“Mon amour, ma vie…” is the story of this classy Estufa Fria wedding.
When Lucie and David met, they knew they were meant to be. Their connection was instant, their bond undeniable. Over the years, they built a life together, one that is rich in love, laughter, and the quiet understanding that they were, in every sense, each other’s perfect match.
This is the beautiful story of their Estufa Fria wedding – a celebration of love that overcame many obstacles, including a global pandemic, to bring their dreams to life in one unforgettable day.
Lucie, a French beauty with deep almond eyes that speak of her Tunisian roots, is the epitome of grace. She’s warm, funny, and caring – a woman who knows how to light up a room with her infectious energy. David, her soulmate, is a calm, easy-going man with a gentle demeanor. He’s polite, communicative, and ever supportive – the perfect complement to Lucie’s vibrant personality. Born in France to Portuguese parents, David has always been close to his roots.
Their journey together began a decade ago, and they quickly knew they were “twins” – the perfect match. They were in tune with each other, and every day spent together felt like destiny unfolding. Fast forward to 2019, during a holiday in Berlin, and Lucie said “yes” to David’s proposal, sealing their future with a promise of forever. But even with the engagement, they had no idea what the world had in store for them – or the challenges that would come with planning their dream wedding in the midst of a global crisis.
The couple had always dreamt of tying the knot in Portugal, a country close to David’s heart. They envisioned an elegant celebration surrounded by nature, love, and the soul-stirring sounds of Fado. The Estufa Fria, a majestic botanical garden in Lisbon, was the perfect venue for their dream wedding. With its serene atmosphere, lush greenery, and historical charm, it was everything they had hoped for – a romantic, magical setting that felt as timeless as their love.
As their wedding date neared, I was honored to be selected as their photographer. The opportunity to capture their special day was a joy I eagerly looked forward to. But of course, the pandemic had other plans.
March 2020 – the world was changing rapidly, and suddenly, all wedding plans seemed uncertain. The couple, based in France, had already started their preparations, but with international travel restrictions and uncertainty in the air, it became impossible for Lucie and David to fly to Portugal to finalize their arrangements. As if that wasn’t enough, two days before the wedding, they were forced to change venues due to a last-minute issue. The situation was tense – would their wedding be able to happen? Would guests be able to travel? Would everything go according to plan?
Despite all these challenges, Lucie and David kept their heads high. We communicated regularly, ensuring that all details were sorted and that their vision remained intact. The support and understanding they showed during this stressful period were a testament to their love and commitment. In the end, their patience and determination paid off. The wedding went forward, as planned, without any major hiccups, and most importantly, all of their closest friends and family were able to attend.
On September 13th Lucie and David exchanged vows in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. The gardens of Estufa Fria were in full bloom. The lush greenery created a natural, serene backdrop, perfectly complementing the elegance of their wedding.
The ceremony was intense and emotional. With the hauntingly beautiful sound of Portuguese guitars filling the air, Lucie and David made their vows. There were tears of joy as they promised to continue their journey together, side by side, for the rest of their lives. Family and friends, many of whom had traveled across borders and continents to be there, shared in the couple’s happiness, offering heartfelt speeches that moved everyone to tears.
In the midst of all the emotion, there was also plenty of laughter – a reminder of the fun-loving spirit that defines Lucie and David’s relationship. Their joy was contagious, and soon everyone was on the dance floor, celebrating late into the night. With each twirl and step, the love that had brought them together was reflected in every moment.
What made this day even more special was the presence of their five-year-old son, Lenny. He is the living embodiment of their love – a bright, energetic little boy who has brought so much joy and light into their lives. His beaming smile throughout the day was a testament to the happiness that Lucie and David have built together as a family.
As I looked through my lens, capturing the laughter, the tears, the intimate moments, and the grand gestures, it was clear: this wedding was more than just a celebration of Lucie and David’s love. It was a celebration of family, of resilience, and of the power of patience and hope. In the face of uncertainty, they had managed to hold onto what mattered most: each other, their family, and the beautiful life they were building together.
Lucie and David’s Estufa Fria wedding will forever be etched in my memory. It was a day of elegance, love, and unforgettable moments. From the emotional vows to the lively dancing, from the quiet moments shared between the couple to the joyful celebration with loved ones, it was a wedding that transcended the challenges of the pandemic and became a true reflection of their love story.
To Lucie and David – may your love continue to grow, may your days be filled with laughter, and may you always find joy in the little moments.
Be forever happy!
Venue: Estufa Fria
Catering: Casa do Marquês
Make-up artist: Vanmakes
2nd shooter: Frederico Rosa
Fado singer: Maria Vicente
Video team: Delight Films