Our Portugal Edit
A Luxury Destination Wedding at Vermelho Hotel in Melides, Portugal
Why We Love Portugal for Destination Weddings
Portugal is having a moment & we’re completely here for it!
From its warm hospitality and remarkable cuisine to its rich craftsmanship and breathtaking coastline, Portugal offers everything we look for when designing meaningful destination celebrations.
Whether we're scouting venues, collaborating with local artisans, or simply gathering inspiration, every visit leaves us more inspired than the last. If you're dreaming of a luxury destination wedding in Portugal, Melides, Lisbon, and Comporta offer an unforgettable blend of culture, design, and relaxed sophistication—and we're already looking forward to our next visit.
Photo - Sarah Falugo / Floral Design - Pina Floral
Redefined Luxury in Portugal's Hidden Gem
Nestled in the quiet seaside village of Melides, Vermelho Hotel, Christian Louboutin's 13-room passion project, served as the setting for one of the property's very first full-hotel buyouts. (Vermelho means "red" in Portuguese, and the spirit of the hotel is every bit as bold, romantic, and richly layered as its name suggests.) For our couple, Courtney and John, it was the perfect canvas: artful, intimate, and completely transportive.
As the weekend unfolded, guests gathered for vineyard dinners beneath the stars, golden-hour aperitifs, and, ultimately, heartfelt vows exchanged in Vermelho's iconic blue-and-white tiled courtyard. Every moment reflected the effortless beauty and understated luxury that make Portugal such an exceptional destination for weddings.
The full celebration was recently featured on Over The Moon, showcasing the thoughtful details, incredible design, and unforgettable setting that made this wedding weekend so special.
Our Portugal Travel Guide: Lisbon & Comporta Favorites
The Places That Inspired Us Most
Between Lisbon's vibrant energy and Comporta's relaxed coastal charm, this corner of Portugal completely stole our hearts. While producing the celebration, we spent time exploring local restaurants, shops, hotels, and artisans—and naturally, we left with a list of favorites worth sharing.
Where to Eat & Shop in Lisbon
Begin with sunset cocktails and sweeping city views at SEEN Lisboa, , where panoramic city views pair beautifully with a modern Mediterranean menu infused with Portuguese flavors. It's the perfect place to watch the sun set over Lisbon before heading out to explore the city's neighborhoods.
From there, wander over to Clay Lisboa, a must-visit for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and design. The thoughtfully curated pottery studio showcases beautiful Portuguese ceramics that make both memorable keepsakes and endless tabletop inspiration.
Where to Stay & Dine in Comporta
For a stay in the heart of town, AlmaLusa, offers an ideal home base within walking distance of many of Comporta's best restaurants and boutiques.
Dinner at Cavalariça quickly became one of our favorite experiences. The Michelin-recognized restaurant blends exceptional cuisine with an effortlessly cool atmosphere that feels quintessentially Comporta.
Design lovers shouldn't miss Fashion Clinic , where beautifully curated fashion and home collections sparked plenty of inspiration for our welcome dinner tablescape.
For a leisurely afternoon by the water, settle in at JNcQUOI Beach Club. Long seaside lunches, fresh seafood, and sweeping ocean views perfectly capture Comporta's laid-back rhythm.
Meet Sara Whitfield
As we celebrate Portugal in this edition of AE Edit, it feels only fitting to introduce the newest member of the Alison Events team.
Sara Whitfield's roots trace back to the Azores, giving her a lifelong connection to Portugal's culture, hospitality, and intentional way of life. Raised in a family that believed every gathering deserved a thoughtful celebration, she grew up watching her grandmother effortlessly host family and friends while her mother built a career in catering. Those early experiences shaped Sara's belief that meaningful events begin with genuine care, connection, and hospitality.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sara brings more than 20 years of experience producing weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events. Her collaborative approach, meticulous attention to detail, and client-first mindset make her a natural fit for the Alison Events team, where every celebration is designed to feel deeply personal and effortlessly executed.
When she's not planning events, you'll find Sara on the tennis court, out on the golf course with her husband, or exploring new destinations with their two boys.
We're thrilled to welcome Sara to Alison Events and can't wait to celebrate all that's ahead.