A show-stopping multi day celebration in Portugal

Asha and Ricardo crafted a wedding experience that beautifully honored their diverse heritages while embracing the natural beauty of Torre de Palma, Portugal. Their celebration was a rich blend of cultural elements and personal touches, reflected across multiple events, each with a distinct style. For the reception, Asha and Ricardo opted for a magical tented celebration under the stars, where family and friends gathered to laugh, dance, and revel in the moment. The couple collaborated with Torre de Palma’s Michelin-starred chef Miguel Laffamas to curate a dinner that showcased the flavors of Alentejo and early summer. To celebrate their Indian heritage, they partnered with PASSAGE TO INDIA, Portugal’s premier Indian wedding caterer, to include a range of northern and southern Indian dishes.

Fashion was another significant element, as Asha and Ricardo blended Indian couture with Western design houses, ensuring traditional textiles and handcrafted details were woven into the weekend’s attire. Their journey began in 2012 as coworkers and grew into a deep friendship by 2017 before becoming partners in 2022, a timeline that allowed them to appreciate each other on multiple levels. Captured exquisitely by MOMENTO CATIVO, their wedding was a testament to this journey, celebrating their story through intentional details, beautiful fashion, and unforgettable flavors.

In early April 2022, Ricardo’s family was visiting from Portugal.  At that time the couple lived separately but close by to one another in NYC.  They spent the day walking from Central Park to the southernmost tip of NYC and by the end of the day, Asha was exhausted.  She retreated home for a nap and later that evening, Ricardo would ask her to dinner at a Michelin star restaurant.  She, being exhausted, suggested they skip the fancy restaurant and go around the corner to a local Italian restaurant they had been meaning to try.  At the restaurant Ricardo tried to order the fanciest bottle of wine and an elaborate menu, but Asha suggested they keep it simple and easy.  After dinner, Ricardo walked Asha back home and the couple shared one of their favorite bottles of wine from a vineyard in Tuscany they had visited earlier that year.  As they sat on the couch, they asked each other questions about life, as they often did.  Ricardo asked, “How would you feel about spending the rest of your life with me?” To which Asha replied, “You should have a ring if you want to ask me that question,” which Ricardo promptly pulled out a beautiful ring, ready for her quibble.  He left her speechless!

Fashion was an essential element in Asha and Ricardo’s wedding celebration. The couple sought to blend Indian couture with Western design, incorporating traditional textiles and handcrafted details throughout the weekend. The bride and her family traveled to Mumbai to shop for attire for the eight different events, selecting outfits that reflected the richness of Indian culture and the storytelling woven into each piece. Each outfit had a distinct theme, adding depth and continuity to every gathering. The groom, meanwhile, had a tuxedo tailored locally and benefited from the bride’s trip to Mumbai, securing attire to coordinate with each unique event.

The couple chose Anita Dongre’s elegant stationery designs on Paperless Post for their save-the-date and invitations, blending digital convenience with exquisite style. To provide guests with a seamless planning experience, they created a personalized wedding website through THE KNOT, taking advantage of its customization options. The wedding weekend guide was a collaborative labor of love, crafted by the bride’s sister and brother-in-law, who drew inspiration from traditional Pichwai art for a meaningful touch. From ceremony programs to bar menus, the wedding stationery was thoughtfully curated and designed by IN LOVE STUDIO, ensuring every detail aligned with the couple’s vision.

The couple worked closely with OH MARIA FLORES to design florals that echoed nature’s beauty through artistic, sculptural arrangements. They felt drawn to her organic approach, which complemented their vision for a ceremony set within a pine forest on TORRE DE PALMA’S edge. To further bring nature into the space, their mandap was crafted with layered greenery, creating a harmonious, immersive setting as they performed their rituals surrounded by the tranquility of the forest.

Music was a top priority for the couple, and they incorporated unique musical elements into each event. From the soulful nostalgia of Coimbra’s Fado and the trance-inducing qawwali performance by Sheikh Ali Khan to classical Indian music at the ceremony, led by [name] on sitar, each performance provided an immersive experience for their guests. The celebration concluded with DJ Shraii, whose unforgettable set created memorable moments for the couple and everyone in attendance.