Hotel Convento de São Paulo

Rehearsal Dinner

Fitapreta Vinhos

Wedding Day

Igreja de São João Evangelista / Igreja dos Lóios

Ceremony

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

September 2013Kevin and Nicole met the very first week of college! Nicole was invited to the same party that Kevin was unknowingly invited to. Their roommates had attended a program at Stevens Institute over the summer and so everyone at the party already knew each other except for the two of them. They quickly realized this and decided to leave the party, Kevin walked Nicole home but they ended up talking on the lawn chairs outside her dorm for a few hours hours. They were the same major so they had the same classes, often studying and doing homework together. They became great friends and after three years realized maybe they should be more than friends, and the rest is history! They have celebrated 9 years together. Fast Forward to September 2023,Kevin surprised Nicole while vacationing in Malta by dropping down on one knee and popping the question. She was impatiently waiting to say Yes! Present DayThey have a pup named Flynn, a mini Aussie who only loves food and (sometimes) his parents! They love to travel and combined have visited over 30 countries! They have changed so much since the first day they met, but have managed to grow together and are so thankful to be celebrating this event with the most amazing people on Earth!

Our Story

Photos

Andrea 

Tania

Isabelle 

Muntaha

Alex

Caleb

Shawn

Afonso

Vasco

Vigo

Clara & Margot

Wedding Party

Q + A

Evora is 1 hour 20 minutes East of the Lisbon airport so we recommend flying into Lisbon which is the largest international airport in Portugal. If you are planning on staying in Portugal longer, the other international airport is in Porto and it's about a 4 hour drive north of Evora. If you plan on renting a car while in Portugal, note that it is highly recommended to add "Via Verde" (EZ- Pass) to your booking because you will be able to navigate/use the highways much easier. You add this at the counter when you pick-up your rental. Also, a few things to keep in mind when booking your car rental, make sure to select an automatic car (most car rentals in Europe are manual) with unlimited mileage! In Portugal the law is that you must drive in the right lane except when passing and they take this very seriously. Portugal drives on the same side of the road as the US. They can be speedy drivers so be cautious when switching lanes or just in general! A hot tip, if you are driving on the highways and you see the "Colibri" rest stops, they are great, clean places to grab food/coffee/beer etc. Definitely recommend! Helpful tips to know about Portugal before your visit!1. Tipping is not common practice so most places do not expect you to leave a tip! In more tourist-oriented establishments, a tip is more common and usually around 10% but never required. 2. Nothing is free! Servers will often bring bread, butter, olives and even cheese or other appetizers to your table. Keep in mind that these unordered items will always be added to your bill if you choose to partake. If you don't want them, just send them away with a polite "no, thank you" and that should do the job! We always recommend partaking because the bread and olives are worth it and these "appetizers" are usually around 1-2 euros a person. 3. If you have done your research on restaurants and know which ones you'd like to try, make sure to make reservations in advance! 4. Bring walking shoes with good grip! Portugal is one of the most walkable European countries and exploring on foot is usually the best way to see the sights in Lisbon, Porto and Evora! The cities are often hilly and cobblestone-covered streets that could be quite slippery! 5. Don't forget to look down! Portugal is known for beautiful paved stone mosaics called "calcada Portuguesa" and you can find them all over Portugal. 6. Portuguese restaurants are often open from 12pm-3pm and then again from 6pm onward! If you are not in a touristy area it might be difficult to find food outside of those hours. Also, keep in mind that eating is an activity the Portuguese take seriously so don't be surprised if dinner takes 2 hours or more!

The shuttle will depart from this hotel to the church and the venue. Shuttle schedule is to be determined! If interested in staying at this Hotel, please follow the instructions below. 1. In order to take advantage of the discount code all reservations must be made directly on the hotel's website. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/liseagi-hilton-garden-inn-evora/2. Enter the dates of stay and number of guests.3. Click on check rooms &amp; rates4. Click on special rates5. Type the code (3472134) in the Corporate Account field and click update6. Select your preferred room type7. Enter the details requested on the booking form8. After completing the process, you will receive the booking confirmation in the corresponding email Note:1. The discount code is applicable on rooms with breakfast included, if you do not wish to have breakfast at the hotel, it may be cheaper to book without using the discount code. 2. The discount code is applicable for stays within the following dates.06/25/25 - 07/04/2025 3. The hotel sleeps maximum three adults per room. If you will be needing adjoining rooms, please contact the hotel and they will be able to assist you.

Hilton Garden Inn Evora

M'ar de Ar Aqueduto

Hotel M'Ar de Ar Muralhas

We have stayed at this hotel before and loved our stay! Although it is a bit farther from the venue it's a great place to stay with children if you would like to stay and explore the region for a bit longer! Very child friendly!!

Octant Hotels Évora

MouraSuites Hotel

Évora Olive Hotel

Hotel O Cante

Hotel Albergaria do Calvário

Vitória Stone Hotel

Travel

Evora

This beautifully weird Chapel was decorated with bones in the 16th Century (two centuries&nbsp;before&nbsp;the Paris Catacombs!) by Franciscan monks in an attempt to remind the locals how fragile life is and that death ultimately comes for us all. The walls and pillars of the chapel, built in the century XVII, are lined with thousands of human bones and skulls. Worth a visit!

Chapel of Bones

While this Roman temple is certainly worth its own visit,if you are running short on time no worries because the white church behind the temple is actually the church where we will be getting married, so you'll get to see this no matter what!

Roman Temple

If you like history this might be for you! The Cromlech of the Almendres is a&nbsp;megalithic&nbsp;complex in Evora, Portugal, dating back 7,000 years ago. This makes the sacred stone sites&nbsp;2,000 years older&nbsp;than the world's most famous Neolithic monument,&nbsp;Stonehenge.

Almendres Cromlech

PLACES TO EAT

Although the restaurant doesn't look like much, this place was probably top 3 best meals we've ever had! (We are foodies - We've been lucky enough to have eaten at a restaurant voted best in the world (Central in Lima, Peru) we thought this was of the same caliber). The restaurant has turned down Michelin stars and operates in a unique way, they cook whatever they want and bring it to you! There are no menus to select from but trust that it will be an amazing meal at an amazing price. It is a tasting menu so they bring out several dishes so make sure to come hungry and make a reservation ASAP as this is the most sought after meal in Evora! If you don't to take our word for it, just check the reviews.

Taberna Típica Quarta-feira

This restaurant was incredible and worth a visit. They are a Michelin star restaurant at an amazing price. We recommend the Queijo Assado com Oregaos e Tostas to start and Bochecha de Porco Assada em Vinho Tinto &amp; Bife de Lombo Grelhado for mains. Save some room for the olive oil ice-cream because it was 10/10!

Dom Joaquim

Cute &amp; cozy restaurant with fresh home cooked meals. All the plates are regional so it's a great place to get a feel for the local cuisine! The coolest part is that they also have decorated using traditional Portuguese relics of the past and it's still an operational windmill.

Restaurante O Moinho do Cu Torto

For when/if you get a little homesick!

McDonald's

LISBOA

Castelo de São Jorge, or St George's Castle, is an architectural wonder in Lisbon. It sits on top of the city's highest hill, providing incredible views of Lisbon and the beautiful Tagus River. Inside the castle, you'll discover the site's remarkable history; from ancient courtyards to battlements and an old Moorish wall, Sao Jorge Castle holds significant historical and archaeological value.

Castelo de São Jorge

Built in the 16th century, the Belem Tower was built to defend Lisbon from enemy ships. Around 1515, architect Francisco de Arruda designed the iconic monument and&nbsp;it served the purpose of being a fort that protected Lisbon from incoming raids along the Tagus River. It also marked the beginning of voyages for sailors.

Belém Tower

An observation deck where you can see the beautiful terracotta rooftops of Lisbon and the famous blue tiles.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

This huge stone caravel was built in 1940 for the Portuguese World Expo by the architect Cottinelli Telmo and the sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida. It was only given permanent status in 1960 to celebrate the fifth centenary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator.Try to identify the main navigators, such as Bartholomew Dias – who turned the Cape of Torments into the Cape of Good Hope; Vasco da Gama – who discovered the maritime route to India; Pedro Álvares Cabral – who discovered Brazil; and Magellan – the first European to cross the southern Pacific and circumnavigate the earth.

Monument to the Discoveries

Places to eat in Lisboa

With ceilings draped with flags and walls lined with portraits—all reminders of the local and national legends who have walked through these doors—Tasca Do Chico oozes nostalgia. This is an intimate bar setting in Bairro Alto, where you're likely to be rubbing elbows—and backs, and feet—with your neighbor. Just go with it; after all, the closeness is all part of the fun. Come here on Mondays and Wednesdays for Fado Vadio nights, when locals and amateurs take the stage.

Tasca do Chico

Step back in time with a visit to Mesa de Frades, built in a former chapel in Alfama, with the original tiles and murals still on the walls. The musical lineup toes the line between emerging fadistas and established stars, and the intimate setup offers an otherworldly ambience; performers will walk between tables during their sets, giving you a front-row look at the action, no matter where you're sitting. The experience is nonpareil.

Mesa De Frades

Our favorite quick snack in Lisbon! The line can get pretty long but it moves quickly so don't let that deter you from trying a bifana! Make sure to add mustard and hot sauce for the real local experience! Note that it is cash only and there is no place to sit down inside but there is a small square next to it with some benches!

The Bifanas of Afonso

We have tried all of the pastel de nata houses in Lisbon and this is our top pick! There are more than one location but this one is right next to the Praca do Commercio (large plaza by the ocean) so a great stop while exploring the city. If you want to weigh in on our Nata debate, try Manteigaria (a competitor of Castro and our second favorite nata) and let us know which you prefer!

Castro - Atelier de Pastéis de Nata

Day Trips from Lisbon

Sintra is a small magical town north of Lisbon easily accessible by train. If you plan to visit, some of the best spots are Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Praia Ursa Beach, the Palace of Monserrate and exploring the old town in city center.

Sintra

Cascais is a seaside town south of Lisbon and commonly known as the Portuguese riviera. The photo is of Santa Marta Beach, a small beach located in city center with some of the best views! It's right next to museums and art exhibits so there is so much to do! If you are interested in staying in Cascais for a few days then check out the Boca do Inferno, Cabo da Roca (the most western point of Europe), and the neighboring town of Estoril!

Cascais

The medieval town of Obidos is a quaint, picturesque castle town north of Lisbon with an extremely long history. It is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval villages, it's the best example of a traditional Portuguese village. In 1951 the castle and the entire village were classified as national monuments and they are famous for cherry liqueur called "ginja" served in chocolate shot glasses.

Óbidos

Portugal's most famous fishing village known for the world's largest waves! Although the best time to see the swells are from March to October you may get luck so check the surf forecasts before heading to Nazare.

Nazaré

ALGARVE

Algarve is the southern region of Portugal and located about 2 hours and thirty minutes south of Evora by car. The end of June/beginning of July is the perfect time to visit the Algarve because the sun is shining and the beaches aren't as crowded as they will be in the following months! If you love cliff-back beaches then you will want to stick to the western side of the southern coast! If you prefer flat beaches with warmer water then head to the east toward Spain (the closer to Spain, the warmer the water!). Algarve is a popular tourist area so book restaurant reservations in advance and be open to trying some of the best seafood!

The famous Benagil Caves are one of the must-visit attractions in the Algarve. If you want to visit the caves, there are several boat tours that pass through the caves that usually include dolphin spotting and barbecues on the beach! We have attached the website to one of the tour companies but feel free to use whatever company works best for your schedule and needs!

Benagil Cave

Coastal trail with panoramic sunsets and ocean vistas, ideal for hikes and cliff walks. Spot fossils and shells while enjoying serene rock formations and sea cave views by boat.

Ponta da Piedade

Scenic coastal strip flanked by striking cliffs and turquoise waters, featuring soft sand and a boardwalk. Enjoy serene beach ambiance and picturesque views!

Praia Dona Ana

A bit further up the coast from Dona Ana is the sandy paradise of Praia do Camilo. Discover its crystal clear emerald and turquoise ocean and the incredible rock formations that surround the beach. Over time, the weather has created holes in the cliffs, forming natural tunnels and archways through other beaches! Note: There are 200 wooden steps down to the beach so be prepared for a workout.

Praia do Camilo

This is one of the best traditional markets in Algarve! Fun fact, Nicole's father is from this town and she spent most of her childhood summers here! Her grandmother actually still buys all her produce and seafood from this market so you might run into her if you stop by! The market has fresh daily caught seafood and a restaurant inside where they can prepare whatever you just purchased at the market in whatever style you want!

Mercado Municipal de Loulé

A cute coastal town with lots to offer! Stroll around the old town and explore the cute alleyways or take the small train that gives you a quick tour of the town, allowing you to stop and visit some of the best things to see. If you are spending time in Tavira make sure to check out the Tavira Castle Gardens, the Roman bridge, try the fig icecream at Gelataria Delizia, walk the Tavira salt pans and discover the Ilha de Tavira (island of Tavira). The Ilha de Tavira is perfect for swimming or sunbathing and has some of the warmest waters in Portugal! Our favorite place to stay in Tavira is the Convento das Bernardas (can be rented on Airbnb) it's an insanely beautiful renovated convent with two salt water pools! We have attached the link to one of the rentable apartments but there are more if you search the name on Airbnb! If you have questions, reach out to Nicole or Kevin and we can help book your stay!

Tavira

Places to eat

One of the best restaurants in Algarve without a doubt. They are famous for their piri piri chicken and we make sure to visit everytime we are in Algarve! Note that you cannot make a reservation so it's first come first serve and they do not accept credit cards so bring cash.

Restaurant "Marufo 1"

Great hidden gem with a cozy atmosphere and even better food! This rooftop restaurant has amazing service and cocktails! Make sure to make a reservation in advance as they book up fairly quickly!

Oliwander’s restaurant

This small but well-stocked wine bar was the absolute highlight of our trip to Carvoeiro. We recommend ordering the braised pork cheeks, tender octopus,&nbsp;bacalhau a bras&nbsp;or spicy&nbsp;pica pau.

Nicole & Kevin

Nicole & Kevin

Registry

Our registry is ----->>>> https://www.myregistry.com/wedding-registry/nicole-pinto-and-kevin-murphy-elizabeth-nj/4644548