Stacy & Darren’s romantic destination wedding in Portugal, with Martin Dabek Photography

Published by Claire Gould on November 6, 2020November 6, 2020

I predict destination weddings are going to be super popular after the pandemic. When we all know it’s safe to fly, we’re going to be looking for amazing adventures and beautiful memories – and what better way to make lifetime memories than with a destination wedding! So today I’m sharing this stunning celebration – Stacey and Darren were married long before covid, and headed to the Algarve with family and friends to tie the knot. They hired our friend, English Wedding member and Algarve wedding photographer Martin Dabek to capture their day.

Stacy is stunning in her beautiful Stella York wedding dress; Darren’s light grey suit is just perfect for a wedding abroad. Together they’re gorgeous and their wedding is elegant, stylish and full of love and laughter. I hope you enjoy scrolling through their images as much as I have. Do read Stacy’s advice and supplier recommendations as well – especially if you’re already thinking of booking your very own destination wedding!

Wedding photographer’s website:

Destination Wedding Photographer www.martindabek.com

How did you choose your photographer?

Once we had reached out to our venue in Portugal they sent over a proposal with the most beautiful images on the front, I told the Hotel that I must have the photographer that had taken those images and they put me in touch with Martin

Were you pleased with your wedding photographer? Do tell… we love a brilliant review!

Absolutely thrilled. Its so important to invest in a good photographer as the day passes by so quickly and you don`t get to savour every precious moment, Martin made sure every moment was captured so magically, now we can relive our day whenever we feel in the future.

Tell us about the moment you saw your wedding photos for the first time?

When we received our images, it made us both very emotional, almost like we were reliving our special day all over again. There are so many little fun moments that Martin shot like my little nephew break dancing on the dance floor, and the precious moment of me hugging my best friend, moments you don`t realise you had until you receive those special photos.

Wedding venue:

Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa

Can you describe your wedding in fewer than 10 words?

Magical, Fun, Precious, Family, Friends, Happiness, Emotional, Love, Laughter

Your wedding style or theme:

Classic

Where did you find your suppliers? (Blogs, magazines, recommendations?)

I picked up ideas from research and Magazines, like Pinterest, but the Hotel also helped with recommendations

What’s your top tip for saving money?

Do your research, always get more than one quote and always read the reviews! So important, plus the cheapest isn`t always best!

… and which elements of your wedding are you glad you spent more on?

Absolutely the Photographer – to capture those special moments we can look back on for many years to come, Food and Drink is also a must!

Where did you buy or source your wedding stationery – or was making it a labour of love?

The wedding venue helped a lot with stationery and luckily enough she was a very talented lady. I was also lucky enough to know someone who made my wedding favours.

Did you fall in love with your wedding dress?

Not at first sight, But it was the very first dress i tried on and i couldn’t get in out of my mind, i just knew it was special.

Wedding dress designer and bridal boutique:

Gown by Stella York

Tell us about your accessories: jewellery, shoes and anything else!

I kept accessories very simple! Earrings were a gift from my best friend and a petite diamond cross necklace from mum

And what did the groom wear?

A beautiful light grey suit

Beautiful bridesmaids: what did your best girls wear?

A cream gown by Maids to Measure

Hair and make-up – did you DIY or hire a professional?

My make up was done by the amazing Make up Algarve – Sharon Phillips

Describe your wedding flowers. Who arranged them for you? (florist details would be lovely please)

Flowers by Xeli Florist Algarve – Classic and elegant cream bouquets

General styling – did your venue need much decoration?

The venue is very beautiful so not much was needed, but a spray of flowers here and there

Crafts and makes – tell us about any homemade elements of your wedding… did you enjoy them?

The favours were beautifully hand made message in a bottle filled with sand and shells

The wedding cake: what kind of cake did you choose and why?

We decided to have two cakes. A chocolate fudge cake, covered in white chocolate, and the most beautiful display of fruit and crackers for my huge cake made of cheese!

Entertainment: any musical recommendations, surprises or treats?

The evening was finished with a DJ – who was absolutely brilliant, he played all the right tracks at the right times. Brilliant. DJ by DJ Solutions Algarve

Words of wisdom: share your best piece of advice for other couples:

Cheapest isn’t always the best choice. Don`t sacrifice quality, to save a few pounds. Invest in a good photographer to capture all the most fun moment you can look back on. Great Food, great drink, great entertainment and the best family and friends are the recipe for a magical wedding!