal such a special place to celebrate a wedding?
“They were simply the best – every single one of them. All of them were absolutely professional, yet over time became true friends, and we would book them again in a glimpse! With each of them, we developed a genuine connection that went far beyond the wedding day.”
How was your experience with the professionals you chose for your day?
Did you feel that the professionals understood your vision from the beginning, or did that connection grow throughout the process?
We chose all of our professionals based on the connection we felt during each video call and the instinctive sense that they truly understood us – even from afar, planning everything from Switzerland. They never simply told us what we wanted to hear; instead, they listened, engaged, and brought their expertise in a way that felt completely aligned with our vision. I had prepared Pinterest boards and moodboards (yes, I am very picky ;)) to communicate my ideas clearly, but I trusted them to bring their creativity and professional touch to life. The result was a collaboration built on trust, respect, and a shared desire to make our day uniquely ours.”
What feedback did you receive from your guests about the location, the atmosphere, and the overall energy of the Wedding?
“The feedback was absolutely fantastic! Everyone was blown away. We were the first in our circle to celebrate in a non-traditional way – small and intimate, outside our home region, without children (except for Luana, our niece), outdoors, with a symbolic ceremony instead of a church, and turning it into a full weekend. We opened a door to something completely new, and everyone was amazed! Our guests truly enjoyed the weekend with us, feeling carefree and fully immersed in the celebration. They were captivated by the beauty of the location, the way we celebrated, and above all, the ceremony itself. Daniela (Founder of Amor & Ponto Wedding Celebrants) received glowing praise, and deserved every word. It was a beautiful, deeply moving ceremony, accompanied by the incredible voices of Cante Alentejano from Casa das Artes Arraiolos. My cousin, who attended with his pregnant wife and isn’t yet married, even came up to me and said, “You’ve just convinced me to get married.” That, for me, was the greatest confirmation that we had done everything perfectly.”
“I wouldn’t have gone to a traditional bridal shop for fittings. I felt overwhelmed and knew at the same time that I wouldn’t find what I was looking for. Other than that, I absolutely wouldn’t change a thing! Everything was perfect!”
Which choices would you make exactly the same way again, without a second thought?
The venue, the professionals, the atmosphere — what do you feel was absolutely right for you?
“Absolutely everything! The decision to celebrate our wedding exactly the way we wanted – without following what anyone expected of us, or bending to traditions. We would do it all exactly the same way again.”
“ Everything felt exactly as we had imagined. The venue, the professionals, and the atmosphere all resonated perfectly with us. Every detail reflected who we are, and every choice felt completely right, creating a day that was truly ours.”
If you could relive just one moment of the day, which would it be, and why?
If you could relive just one moment of the day, which would it be, and why?
“Stay focused on what truly matters: this day is about you. Don’t get lost in details that no one will remember. Choose one or two trusted people to handle any decisions that might come up on the wedding day, and celebrate your love with the people who genuinely deserve to be there and mean something to you – exactly the way you want, without trying to meet anyone else’s expectations. Enjoy every moment, and trust the professionals to do their work—they know exactly what they’re doing. Plan and book everything well in advance, because Portugal is becoming an increasingly popular wedding destination. This ensures your favorite dates and vendors are still available. Most importantly, make every choice when it feels right – because when it feels right, it will be perfect.”
Would you like to leave a message — for your guests, your suppliers, or others?
“To our guests: thank you for your presence, your love, and for making our weekend so special.
To our suppliers: thank you for your tireless work, your dedication, and your professionalism in making our day and our memories absolutely unforgettable – a dream come true thanks to all of these fairies”
Second Photographer: Hugo Coelho
Decoration: Minha Metade Eventos
Cante Alentejano: Casa das Artes de Arraiolos
Bride’s Jewelry: Portugal Jewels & Filigrana-te
Bride’s Shoes: Sapataria do Carmo
DJ & Music: Groovebox