Venues, music, photography and décor: the extra touches you need for your destination wedding in Europe

Here at Zankyou we believe that every wedding, no matter how far from home, can be personalised as much as you want it to be. So here are some top recommendations for extra special touches and stylish additions.

Venues, music, photography and décor: the extra touches you need for your destination wedding in Europe
Sabatino Maisto
  • Planning the wedding
  • Recomendations
  • Abroad
  • Artistic
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Spain

When planning a wedding abroad, it’s hard to add all those extra touches that speak of your personality as a couple. A lot of couples may fall into the trap of settling for a plain hotel venue that offer the whole wedding as a package, without those bespoke details. But here at Zankyou we believe that every wedding, no matter how far from home, can be personalised as much as you want it to be. So here are some top recommendations for extra special touches and stylish additions.

Venues:

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First things first, choose a venue full of personality and character. One that suits your wedding style and will be the wow-factor for your guests. In Portugal, Quinta Dos I’s is truly charming, located in the heart of the Algarve, offering you the possibility of a rustic-chic style among aromatic nature in harmony with contemporary decor. It has a large ballroom with capacity for up to 200 people, with access to a lovely garden with swimming pool and an ideal area for those welcome drinks. All dishes are prepared lovingly by a dedicated team with the freshest ingredients, making it the perfect place for your guests to delight in regional delicacies.

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Quinta dos I’s
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Quinta dos I’s

Alternatively, if you fancy getting married in Spain, let us introduce you to one of the most beautiful wedding venues there is. This place is perfect if you have been dreaming up a fairy-tale-style day for as long as you can remember. Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena is a fine combination of classical architecture and modern innovation, located just two hours from Madrid. A converted 12th century Cistercian monastery, it’s steeped in history, so you can really add some culture to your big day. With 79 spacious rooms, and capacity for 350 guests, it is absolutely perfect for you and your guests to enjoy.

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Castilla Termal de Monasterio de Valbuena
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Castilla Termal de Monasterio de Valbuena

Music:

If you are hosting a destination wedding in Italy and you cannot think of what entertainment to provide, you should definitely call Gruppo Arechi. Thanks to their experience performing in concerts and organising events around the world, this professional team offers you the opportunity to enjoy some unforgettable entertainment on your wedding day. They are well known for their talents across the globe and have performed at events for many famous people. The renowned Gruppo Arechi boasts incomparable musical talents through performances that will enhance your wedding by providing a distinctive atmosphere.

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Photo: Gruppo Arechi Entertainment

Ok, now it’s time to think of how you’re going to bring your chosen venue to life. It’s hard to do a DIY-decorated wedding when you’re getting married abroad, so it’s best to seek the help of professionals in the area. In Italy, for example, RA Light Design stems from twenty years of experience in providing lighting for theatrical events and shows. The team can turn any old venue into a something incredibly unique, creating art with light, and always according to your own vision. No idea is too big or too small – their portfolio speaks for itself!

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RA Light Design
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RA Light Design

For decorating your destination wedding in Portugal, Habitos Decoração & Eventos, Portugal. This team apply bespoke methodology to every event, after getting to know you personally and understanding your every need. The price will vary from one event design to another, because these wedding creatives truly understand that no two weddings are the same. There is no standard price list as we distinguish ourselves in making each event unique and with its own character. Your special day in Portugal will be simply unforgettable. 

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Habitos Decoração & Eventos
saveHabitos Decoração & EventosFind out more
Habitos Decoração & Eventos

Photography:

Once you have taken the necessary steps to bring your wedding dreams to life through a gorgeous venue and creative event designers, make sure you are going to have it all preserved through a lens. What is the point in jetting off to paradise if you cannot remember every single detail with lovely photos? We recommend finding a wedding photographer local to the area. 

Phm Studio is constantly looking to capture the meaningful moments in life and is therefore very passionate about the spontaneous art of street photography. He gets his inspiration from looking at masterpieces, and this combined with his curiosity, patience and dedication allows him to create that perfect image  for your wedding. His love of street photography means he will not interrupt the event at any time requesting unnatural poses. Everything is spontaneous and therefore a genuine memory frozen in time. Choosing Phm Studio guarantees you will have unique wedding pictures and memories that no one will ever be able to take away from you.

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Photo: Phm studio

Art&Photos by Giunia Ricci is a great option, because this talented photographer in Italy thrives off natural human emotions and spontaneity, with a naturalistic approach.  Dances, loving glances, jokes, tears, throwing the bouquet… Giunia photographs all the feelings that she sees, and the result is simply wonderful. From the first meeting, to the expert photography lab, you’ll appreciate her friendly yet professional service throughout. 

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Art&Photos di Giunia Ricci
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Art&Photos di Giunia Ricci

There’s also Vinvent Aiello who’s been shooting destination weddings in Italy since 2005. Every wedding is unique, and the challenge is to capture the spirit and emotion of the day as faithfully as possible. Vinvent Aiello’s photography from your wedding will last a lifetime, constantly reminding you of the beauty of Italy, your venue, your decor, and your very own love story. Working as discreetly as possible, he can capture truly natural moments without the fussing over poses.

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Vincent Aiello Photography
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Vincent Aiello Photography

Also operating in Italy, Sabatino Maisto is one of our favourite wedding photographers. With discretion, creativity and passion, he will accompany you throughout your special day without hindering your rhythm – whilst always managing to capture all the nuances of every interaction and intricate detail. Sabatino’s work is always able to capture the moments in which emotions manifest themselves with simplicity and naturalness, they’re truly magical.

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Sabatino Maisto
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Sabatino Maisto

If you’d rather a UK-based wedding photographer, who’s willing to travel, then give Becky Harley a call. Becky is a wedding photographer in Hertfordshire, covering the UK and beyond. She has an extraordinary talent for capturing natural and relaxed wedding photographs, full of light, life and love, that will transport you back to the best day of your life. Your photography album will become a time capsule – there to enjoy for years, and generations to come.

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Becky Harley Wedding Photography
saveBecky Harley Wedding PhotographyFind out more
Becky Harley Wedding Photography

Contact the suppliers mentioned in this article

Becky Harley Photography Wedding photography
Gruppo Arechi Entertainment Live Music & Bands
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