MAHLET &
THOMAS

Mahlet and Thomas embracing beside a tall white cake in the woods of Quinta Lago dos Cisnes, fairy lights falling behind them

MAHLET & THOMAS

A Luxury Destination Wedding in the Woods of Quinta Lago dos Cisnes

The bride in a white satin robe on a wooden boardwalk among the trees, getting ready

The bride in a white robe surrounded by her bridesmaids in blush robes on the forest boardwalk

Black-and-white image of the bride in a flowing robe on the boardwalk, bridesmaids behind her

Close-up of the bride with long wavy hair in a white robe, her ring and nails in focus

The groom in a cream jacket with gold trim, adjusting his cuff among dark green foliage

The groom in a cream dinner jacket walking along a stone wall beside tall glass windows

Two views of the groom with his groomsmen in grey suits on the stone steps

The groom in sunglasses and a cream double-breasted jacket leaning on a white vintage car

The groom in sunglasses and a cream jacket in front of dark glass doors and a chandelier

The bride in a beaded gown and long veil on a wooden staircase in the forest

Flat lay of a Dior box, sunglasses, crystal earrings, perfume and jewelled heels

Mahlet and Thomas standing together among the trees, he in a cream jacket and she in a sparkling gown

The couple facing each other on a stone path in the woods, hands joined

The couple embracing among tall trees, her gown shimmering in the dappled light

The bride lifting her train as she walks along the boardwalk in the woods

Close-up of the bride on the forest staircase, her veil and beaded overskirt trailing behind her

The bride at the foot of a flower-lined staircase, her long train spread across the steps

The ceremony aisle: a staircase lined with roses beneath crystal chandeliers and hanging greenery

Two views of the ceremony seating in the woods, white chairs and chandeliers reflected on the ground

The groom walking down the woodland aisle with a woman in a pale gown beneath a chandelier

Black-and-white image of the bride on the arm of a man in a dark suit and sunglasses, descending stone steps

The bride at the top of the stone steps in a long veil, a tall wooden door behind her

Two views of the bride on the flower-lined staircase, her veil drifting in the breeze

The bride seen from behind as she walks the aisle between guests, her veil trailing over a floral runner

Mahlet and Thomas exchanging vows beneath a white floral arch with celebrant Mariano Sarno, chandeliers above

The groom smiling beside the bride as guests watch the civil ceremony in the woods

The newlyweds walking back up the aisle, he in a cream jacket and she holding her bouquet

Wide view of the aisle beneath the chandeliers, a floral arch and a gold mirror at its end

Black-and-white image of a champagne tower overflowing at the reception

Two guests in a green dress and a black dress posing together on the lawn

A grazing table of fresh produce on a wooden board beneath hanging branches

Two guests in a silver sequin dress and a black slit dress walking along the path

The bride with her bridesmaids in dusty pink dresses on the garden stairs, her train spread before them

Two views: the couple embracing at the table, and a family portrait with the bride on the lawn

Illustrated portraits of the guests displayed on gold easels as part of the seating plan

Seating plan on a mirrored sign with the couple’s names in script, set among the trees

Close-up of pale pink roses and crystal glassware on a reception table

Candlelight, crystal glasses and soft bokeh on the wedding table

The reception under a wooden canopy, a round table set among hanging lanterns

Candles, white roses and glassware arranged on the dinner table

The sweetheart table dressed with a cascade of pastel flowers at Quinta Lago dos Cisnes

The couple leaning against a white vintage car on a stone driveway, palm trees behind

Black-and-white portrait of the bride in a sparkling gown and sunglasses beside the vintage car

Mahlet and Thomas walking hand in hand beneath palm trees in the garden

The couple at the sweetheart table before a wall of chandeliers and candles

Portrait of the couple, Thomas in a dark green jacquard tuxedo and Mahlet in a short white dress with puff sleeves

Black-and-white image of the couple dancing close, foreheads almost touching

The couple embracing beneath crystal chandeliers in the reception space

Night view of the lake with floral arches and floating candles reflected on the water

The couple at night among fairy lights, he in a green tuxedo and she in a short white dress

Black-and-white image of the couple at a white floral arch at night, a glowing orb in the foreground

Fireworks lighting the sky above the palm trees as guests watch

CREDITS

Location

Braga
Venue

Quinta Lago dos Cisnes
Bridal Designer

Valdrin Sahiti
Hair

Sofia Silva
Make up

Irina Madaleno
Celebrant

Mariano Sarno

The Vision

Mahlet and Thomas crossed the Atlantic from the United States with one idea: a luxury destination wedding in Portugal, surrounded by the people closest to them. They found it at Quinta Lago dos Cisnes, in Braga, where tall trees, wooden walkways and soft natural light created a setting both grand and intimate.

The Narrative

The civil ceremony was led by celebrant Mariano Sarno. The setting was dressed with chandeliers hung among the trees and floral arrangements in ivory and blush. Mahlet wore a gown by Valdrin Sahiti with a sweeping train that moved gracefully through the woodland. As the light faded, the celebration moved into a warm evening of flowers, music and dancing.

Our Editorial Approach

In a setting this rich in light and texture, our focus was contrast: the green of the woods against the softness of the gown, the intimacy of quiet portraits against the energy of the celebration. We worked with guided spontaneity, guiding Mahlet and Thomas just enough to shape elegant compositions while keeping every emotion real, from the quiet preparations to the last dance.