On Friday, 10th May 2024, Orla and Joseph tied the knot at the stunning Vidamar Resort. Welcome to their wedding blog! This lovely couple selected the beautiful Vidamar Resort in the Algarve for their special day. The enchanting location provided the perfect backdrop for a ceremony filled with love, joy, and heartfelt moments.
The Love Story of Joseph & Orla
Joseph and Orla’s love story is a true testament to the magic of chance encounters and the strength of genuine connection. They first met in the picturesque setting of Strasbourg, France, where their relationship blossomed from a chance meeting at Café Atlantico to a deep and enduring love. Through adventures, challenges, and moments of unexpected kindness, their bond grew stronger, leading to a heartfelt proposal by the beach, with their faithful dog, Laika, by their side.
The Procession and Giving Away the Bride
The ceremony started with the bridal party’s entrance, followed by a touching moment as Orla’s father, Dominic, gave his blessing for the union of Joseph and Orla. This heartfelt gesture set the tone for the deeply personal and emotional ceremony that followed.
Readings and Traditions
The ceremony featured beautiful readings, including an Irish Marriage Blessing read by Orla’s younger brother, Dominic, and a Hawaiian Marriage Prayer read by Joseph’s younger sister, Paula, in Tagalog. These readings added a personal touch, reflecting the couple’s cultural heritage and shared values.
Declaration of Intent and Hand Binding
Joseph and Orla chose to include a traditional hand-fasting ceremony, symbolising their commitment to one another. This age-old ritual involved binding their hands with a cord, representing the strong yet flexible bond of marriage. They exchanged heartfelt vows, promising to honour, love, and support each other throughout their lives.
The Ring Exchange
The exchange of rings, a symbol of eternal love, was a poignant moment. The rings, forged from raw elements into beautiful symbols of commitment, served as a reminder of the vows made that day. Joseph and Orla’s promises to each other were heartfelt and sincere, marking the beginning of their married life together.
Sand Pouring Ceremony
A unique and meaningful part of the ceremony was the sand pouring ritual. Joseph and Orla poured sand from Pacifica, California, where they got engaged, and from Praia de Galé, symbolising the blending of their lives and their shared hopes and dreams for the future. This beautiful ritual highlighted their journey and the strong foundation of their love.
Signing the Register and Celebrating the Union
The ceremony concluded with the signing of the Wedding Certificate and Register, witnessed by their mothers, Mira Punch and Vangie Christensen. This formalised their union, surrounded by family and friends who had traveled from afar to share in their joy.
Final Words
Joseph and Orla’s wedding at Vidamar Resort was a day filled with love, emotion, and beautiful moments. Their story is a testament to the power of love and commitment, and it was an honour to be part of their special day.
If you’re looking for a stunning location for your wedding and a personalised ceremony that reflects your unique love story, the Algarve offers breathtaking venues and unforgettable experiences. Contact me, Kellie Hardie, a Certified Celebrant and Ordained Minister, to create a ceremony that captures your love and commitment.
For more stories and inspirations from beautiful Algarve weddings, visit our blog and follow us on Instagram. Don’t miss out on the magic of love celebrated in one of the most stunning regions of Portugal.
Wedding day Suppliers:
Orlas Makeup: Make Up By Sharon
Ceremony Music: The Piano Band Man
Venue: Vidamar Resort
Photos Take By Me, Kellie Hardie The Algarve Celebrant.
For those following me on Instagram and Facebook, you know I have quite a large collection of shoes. I love to share my shoe of the day!
For this wedding at Vidamar, I chose a thick heel since the ceremony area can be tricky with small heels. I went with a navy and white with a hint of pink Ruby Shoo to match the bride’s colour scheme.
