Kate and Greg

Couple from San Francisco, California

As Featured in Brides

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Venue: Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira, Lisbon

Photographer: love is my favorite color

Tech professionals and San Francisco locals Kate and Greg desired a palace destination wedding that would honour their relationship and respective cultures. Portugal was at the top of the list for their destination wedding, and Fronteira Palace was the ideal location for a wedding of old-world elegance for modern romantics.

The couple fell in love with the azulejos and façades of Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira. Naturally, the evocative jewel tones of the Palacio were the initial inspiration for the decor. The mood board took its cues from Bulgari’s high jewellery collection, anchored by pastel jewels like lavender and coral. We designed and curated decor that was colourful, joyful, and vibrant. The bride’s Korean culture was also incorporated into the decor.

Ducks, which are traditional Korean wedding birds, became a core theme and element. In the ceremony, which took place in front of the palace’s azure facade, they incorporated wooden mallards, which are given to the bride to symbolise fidelity and a lifelong bond.

During cocktail hour, a Brazilian bossa nova trio played music. Then, the couple welcomed guests to an al fresco dinner on the veranda with Portuguese dishes and Asian fusion. Tablescapes featured soft lilac linens, lush floral arrangements, Vista Allegre table chargers, and cut-glass candle holders. The guests were gifted duck and flower tiles as wedding favours. The evening concluded with dancing and dessert. A joyful take on a classic palace wedding, indeed.