From dream to reality: Why Georgia & Callum booked Swan Lake before they visited

Tell us how you found Swan Lake? What was the process of booking like? 

We found out about Quinta Lago dos Cisnes on TikTok and Instagram. I then googled the venue and came across Swan Lake and V&V planners. There was a contact number and Tania answered straight away and we arranged a zoom call immediately. Both Natalie and Tania were so efficient, thorough and helpful and have made the process so simple and enjoyable so far! 

Did you see the venue before booking? How did you know it was the one?

We didn’t see the venue before booking but due to the fact we wanted to get married within a year, we wanted to act quickly and we just absolutely fell in love with the venue through photos and videos that Natalie and Tania sent us.

The venue was just so unique and special, we’ve never seen anything quite like it. There were also plenty of testimonials from other brides and grooms so I knew we had found the one.

We arranged to fly to Braga for 2 days a few weeks after booking but I felt so confident going and had no doubts. When we saw the venue, it was beyond everything we had imagined- we fell in love and we are so excited for the wedding! 

What attracted you most to V&V / hiring a destination wedding planner? 

V&V just made us feel at ease straight away. They know exactly what we’re looking for, and are incredibly organised. I wanted my wedding planning year to be exciting and stress free but because both my partner and I have very busy jobs, I was worried it wasn’t going to be enjoyable.

We always wanted to get married abroad but I knew it would be difficult planning my own venue, flowers, suppliers etc. and now with V&V, I don’t have to worry about anything and know that we’re in safe hands. 

Tell us your vision for the day...

Our vision for the day is to make it a memorable, incredible experience not just for our guests but for us as a couple. As our guests are travelling abroad, we want to make sure everyone has an amazing time dancing, eating, drinking, come rain or shine! 

I’m so excited for my bridal party and I to have a beautiful bridal breakfast in the tree house- a princess experience! The most important thing on the day will be music and to make sure everyone’s having fun. 

With the mixture of a DJ, saxophonist and violinist followed by an incredible ‘cutting of the cake’ it’s everything we envisaged and we cannot wait to see our dreams become a reality.

The countdown is on: how far in advance did you book? 

We got engaged late August 2024 and have booked for late September 2025! As we wanted to get married within a year, it felt like finding this venue was meant to be! I would definitely recommend booking a year/ year and a half in advance, at least. 

What part of getting married at Swan Lake are you most excited about? 

Walking down the steps of Swan Lake as it really does look like a fairytale! The cutting of the cake also looks like a breathtaking experience and again, something we have never seen before at other weddings. Swan Lake just covers every beautiful detail that you wouldn’t even think of. From the beautiful architecture, dreamy outdoor decor, the most amazing food to friendly staff, we couldn’t ask for more.

Since booking, you have been and seen Swan Lake, what was your trip like and were you instantly in love with the venue? 

We haven’t long come back from the venue but it exceeded our expectations! It rained on the days we were there but we’re so happy we got to see it in bad weather as we know this would be the ‘worst case scenario’ but we were still completely in love with it! Weather is something you can’t control but I know after seeing the venue, it is absolutely stunning.

Tania and Natalie were also super efficient with booking us hotel tours where we found a perfect venue for our guests! They pieced together everything we were looking for. It took less than a day to find what we were looking for- such an easy, enjoyable process!

 Braga was a beautiful city, very traditional and homely with the liveliness of Porto on its door step.

Ready to begin planning your dream Portugal wedding? Let’s chat!