Santa Joana

Welcome Party

Penha Longa Resort

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Flying into Lisbon

Guests should fly into Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), about a 30-minute Uber ride to Sintra. If you’re planning to stay in Lisbon, it is about a 20-30 minute Uber ride. We recommend booking an overnight/red-eye flight on Monday, 8/10, if available -- it’s the best way to maximize your time once you land in Lisbon!

Hotel Blocks

Tuesday, August 11 – Friday, August 14 1) <a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/lisrz-penha-longa-resort/overview/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Penha Longa Resort</a> (Wedding venue / Recommended if staying for 3 nights) Booking link: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1765469316956&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink&amp;_branch_match_id=1410282081120890472&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWmaKraG5mamJmaWxoZmlqZladmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKlB3Xnp8UlF%2BeXFqka1zRlF%2BbioAxSTeEGAAAAA%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>Booking deadline: Wednesday, May 31st Room type: Deluxe RoomIncludes: Daily breakfast Need help with the booking?Email: rc.lisrz.reservations.agent@ritzcarlton.com Hotel amenities: Fitness center, pool, golf access, spa, kids' activities + playground, bar + lounge, and Michelin-starred restaurants 2) <a href="https://www.portobay.com/en/hotels/lisbon-hotels/portobay-liberdade/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Portobay Liberdade</a> (Lisbon city option / Recommended if staying less than 3 nights) How to book:Please email groups_lisbon@portibay.pt with the following details:~ Group name: Lance &amp; James~ Your name~ Arrival and departure dates~ Preferred room typeThe hotel will then send you a secure payment link Booking deadline: Sunday, May 31st Room options (breakfast included):~ Single: 1 guest | €235 per night~ Double: 2 guests, 1 double bed | €257 per night~ Twin: 2 guests, 2 twin beds (can be pushed together) | €257 per night Hotel amenities: Fitness center, sauna, Turkish bath, indoor pool, bar + lounge, and restaurant

Travel & Accommodation 

LISBON Restaurants<a href="https://www.paradigma.pt/en/venues/oficio-lisboa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Officio</a><a href="https://www.cervejariaramiro.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cervejaria Ramiro</a> (A must! Best seafood and local favorite)<a href="https://www.santajoanalisboa.com/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Santa Joana</a><a href="http://canalha" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canalha</a><a href="https://www.restaurantepicapau.pt/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pica Pau</a><a href="https://www.bairrodoavillez.pt/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bairro de Avillez</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/peixola_restaurante/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Peixola</a><a href="https://antigawinebar.eatbu.com/?lang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Antiga Wine Bar</a><a href="https://www.pradorestaurante.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prado</a><a href="https://pigmeu.pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pigmeu</a><a href="https://cafesaobento.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cafe de São Bento</a><a href="https://www.palaciochiado.pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Palacio Chiado</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thefolkslisbon/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Folks Se- Specialty Coffee Breakfast &amp; Brunch</a><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.pt/Restaurant_Review-g189158-d12125778-Reviews-The_Bifanas_of_Afonso-Lisbon_Lisbon_District_Central_Portugal.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">As Bifanas do Afonso</a> (known for Portuguese beef sandwich)<a href="https://www.loco.pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Loco</a><a href="https://www.bahr.pt/pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BAHR &amp; Terrace</a><a href="https://www.restaurantsem.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SEM</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tabernadasflores/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Taberna da Rua das Flores</a><a href="https://2monkeys.com.pt/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2Monkeys</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/magnolia_lisboa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Magnolia Bistrot &amp; Winebar</a><a href="https://parra.pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PARRA Wine Bistro</a><a href="https://gunpowderrestaurants.com/pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gunpowder Lisboa</a> Bakery<a href="https://castropasteisdenata.pt/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Castro Atelier de Pastéis de Nata</a><a href="https://pasteisdebelem.pt/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pastéis de Belém</a><a href="https://manteigaria.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Manteigaria</a><a href="https://confeitarianacional.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Confeitaria Nacional</a> Cocktail<a href="https://www.cincolounge.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cinco Lounge</a><a href="https://rumu.pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rumu</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/furia.lisboa/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Furia</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/procopiolisboa/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Procópio Bar </a> Things to do + see<a href="https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-lisboa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Time Out Market</a><a href="https://manteigariasilva.pt/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Manteigaria Silva</a><a href="https://castelodesaojorge.pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Castelo de S. Jorge</a> (Very popular tourist spot; known for its peacock sightings. Go early and book your tickets online if you can)Praça do ComércioLivaria Bertrand (World’s oldest operating bookstore!) <a href="https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/places/national-pantheon" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Pantheon</a><a href="https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/places/feira-da-ladra-flea-market" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Feira da Ladra</a> (Flea market)<a href="https://ginjinhaespinheira.com/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Ginjinha</a> (Known for its cherry liquor) SINTRA Things to do + seePena PalaceQuinta da RegaleiraThe Moorish Castle<a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/lisrz-penha-longa-resort/golf/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Penha Longa Atlântico Golf course</a> (Course is at Penha Longa hotel) LAGOS Hotel<a href="https://casa-mae.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Casa Mãe</a> (Cute boutique and great restaurant)<a href="https://www.mn56hotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MN56 Hotel</a> (Great hotel bar) BeachesPraia da BatataBeach EstudantesPraia Don AnaPraia Do CamiloPraia do Canavial Restaurants<a href="https://camilorestaurante.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">O Camilo</a><a href="https://www.cascaderesortalgarve.com/en/restaurants-bar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Senses Restaurant Cascade</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegardenlagos/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Restaurante The Garden</a><a href="https://ciuccio.pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ciuccio</a><a href="https://www.pomolagos.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pomo</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mimarlagos/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Restaurante Mimar</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/barbosalagos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barbosa</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/don.gull/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Don Gull</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lindabeachbar/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Linda The Beach Bar</a><a href="https://www.bahia.pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bahia Beach Bar</a><a href="https://www.avenidarestaurante.pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Avenida Restaurante</a>Restaurante A Forja Wine Bar<a href="https://www.instagram.com/travia_wineandfood/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Travia</a><a href="https://mostowine.shop/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mosto</a> Bar<a href="https://linktr.ee/thecollab.lagos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Collab Bar</a> Coffee<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dot.coffee.lagos/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Dot</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/goji_lounge_cafe_lagos/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goji Lounge Cafe</a><a href="https://blackandwhitelagos.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Black &amp; White</a><a href="https://padariacentral.pt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Padaria Central</a>

Things to Do

Common Questions

What’s the weather like in Sintra in August?Expect sunny days with highs in the mid-70s °F and cooler evenings in the upper 60s °F. August is one of the driest months, so rain is unlikely, but Sintra can feel cooler than Lisbon due to its coastal breeze and higher elevation. We recommend packing light layers, especially for the evenings or if you’re planning to explore.

What kind of shoes should I wear to explore Sintra and Lisbon?This is very important: bring shoes with a good grip, like sneakers or sturdy sandals. Portugal is hilly and full of cobblestone streets and steep staircases. Avoid slick soles, flimsy sandals, or heels unless you’re hopping straight out of an Uber.

What day do you recommend arriving?While we understand everyone’s schedules are different, if you can swing it, we recommend arriving on Monday or even over the weekend. That gives you plenty of time to adjust to the time zone, explore Lisbon and Sintra, and fully settle in. If you’re tight on PTO or planning to travel after the wedding, Tuesday is the latest we’d suggest arriving. Just note: the first day or two might feel a little foggy from jet lag!

What are the things we should know?Before your trip, make sure your credit card has no foreign transaction fees. Some cards charge up to 3% on every international purchase. We recommend getting euros from your bank before your trip, as they often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than airport kiosks or foreign ATMs. When you’re asked at restaurants, shops, or bars whether you want to pay in USD or Euros, go with Euros every time. Choosing USD triggers a currency conversion, which often comes with a less favorable exchange rate and extra fees. Your bank will usually give you a better rate if you just stick with the local currency. Before you arrive, go into your Uber app settings and switch your payment currency to local currency. This helps you avoid currency conversion fees and ensures you’re charged the local rate, not a marked-up USD equivalent. Go to Account -&gt;Wallet-&gt;Preferred currency-&gt;Always pay in local currency. Tipping isn’t as expected in Portugal as it is in the U.S., but it’s always appreciated! At restaurants, it’s common to round up the bill. For cafés or casual spots, leaving a few coins is perfectly fine. Servers don’t rely on tips for their income, so no pressure, but a little extra is a nice gesture if you feel inclined.

Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?If you're a U.S. citizen, no visa is required for stays under 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip dates.

Are there any activities before the wedding?Yes, we’ll have a welcome party for all guests.

Is there anything planned after the event?Possibly a pool day at Penha Longa hotel.

Accommodation 

How many days are the room blocks for?The room blocks are for 3 nights and 4 days. Check-in is Tuesday, and check-out is Friday.

What if we want to arrive earlier or stay longer at Penha Longa?You can! Just text one of us, and we can ask the hotel to honor the room block rate for additional days.

If I’m not staying at Penha Longa or Portobay Liberdade, how do I get to the venue?Uber

Can I check in early or check out late at Penha Longa?You can always request it directly through the hotel, though it's subject to availability.

Wedding Ceremony

What’s the dress code?Cocktail attire. No strict rules on color or pattern.For women: Midi or floor-length dresses, chic pantsuits, or elevated separates.For men: Suits with a button-down shirt and tie or bowtie.

What shoes should I wear?The venue grounds are flat, so heels or flats are totally fine for women. Men, dress shoes (oxfords, derbies, or loafers) are great. Clean white sneakers are acceptable too, just make sure they’re really clean.

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?The ceremony will be outdoors, followed by a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces for cocktails, dinner, and dancing.

Will there be shuttles?Yes, only to and from Hotel Portobay Liberdade.

Can we use our phones during the ceremony?You’ll get one chance to snap a photo before the ceremony starts, then phone away, please. We’re having an unplugged ceremony so you can be fully present (and so our photos aren’t filled with screens).

Reception

Is there an open bar?Duh! Cheers from cocktail hour through the end of the night.

Do I only have one choice for the meal?Yes, we’re serving a set menu featuring lobster with Normandy sauce, seafood choux, and caviar as the main dish. Trust us, it’s REALLY good. If you have dietary restrictions or a shellfish allergy, no worries at all. Just let us know when you RSVP, and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of with an alternate option.

RSVP

When should I RSVP by?May 31st

Are children allowed?We welcome your little ones to join you for the trip. However, our wedding ceremony and reception will be adults-only.

Can I bring a plus one?If your invite doesn’t specify a guest, then we’re keeping it just you (for now). That said, once RSVPs are in, we may be able to extend additional invites and will reach out if so.

Exploring Lisbon & Sintra

Should I explore Lisbon or Sintra first?Totally up to you! Lisbon has more of a big city vibe, with amazing food, nightlife, and neighborhoods to wander. Sintra feels more like a fairytale, with palaces, gardens, and magical views.

Any must-see spots in Lisbon and Sintra?Yes! Please refer to the Things to Do tab for our recommendations.

How do I get around?Uber is widely available in both Lisbon and Sintra and is often the easiest way to get around. That said, both cities are also very walkable, but be prepared: Portugal is hilly, and many streets are cobblestoned or include staircases. Comfortable shoes with grip are a must! If you're feeling adventurous, public transportation is also an option:In Lisbon, you can use trams, buses, and the metro. The iconic yellow trams are especially fun for sightseeing. In Sintra, there's a train station that connects back to Lisbon, and local buses or tuk-tuks to take you to the main attractions.

Lance & James

Lance & James

Photos