Wendy e Stefan
25 MAY 2025
Let’s start with your story.
“We actually met because I was looking for a sandwich, and found him instead. He’s a chef and food has always played a huge role in our relationship. From day one, we’ve shared a deep love for cooking, travel, and exploring cultures through food. We’ve been together for over five years and getting married surrounded by our favourite people felt like the most natural next chapter.”
Where are you from?
“We’re both Dutch but based in Singapore. It’s a vibrant, multicultural city that reflects a lot of who we are, curious, global-minded and always chasing good food.”
Did you know anyone who had gotten married in Portugal?
“No, we didn’t know anyone personally. But knowing our friends, we had a feeling Portugal would be the perfect playground for them. Most of them started their trip in Lisbon and ended in Lagos for the wedding. Many planned an entire European adventure around it, visiting Barcelona, the UK and more. It became more than just a wedding, it turned into a shared holiday and a once-in-a-lifetime reunion.”
What made you choose Portugal as your wedding destination?
“We got engaged in Portugal, so it already held a special place in our hearts. Coming back a year and a half later to celebrate our wedding felt like a full-circle moment. It’s also such a naturally stunning country, with incredible food, wine and warmth, it just felt like us.”
How did you discover Portugal as a wedding destination?
“Initially through travel. We had already fallen in love with the country on our previous trip. But once we got engaged, I went down the Instagram and Pinterest rabbit hole and discovered so many beautiful venues and talented planners in Portugal. It all came together from there.”
What did you know or imagine about Portugal before arriving?
“We knew about the food, the wine, the coastlines. But what truly surprised us was the warmth of the people. There’s this effortless beauty and calmness in Portugal that makes you instantly feel at ease.”
What venue did you choose and why?
“For our welcome brunch, we hosted everyone at Morgado do Quintão, a beautiful, family-owned vineyard surrounded by olive trees and fig groves. It was the perfect setting to welcome everyone and set the tone for the weekend. For the wedding day itself, we chose Casa Arte, a stunning modern villa tucked away in Lagos.
It felt private, relaxed and full of charm.
The two venues together gave us a beautiful contrast, rustic and warm for the welcome, then sleek and celebratory for the big day.”
What was the planning
process like from afar?
“We planned everything from Singapore and I’m so grateful we had Escape Eventos by our side. They were incredible, so thoughtful and calm, and brought everything together seamlessly. The easiest part was setting the overall vision. The most challenging part was trusting that it would all come to life without seeing it in person, but it did and more.”
Was it easy to bring your
guests to another country?
“Our friends are scattered across the world already, so once we shared the save-the-dates early enough, they were excited to plan around it. We gave suggestions for travel routes and accommodations, and most people made it a full summer trip. It actually felt easier than expected.”
“They absolutely loved it. For many, it was their first time in the Algarve and they were blown away. The sunsets, the food, the people, everyone kept telling us how magical the setting was. It felt like a destination wedding and a group vacation all in one.”
Did your guests enjoy the experience?
Were you able to include other travel experiences during your stay?
“Yes, definitely. We spent the week before the wedding in Paris and Lisbon, and had our hens and stag celebrations there as well. It really turned into a multi-stop adventure that led up to the big weekend in Lagos.”
Did you include any Portuguese
traditions or touches in your ceremony?
“We did! My husband made friends with the local wine suppliers and carefully selected all the Champagne and wines to pair beautifully with the dinner menu.
We served pastéis de nata and other portuguese snacks for cocktail hour by Aphrodite on Wheels, and built a locally-inspired menu for reception dinner with the help of Puro Catering. It was important to us that the flavours of Portugal were a big part of the day.”
How did you feel during your stay in Portugal?
“It was magical from the moment we arrived. The energy of Portugal just slows you down in the best way. We felt completely at ease, grounded and ready to soak in every moment. There was this unspoken joy and calm in the air that made everything feel extra special.”
“They were exceeded. Every little detail, from the welcome brunch under the trees to dancing beneath the stars, felt like a dream. It was more beautiful, emotional and fun than we could have imagined.”
Were your expectations met?
Which professionals were
involved in your wedding?
“We were lucky to work with the dreamiest team.
Wedding planner and production: Escape Eventos
Videography: Rosado Shoot Stories
Catering: Puro Catering, Aphrodite on Wheels, Southside Bartending and McDonald’s (yes, for a cheeky late-night snack)
Hair and makeup: Bjorn Moesman, with a special mention to my childhood best friend, who did my hair and makeup for the big day.
That moment together meant the world to me.
Bride and Groom: @wndywang and @stefankam”
Did you honeymoon in Portugal?
“We actually honeymooned in Marrakech, which is just a two-hour flight from Faro. It was the perfect transition, completely different scenery but equally magical. We stayed for two weeks and a big thank you to @moroccanmusthaves for planning the most unforgettable honeymoon. Every detail was so thoughtfully curated.”
Now that everything’s over, is there anything you would do differently?
“I wish I had worn sunscreen the day before the wedding. I ended up with a sunburned back on the big day, which wasn’t ideal for photos or dancing in a backless dress. Lesson learned, SPF is essential, even in celebration mode.”
“A hundred percent. It’s romantic, relaxed and effortlessly beautiful. The food, the views, the warmth of the people, Portugal just knows how to host a celebration.”
Would you recommend Portugal to other couples?
Do you have any advice for other couples considering Portugal?
“Start early, hire a local planner and trust the process. Visit if you can, but if not, lean into the magic of the unknown. Portugal will deliver.”
Would you return to Portugal to renew your vows or celebrate something special?
“Absolutely. Portugal is now a permanent part of our story. There are so many areas we haven’t visited yet, Douro, Porto etc, and honestly, it’s the perfect excuse to come back every year for our anniversary.”
Do you feel this experience
changed you in any way?
“Yes. It brought us even closer together as a couple and reminded us of the power of gathering people you love in a meaningful way. It was a celebration of love, not just ours, but everyone’s who showed up for us.”
Lastly, would you like to leave a thank-you note or special dedication?
“To our families and friends who crossed oceans to be with us, thank you for bringing so much joy and love. To our planner and the entire vendor team, thank you for understanding our vision and turning it into reality. And to Portugal, thank you for giving us the most magical beginning to this new chapter of our lives.”