Justin & Laura
Come Fly Away For Our Big Day
June 2, 2023 | Sintra, Portugal
OUR STORY
The year is 2005. On a warm summer's day in picturesque Ellensburg, WA, two high school kids unknowingly signed up to attend the same business camp, not knowing they went to the same school.
Some might say it was love at first sight for Justin, but while that didn't come for many years later, a beautiful friendship was formed. Justin and Laura stayed fiercely in the friend-zone throughout high school (even going to a school dance together!) and beyond their college years.
It wasn't until Justin was living out in New York City and Laura was still in Seattle, that the two decided it would be a good time to start dating. After a few years of long-distance dating under their belts, Justin moved back to Seattle and the two moved in together. And that, my friends, is where the real adventure began.
From quitting jobs and traveling Southeast Asia, backpacking in Yellowstone and logging hundreds of hiking miles under their boots, to hunkering down together during a global pandemic, the two thought maybe, just maybe, they had a real chemistry that couldn't be taught in their high school classroom.
Justin proposed to Laura on the cliffs of Cabo da Roca, Portugal on October 9, 2021, indisputably sealing Portugal as a special place in their hearts forevermore.
SEE YOU IN SINTRA
We are beyond excited to invite our friends and family to join us in enchanting Sintra, Portugal for our wedding.
We know it's a long way to travel, but once you get there, we guarantee you'll understand the magic and magnetism that keeps pulling us back to God's perfection that is Portugal.
We can't wait to celebrate!
Only This Many More Days!
EVENT DETAILS
PLEASE JOIN US
Welcome Party
When: Thursday, June 1st
Where: Palácio de Seteais
Time: 5:30pm
Attire: Cocktail
The Big Day
When: Friday, June 2nd
Where: Palácio de Seteais
Time: 5pm
Attire: Black Tie Optional
(Ladies - block heels are recommended for the cobblestone street and lawn!)
Bon Voyage Brunch
When: Saturday, June 3rd
Where: Palácio de Seteais
Time: 9am-12pm
Attire: Casual
Although we love your little ones, we have chosen for our wedding to be an adult-only occasion.
We hope this advance notice means you are still able to share in our big day.
THE DESTINATION
Just a short ride away from Lisbon, driving into Sintra is like driving into the 18th century. Nestled into the mountains overlooking the Atlantic ocean, Sintra's rich history and charming town will leave you feeling like fairytales really do exist.
Built in 1787, we are pinching ourselves to be hosting our wedding at Sintra's famous hotel, Tivoli Palácio de Seteais.
Seteais means seven sighs, a name inspired, according to legend, by the romance between a Portuguese noble and a Moorish princess.
Humberto Delgado Airport
The Lisbon Airport is served by all major airlines. From the airport, it is about a 20-30 minute drive to Sintra. Ubers and taxis are readily available.
Travel tip: Stop by Vodafone and get a SIM card at the airport to have full data usage while you are in Portugal. We recommend arriving early to acclimate to the time difference. In addition to Sintra, Lisbon and Cascais are both stunning nearby locations.
Accommodation
We have reserved a complimentary two night stay at a local hotel for our guests on June 1st and June 2nd. Room details will be provided once all RSVPs are collected.
If you'd like to book additional nights, we have secured a room block from May 31st to June 3rd at Sintra Boutique Hotel. Rooms will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Reference the Seeley wedding when booking.
A Note About Walking
For guests staying at Sintra Boutique Hotel, please keep in mind that our wedding venue is located on a one-way road. The easiest and fastest way back to your hotel is a 15 minute mostly-flat walk.
Once the road becomes two-way again, it is easy to call Ubers or grab a TukTuk.
For what it's worth, Justin and I both think the walk is very scenic and enjoyable!
GETTING THERE
Did someone say:
Euro Trip?!
C'mon and get your Rick Steves on!
We've rounded up some of our favorite places, restaurants, and activities around Portugal and put them all in one handy dandy master Google Map list for you below (mobile-only).
We would love to offer other ideas and suggestions as you start planning your travels, so don't hesitate to reach out!
SINTRA
While many travelers tack on Sintra as just a day-trip from Lisbon, this whimsical little town has much to offer. So much in fact, it's classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here are a few must-do's:
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Palácio Nacional da Pena: Painted bright yellow and red, this is arguably the most popular site in Sintra. Sitting high atop the mountain, you'll want to take an Uber, bus, or TukTuk up. For the adventurous hikers, there is a walking path from the city center up to the palace.
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Fun Fact: The view from our ceremony will look up at Pena Palace!
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Vale dos Lagos e Pateira: Beautiful botanical gardens outside Pena Palace. You can walk through here as you make your way over to the Moorish castle.
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Castelo dos Mouros: I don't think the Moors intended to build a modern-day stair-stepper, but you'll certainly get your steps in at this 10th-century Moorish castle.
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Quinta da Regaleira: Justin's favorite place! About a 2 minute walk away from our wedding venue, the "Initiation Well" (Poço Iniciático) inside is a must-do.
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Fun fact: This well was actually never used as a water source, but rather for secret ceremonial rituals that inspired The DaVinci Code.
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National Palace: Conveniently located in downtown Sintra. Do not sleep on this one!
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Restaurants:
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Tascantiga: All that site-seeing can make you hungry! This is an amazing tapas place, like you actually can't leave until you go.
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Villa Craft Beer & Bread: Grab a Portuguese craft beer and flatbread in this tiny hole-in-the wall spot near the National Palace. This place is cash-only so keep some euros on you.
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Piriquita: Walk inside and say, "I'll have the famous pastry (Travesseiros) and a cappuccino." They'll know what you mean.
LISBON
As the capital and largest city in Portugal, you won't run out of things to do in Lisboa. From site-seeing to bar-crawling, you can eat, drink, and walk your way through this bustling coastal city.
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Castelo de S. Jorge: Take an Uber, tram, TukTuk, or your two feet up to this iconic medieval castle. Sitting on top of the highest hill and overlooking the Tagus River, it can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Keep your eye out for the roaming peacocks on the grounds.
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Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Hit this viewpoint on the way up to the castle.
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Tram 28: This is the famous tram you see in pics that goes past Catedral Sé and through popular tourist districts.
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Praça do Comércio: A really cool plaza bordered by shops, restaurants, and the river. Often, there is live music and entertainment in the square. (This is a good place to grab a TukTuk!)
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Chiado: Main shopping street, and fun place to walk around with bars and restaurants. Portugal is known for its tiles so be sure to look out for all the cool wall tiles around the city.
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Pink Street: Fun going out spot for both tourists and locals. You'll know you're there when the street turns pink! ;)
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LX Factory: You'll get some Brooklyn hipster vibes in this street market outside of Lisbon. Be sure to stop in Ler Devagar while there.
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Rent Scooters: Grab a Bird and scoot along the path by the Tagus River. Head West toward the MAAT (museum with cool architecture) and Torre Belém. After, go to Pastéis de Belém and get the famous Portuguese pastry. There is a 100% chance there will be a line, but it goes by fast because the place looks small but is seriously massive on the inside.
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Cascais: Uber or take the train out to this lively beach town. You could also consider spending a few nights here!
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Restaurants:
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TimeOut Market: A massive food court with something that will surely satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
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Palácio Chiado: Old palace converted into restaurants.
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Madame Petisca: Good views for happy hour.
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Cotidiano: Trendy spot with bowls, smoothies and salads.
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Dear Breakfast: For when you just need a solid breakfast spot.
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THE ALGARVE
Ahhh, the Algarve. Even just typing this, I can feel the warm ocean breeze on my face. If you're in the mood for a proper beach getaway, keep reading.
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Where To Stay: Lagos is known for its nightlife, but it is the more touristy part of the Algarve. We stayed at the north end of Lagos at Avenida Hotel, which was great for getting in and out to go on day trips with a rental car. According to sources, East Algarve is where more locals vacation (Tavira, Faro, Albufeira).
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Beaches:
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Praia do Camilo (Lagos): Walk or drive here. Continue to walk south toward Ponta da Piedade for some incredible postcard-like views.
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Praia de Porto Mos (Lagos)
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Praia da Marinha (Lagoa)
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Benagil Caves (Lagoa)
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Restaurants:
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Caniço (Alvor): A MUST. A tiny little restaurant tucked away into the side of a cliff. Go explore Praia da Prainha and Praia dos Três Irmãos afterward. Be sure to checkout the east side of the beach and see how far you can go.
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Dos Artistas (Lagos): A fancier restaurant, but one of our best Portuguese dinners. Great espresso martinis, if I remember correctly.
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Driving Route: There are flights to the Algarve, but the 3-ish hour scenic drive is worth it. If you choose to rent a car, you'll drive south through Setúbal and, listen up, because you absolutely must do the following.
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Drive the N739 through the Serra de Arrábida national park. Stop and get out of the car at Miradouro do Portinho da Arrábida and silently weep at how breathtaking the view is in front of you.
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Pull yourself together and continue driving to Miradouro do Norte. Repeat the steps above.
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On the drive back down, stop at Praia do Portinho da Arrábida and enjoy the beach and a Super Bock. Just trust me on this one!
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PORTO
Beautiful Porto. If you love port as much as my Nan, this is the place for you.
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Sandeman: Founded in 1790, this is the famous port brand featuring the man in a cape and wide-brimmed hat. Take a port tour here.
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Livraria Lello: Rated one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid waiting in line.
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Fun Fact: JK Rowling lived in Porto and its where she got inspiration and began writing the Harry Potter series. (You'll get some HP vibes visiting the bookstore). Similarly, all the freshman students in Porto wear robes, so keep an eye out for them.
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São Bento Train Station: Probably the most gorgeous train station you'll ever see. Hand-painted tiles (azulejos) line the walls and you'll feel wrapped up in the hustle and bustle around you. This would be a great way to arrive to Porto from Lisbon!
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Shopping: Porto has some of the best shopping around! Be sure to check out Flores Streets to find the perfect souvenir. Claus Porto (handmade soaps) and Typographia (graphic t-shirts) are two of my personal favorites.
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McDonald's Imperial: A little random, but the McDonald's in Porto is actually so nice. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling and I'm pretty sure I saw Sia swinging from one last time.
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Adega São Nicolau: A little classier than McDonald's. I still dream about this restaurant.
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Douro Valley: For those up for an adventure, take a boat or train east towards the Douro Valley. Stop at different Quintas along the way for wine tasting, or just enjoy the spectacular views on the ride. Would highly recommend spending a couple days in the DV if your schedule permits!
