Bride of the week Charmaine Wilson recalls special highlights from her stunning wedding to husband, Sergio Nunes….

THE DATE

The 7th of May 2016

THE LOCATION

Bussaco Palace Luso Portugal

THE PROPOSAL

This was in Venice, Italy. I knew nothing – Sergio got me the trip for Christmas. I always wanted to go, and while in a gondola just at the Rialto Bridge he got down on one knee, but nearly toppled the boat from shaking!

THE DRESS

My dress was from Cameo Bridal Kilkenny

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Thomas Sunderland Photography

THE VENUE

I had been to Portugal three times to view venues and contacted over one hundred. I knew I wanted something different, I just didn’t know what that was until I walked into Bussaco and I said to Sergio “this is it.” It just felt right, and it it was good enough for the last King or Portugal, then it was good enough me!

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS

We had a Rose Ceremony where we gave a rose to each woman in our family (mum, nan, sister) to symbolise our love for them. We also had a Hand Fastening Ceremony, which is a very old Celtic ritual to bring luck and love. We had a string quartet play in the church, and also at the champagne and cocktails after. The meal comprised of six courses of Michelin Star Chef Dionessio’s amazing menu. We had memory candles for our loved ones that had passed, and we had a desert table with 15 different options. There were flip flops for everyone to wear while they danced the night away. We then cut our cake with everyone holding sparklers, singing Michael Bublé’s close your eyes. The guests got hangover kits going to bed at 5am!

THE HONEYMOON

On Monday we went to Disneyland for 5 days and then to The Dominican Republic for 14 days

TOP TIPS FOR BRIDES TO BE

Don’t stress, and make sure you start organising early – It’s the small things that take the most time.
If you’re planning on getting married abroad, make sure you get a planner and check that they’re not asking for commission from suppliers. Also, take 5 minutes with your husband in your room to have a breather. Every guest will want 5 minutes with you so time can fly by, and before you know it, the day is over. You don’t want to say you didn’t get 5 minutes to yourself all day!

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