Sunny intimate wedding with sweeping Atlantic views along the Estoril coast
Ruairi and Jillian’s intimate wedding in Portugal
There's something undeniably romantic about saying "I do" with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. For Ruairi and Jillian, a couple from Co. Clare, Ireland, their dream of a Portuguese destination wedding came to life on a sun-drenched spring day along the Estoril Coast.
They chose a stunning boutique hotel perched on the coastal cliffs, where sweeping ocean views and sophisticated elegance created the perfect setting for their intimate celebration.
With Patricia, their destination wedding planner in Portugal, by their side, every detail was thoughtfully orchestrated — from the vibrant yellow florals that echoed the golden sunlight to a surprise photo session at a nearby fairytale castle.
Their symbolic outdoor ceremony unfolded on a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, followed by an indoor reception filled with delicious food, heartfelt toasts, and dancing that lasted well into the evening. This was more than just a wedding - it was a celebration of love, family, and the breathtaking beauty of Portugal's coastline.
About the couple
Ruairi and Jillian's journey to the Estoril Coast was rooted in their deep love for the ocean and all things coastal. Living in Ireland meant they were no strangers to dramatic coastlines and seaside charm, but they longed for something different for their wedding day — a destination that combined their love for the beach with warm Mediterranean sunshine.
Portugal quickly became the obvious choice. The country's stunning Atlantic shores, golden light, and romantic atmosphere captured everything they envisioned for their celebration.
When they discovered the Estoril Coast, with its sweeping ocean views and sophisticated coastal towns, they knew they had found their perfect wedding destination. They wanted an intimate gathering where their closest family and friends could share in the magic of this special place, creating memories against one of Europe's most breathtaking backdrops.
Finding the perfect coastal venue in Portugal
Selecting the right venue was crucial to bringing Ruairi and Jillian's vision to life. From the beginning, they had clear non-negotiables: breathtaking ocean views, an outdoor space for their ceremony right by the sea, and elegant interiors for dinner and dancing.
Patricia, their wedding planner in Portugal, listened carefully to their wishes and presented them with her top recommendations. The couple ultimately chose a boutique hotel along the Cascais coast that exceeded all their expectations. With the venue forming part of our all-inclusive wedding packages in Portugal, Ruairi and Jillian didn’t have to book a place for their celebration separately.
This wasn't just any hotel — it was a beautifully remodeled 19th-century private mansion with a fascinating royal heritage. The property offered everything they dreamed of: a stunning terrace perched above the Atlantic for their ceremony, sophisticated indoor spaces for their reception, and architectural beauty at every turn.
The hotel's intimate size made it perfect for their wedding, while its dramatic clifftop location provided the coastal splendor they had been searching for.
Planning their Cascais micro wedding from miles apart
Behind every beautiful wedding is a planner who makes the magic happen, and for Ruairi and Jillian, that person was Patricia.
From their very first conversation, Patricia understood exactly what our couple wanted — not just in terms of aesthetics, but the overall feeling they hoped to create. She handled every detail of the planning process, from recommending and booking all the vendors to coordinating the timeline for the big day.
She ensured Ruairi and Jillian remained involved in the decisions that mattered most to them while giving them complete confidence that everything behind the scenes was being expertly managed.
Throughout the planning journey, Patricia became more than just their planner — she became a trusted friend who genuinely cared about making their Portuguese wedding dreams come true.
A celebration full of sunshine and joy
One of the most distinctive elements of Ruairi and Jillian's wedding was their embrace of bright, cheerful yellow throughout the celebration.
From Jillian's sister's vibrant yellow dress to the bride's sunny bouquet, pops of this joyful color appeared everywhere, perfectly complementing the golden spring light. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails indoors while the terrace was transformed for dinner.
But before joining their guests, Ruairi and Jillian took advantage of their stunning location for a special photo session. They ventured to a nearby castle, adding a touch of fairytale romance to their wedding album. These photos captured the essence of their Portuguese adventure — the combination of coastal beauty and historic architecture that makes this region so captivating.
When they returned, dinner awaited, prepared by the hotel's talented in-house chef, showcasing the finest Portuguese flavors and ingredients.
Their symbolic ceremony by the sea
Ruairi and Jillian's wedding day arrived with brilliant sunshine and warm spring temperatures. The ceremony took place on the hotel's magnificent ocean-side terrace, where the Atlantic Ocean provided a stunning natural backdrop.
Waves crashed dramatically against the rocks below, creating an unforgettable soundtrack to their vows. The ceremony space was adorned with a beautiful floral arch bursting with bright yellow blooms — a joyful reflection of the sunny day and the couple's vibrant spirits.
Guests were seated beneath a covered area of the terrace, ensuring everyone had the perfect view of this unforgettable moment. As Ruairi and Jillian exchanged their vows in this symbolic outdoor ceremony, the golden afternoon light bathed everything in warmth.
The combination of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and heartfelt emotion created a ceremony that was both intimate and spectacular, exactly as they had imagined for their micro wedding in Portugal.
Dancing under the stars
As evening descended over the Estoril Coast, the celebration shifted into full party mode. The reception room came alive with music, laughter, and pure joy.
Guests gathered on the dance floor, ready to celebrate the newlyweds late into the night. The atmosphere was electric as everyone sang and danced together, creating the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
The intimate size of the gathering meant that every guest felt connected to the celebration, and the sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance of the venue allowed everyone to simply enjoy themselves. There was no denying that everyone had the time of their lives, making this Portuguese coastal wedding an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
For Ruairi and Jillian, it was the perfect culmination of their wedding day — surrounded by their favorite people in one of our most stunning wedding venues in Portugal.