Inspiration

So... Jackie & Pete are a little bit gorgeous aren't they? As is their dreamy beach wedding. The white sand, crystal blue waters and warm mediterranean sun, mixed with the planning talents of Susanna from Algarve Events have made this desert island wedding a coastal dream. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, bride Jackie's Inbal Dror wedding dress, especially those long, lace sleeves, and as for the way her and her maids arrived, well, talk about travelling in style. Jade Osborne Photography really captures all the gorgeousness as it unfolds, so much so you'll be booking those flights to the Algarve before you know it!

Wedding

Jade Osborne Photography: Based in London, UK, Jackie and Peter arranged a desert island wedding off the Algarve coast in Portugal. What is totally amazing is that they managed to organise the entire wedding and keep the location a secret from their guests that had come, not only from the U.K but from Dubai and New York. A Pre wedding party took place at the bride’s family villa and guests had no idea (other than they were staying in a hotel in Portugal) where the wedding would be the following day where they were taken by coach to the pier where a boat awaited to transport them to Ilha Deserta (literally meaning 'Desert Island'). The bride and bridesmaids were taken to the island on a speed boat, surprising the guests on board the ‘party boat’ waving as they passed by.

Planning

With help from the incredible Susana of Algarve Events and Isabel of Estamine Restaurant the island looked absolutely amazing. Not only were the guests ferried across by boat but entertainment for guests such a Portugeuse bongo player and fire dancers for the evening. Beautifully delicate flowers by Susannah Flowers amazingly lasted the entire day in the thirty six degree heat.

Outfits

The groom and groomsmen wore neutral linen suits and the bride wore an amazing bohemian lace gown by Inbal Dror.

Ceremony

The ceremony took place on the beach followed by reception drinks on the beach before heading up to the restaurant (the only building on the island) for dinner where the bride and groom were welcomed with the bongo player. During the ceremony, there were two readings, one written by the groom’s father ‘Hints of Long Lasting Love’ and the other ‘Instructions for Life’ by The Dalai Lama.

Details

The escort cards were little messages in a bottle nestling in some sand. Speeches were made after each course and following each toast guests danced to music along with the bongo player. Having taken the bride and groom off for portraits on the beach earlier in the day, we also headed down to the beach at sunset for a few more portraits before the very last speech.

Entertainment

Following the speeches, the guests were taken back down to the beach (now in darkness) to the custom built beach bar and dance floor where they were greeted by amazing fire dancers . Here everyone lit chinese lanterns and released them from the beach in memory of the bride's late mother. The dancing and celebrations then continued long into the night before heading back to mainland on the 'Party Boat'.
Lorna Shaw

Written by Lorna Shaw

Dress Designer: Inbal Dror | Planner: Susana at Algarve Events | Location: Ilha Deserta, Faro, Portugal | Venue/Catering: Estamine | Flowers: Suzannah’s Flowers, Faro | Beach Bar: Eurologistix | DJ: Tim Fortune | Videographer: Fabio at The Amazing Rabbit

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