Terraplana Café

Welcome Party

Travel Day

Alfandega Congress Center

Group Transportation to Venue

Portuguese Barbecue

Pousada Mosteiro Amares

Wedding Day

Ophelia Tattoo Truck Open

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner

Dancing!

Euchre Tournament

Final Goodbyes

Send Off Breakfast

Group Transport back to Porto

Our Wedding

Some say it started with a jellyfish; we say it started with a cougar. Back on campus at Miami University, just before our senior year, we were each partaking in typical Miami Saturday “culture” with separate friend groups at a campus bar. Laurel spots the cute guy that lives across the street, plants her best pick-up line on him, and the conversation gets going. When a friend delivers a “dealers choice” draft beer order to Laurel – that she identifies as a Rhinegeist Cougar from scent alone – Jared knew he had to see her again. Phone numbers were exchanged, blissfully unaware that we’d be getting engaged exactly seven years (and a day) later! &nbsp;Our first date was at the only brewery on campus, Quarter Barrel. Over beers and lavash, Jared realizes he needs a reason to see Laurel again and spontaneously invites her to a party at his place later that week—then rushes home to tell his roommate about the “party” they’re throwing. Dinner dates morphed into hanging out with friends, which turned into playing hookie to go canoeing. We clicked instantly. &nbsp;But graduation was looming, and still with our relationship barely a semester old, we just weren’t ready to say goodbye. So, we took a leap of faith and moved to Baltimore together, sight unseen, but we landed right where we needed to be. Baltimore welcomed us with open arms – within a week of moving, we found ourselves at our very first (and what would become an annual tradition) Crab and Beer Festival in the city. As we fumbled with our tray of blue crabs, a kind couple came to our rescue with a tutorial. From that moment on we continued to find ourselves surrounded by the best of the best in Baltimore. We built a beautiful little place for ourselves on the east coast and then found ourselves cooped up in it – together – alone – for months – in an international pandemic. &nbsp;We don’t need to elaborate on how difficult that was, seeing as how we all lived it. By now, surviving quarantine is just one of the many challenges we’ve conquered together. We’ve lifted each other through moves, career changes, and everything in between. Now, we’re beyond excited to celebrate our love with you in Portugal!

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Wedding Accommodation

Accommodations:We’ll be staying at the stunning Pousada Mosteiro Amares, a historic monastery-turned-hotel nestled in the countryside of northern Portugal. We are assisting all guests in securing their rooms for October 7th and 8th, so there’s no need to make a reservation yourself. If you have specific requests or would like to discuss your arrangements, please reach out! For those wishing to extend their stay, we recommend booking additional nights directly through the Pousada Mosteiro Amares website or through your preferred booking platform. Additional Info about the Pousada:- Check-out from Pousada Mosteiro Amares is at 12:00 PM on October 9th. If you plan to stay longer, you may need to book additional nights separately.- Breakfast is included each morning at the venue, served in the historic Refectory.- If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance so we can ensure suitable options are available for you.- There is free and easily accessible parking available at the venue.

Recommended Stays in Porto

Porto is the closest major city to our wedding venue and a perfect place to start or end your trip. Known for its charming riverside views, port wine cellars, and stunning architecture, Porto is both historic and vibrant with lots to see! Where to Stay in PortoPorto’s neighborhoods each offer a different experience, so here’s a short guide to help you choose: Ribeira &amp; Baixa (Historic Center) – The most picturesque area, right along the river with iconic tiled buildings, but be prepared for steep climbs! Staying closer to the river means beautiful views, but it also means Porto’s famous hills are unavoidable. Cedofeita &amp; Boavista – A bit more residential and modern, with great restaurants and boutique hotels. Bonfim – A cool, up-and-coming neighborhood with a relaxed vibe, full of independent cafés and artistic spaces. (Also where we’ll be hosting our welcome dinner!) We highly recommend checking out local Airbnbs here—there are many unique stays, and Portuguese hosts are known for their warmth and hospitality.

Price Range:&nbsp;$$Located on the historic Rua das Flores, Pousada do Porto beautifully blends traditional Portuguese architecture with modern comforts. Truly an authentic Porto experience.

Pousada do Porto - Rua das Flores

Price Range:&nbsp;$$Located on Porto’s main avenue, Avenida dos Aliados, One Shot has stylish rooms with contemporary decor -- classic comfort and convenience right in the heart of the city!

Hotel One Shot Aliados Goldsmith 12

Price Range:&nbsp;$$$A stunning five-star boutique hotel that celebrates avant-garde art with individually designed rooms, an outdoor pool, and a luxurious spa. Perfect for relaxation and panoramic city views!

Torel Avantgarde

Price Range: $$$Housed in a former Jesuit building, Casa da Companhia combines loads of historic charm with contemporary design. Features include a serene courtyard and award winning spa.

Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel

Price Range:&nbsp;$$$Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century palace, Torel 1884 offers luxurious rooms and self-catering apartments with elegant decor inspired by Portugal’s colonial past. For the design lovers!

Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments

Recommended Stays in Lisbon

Staying in LisbonLisbon, Portugal’s color-soaked capital, is another fantastic place to starting point or end to your trip. With lively streets, incredible viewpoints, and legendary food, it’s well worth a visit. Getting to Amares from Lisbon:Lisbon Airport (LIS) is Portugal’s largest international airport.From Lisbon, you can take a train to Braga (about 3.5 hours, with a transfer in Porto).If you prefer to drive, the trip takes about 4 hours. Where to Stay in LisbonLisbon offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own charm:Chiado &amp; Baixa – Central and elegant, perfect for those who love shopping, dining, and historical sights within walking distance.Alfama – Lisbon’s oldest district, full of winding alleyways, Fado music, and stunning viewpoints. A great choice for those who love old-world charm.Príncipe Real – A trendy area with boutique shops, stylish cafés, and a vibrant nightlife scene.Avenida da Liberdade – Lisbon’s most upscale boulevard, home to luxury hotels and designer shopping, yet still within easy reach of the historic center. Hotel Recommendations in Lisbon:Bairro Alto Hotel ($$$$) – A luxury stay in the heart of Chiado, one of Lisbon’s most charming districts, offering stunning views and five-star service.Memmo Alfama ($$) – A stylish boutique hotel with an unbeatable rooftop terrace in the heart of historic Alfama.Valverde Hotel ($$$) – A chic and elegant hotel on Avenida da Liberdade, perfect for those who love classic Portuguese luxury.Brown’s Avenue Hotel ($$) – A sleek, design-forward hotel with modern amenities and a central location.Lisboa Carmo Hotel ($$) – A comfortable and well-priced stay in the heart of Lisbon, ideal for exploring on foot.

Accommodation

We’re so excited to celebrate with you in Portugal! Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting to and around our wedding destination, Pousada Mosteiro Amares.

Important Things to Know

Group Transport:To make getting to and from the venue as easy as possible, we’ll be organizing group transportation to the venue on the morning of October 7, as well as a return trip to Porto from the venue on October 9. Details on timing and locations for pick-up/drop-off will be shared closer to the event, so keep an eye out for that info. Optional, no need to RSVP! Closest Airport:Porto Airport (OPO) is the most convenient airport for travel to the wedding venue. Closest Train Station:The closest railway station to Pousada Mosteiro Amares is Braga Railway Station. If you’re coming from Lisbon or Porto, this station will be your easiest route to the venue. Traveling Around Portugal:Renting a car in Portugal is easy and convenient! The roads are in great condition, and driving is fairly straightforward. Like the states, cars drive on the right side of the road. Google Maps works virtually everywhere, so you’ll have no trouble navigating. We can't wait to celebrate with you, and we hope this info makes your travel plans easier. Safe travels!

Travel Info

Things to Do in Portugal

Portugal is a country of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible food. Whether you're looking for cultural experiences, coastal escapes, or unforgettable dining, here’s a guide to making the most of your trip.

Porto: A City of Wine, History, and Charm 

Porto is known for its colorful riverside views, historic architecture, and, of course, Port wine. The city blends old-world charm with vibrant modern culture, making it a must-visit destination. Things to Do in PortoTour the Port Wine Cellars – Visit the famous wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, such as Taylor’s, Graham’s, or Sandeman, for tastings and cellar tours.Walk the Dom Luís I Bridge – This iconic double-deck bridge offers the best views of Porto’s skyline and riverfront.Explore Ribeira – The historic riverfront district is filled with colorful buildings, lively cafés, and street musicians.Admire São Bento Train Station – Known for its stunning blue-and-white azulejo tile murals depicting Portugal’s history.Take a Douro River Cruise – Sail along the Douro River for breathtaking views of Porto’s hills and wine country.Visit Livraria Lello – One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, a filming location for the Harry Potter movies, is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s vision of Hogwarts. A must see! Visit in the early morning or evening for a less busy experience. Where to Eat in PortoCafé Santiago – The best place to try Francesinha, Porto’s legendary meat-and-cheese sandwich.Bacalhau – A cozy riverside spot specializing in Portuguese cod dishes.The Yeatman – A Michelin-starred restaurant with stunning city views and an exceptional wine list.Taberna dos Mercadores – A small, intimate restaurant serving authentic local cuisine.Matosinhos Seafood Restaurants – A short trip from Porto, Matosinhos is famous for fresh seafood. Try O Gaveto or Marisqueira de Matosinhos for grilled fish and shellfish.

LISBON: HISTORY, CULTURE, AND COASTAL BEAUTY

Lisbon is Portugal’s vibrant capital, known for its historic neighborhoods, scenic viewpoints, and delicious food. It’s a city that effortlessly blends tradition with modern energy. Things to Do in LisbonRide Tram 28 – A classic yellow tram that winds through Lisbon’s most historic districts.Visit São Jorge Castle – A medieval fortress with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.Explore Belém – Home to the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.Watch the Sunset from a Miradouro – Lisbon is full of scenic viewpoints, with Miradouro de Santa Catarina and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte being two of the best.Stroll Through Alfama – Lisbon’s oldest and most charming district, known for its winding streets and Fado music performances. Where to Eat in LisbonTime Out Market – A lively food hall featuring some of Lisbon’s best restaurants in one place.Cervejaria Ramiro – A must-visit for seafood lovers, famous for its garlic butter shrimp and giant crab.Belcanto – A two-Michelin-star restaurant by chef José Avillez, offering a refined take on Portuguese cuisine.Ponto Final – A scenic riverside restaurant in Almada (just across the river from Lisbon), perfect for a sunset meal.Taberna da Rua das Flores – A charming and intimate spot for traditional small plates in the Chiado district.

Other Destinations to Consider

Douro Valley: Portugal’s Wine CountryA short trip from Porto, the Douro Valley is a must-visit for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts.Top Experiences:Tour Historic Wineries – Visit renowned estates like Quinta do Crasto or Quinta Nova for tastings.Take a Douro River Cruise – Enjoy the stunning terraced vineyards and rolling hills from the water.Explore Pinhão – A charming riverside village with picturesque views and excellent local cuisine. Cascais: A Seaside Escape Near LisbonA former fishing village turned upscale beach town, Cascais is perfect for a relaxing coastal getaway.Top Experiences:Relax on Praia da Rainha – One of the most beautiful small beaches in Portugal.Walk Along the Cliffs to Boca do Inferno – A dramatic oceanfront rock formation.Stroll Through the Historic Center – Enjoy boutique shopping, outdoor cafés, and a charming old town atmosphere. Sintra: A Fairytale Mountain RetreatJust a short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is known for its colorful palaces and mystical gardens.Top Experiences:Pena Palace – A vibrant, whimsical palace perched high above the town.Quinta da Regaleira – A stunning estate with mysterious tunnels, towers, and hidden passageways.Moorish Castle – An ancient fortress with incredible panoramic views of the region. The Algarve: Portugal’s Famous Beach DestinationFor those looking for a beach vacation, the Algarve is home to some of the best coastline in Europe.Top Experiences:Explore the Benagil Cave – A spectacular sea cave with a hidden beach inside.Relax on Praia da Marinha – One of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.Visit Lagos or Tavira – Two charming coastal towns with great food, history, and culture. Other Hidden GemsComporta – A quiet, stylish beach town south of Lisbon, known for its white sand beaches and chic atmosphere.Aveiro – Often called the "Venice of Portugal," this town features colorful boats, canals, and delicious Ovos Moles (a local pastry).Évora – A UNESCO-listed medieval city famous for its Roman temple and the haunting Chapel of Bones.

Laurel & Jared

Laurel & Jared

L&J

Welcome Party

Travel Day

10:45 AM

Group Transportation to Venue

6:00 PM

Portuguese Barbecue

Wedding Day

1:30 PM–4:30 PM

Ophelia Tattoo Truck Open

5:00 PM

Ceremony

5:30 PM

Cocktail Hour

7:30 PM

Dinner

9:00 PM

Dancing!

12:00 AM

Euchre Tournament

Final Goodbyes

9:00 AM–11:00 AM

Send Off Breakfast

12:00 PM

Group Transport back to Porto