Rescue Dogs Filmed This Wedding with GoPros, and It's Pretty Much the Best Thing Ever

dogs wearing gopros film wedding

Photo: del Sol Photography

When your bride-to-be is an animal-lover extraordinaire, it’s only appropriate that her day is filled with her favorite things — puppies! And that’s exactly what groom Peter Rushton and wedding photographer Sol Tamargo created for Rushton’s dog-loving bride, Shahr Nouraini.

The couple planned to get married May 7 in Rivera Maya, Mexico and had a pre-wedding meeting with their wedding photographer, Sol Tamargo of del Sol Photography. During the meeting, Sol and Nouraini discussed the couple’s love for dogs and the fact that their wedding registry was going to be for a local animal animal shelter in Mexico, according to the Huffington Post. The bride even went as far as to ask if the photographer could bring any dogs to the wedding (because why not?). After all the dog discussion, Tamargo came back to her office with a brilliant an idea.

Tamargo conspired with the groom, who was already planning on surprising his bride-to-be in some way, with the perfect plan: they’d put GoPros on some local dogs from the animal shelter, Playa Animal Rescue (PAR). The dogs would walk around the wedding to film it from their perspectives, and the dog’s handlers would promote PAR on social media and find the dogs their forever homes during the wedding.

See More: The Cutest Photos of Dogs in Weddings

The result was nothing short of amazing. Not only did the pups have the most unique dog’s-eye-view of the bride and groom’s big day (catching the bride by unmistakable surprise), but also the photos and video of the dogs recording the big day are pretty much the cutest thing ever. In the video, the dogs are present at every part of the day — while the bride and her ‘maids are getting ready, the walk down the aisle, the guests coming through (and all the while, being snuggled and pet by everyone they encountered).

dog wearing gopro films bride

Photo: YouTube

dogs wearing gopros film wedding

Photo: YouTube

“Dogs have a way of lightening a space, bringing joy just by being present, and adding laughter to situations,” the newlyweds sht dogs are one of the primary memories that come up when people talk about our wedding.” And the best news of the big day? Two of the three dogs, Daisy and Daphne, were adopted shortly after the wedding. “It’s been almost two months since our wedding.??Such a memorable (and adorable!) way to celebrate the most important day of your lives. See the full video, below.

The 7 Alcohol Fails to Avoid When Planning Your Wedding Reception Bar

common-wedding-booze-mistakes-couples-make.jpg

Photo: Lindsay Hite of Readyluck

Hey brides, want to raise the bar when it comes to your own wedding bar? Whether you’ve got a big booze budget or not, here are the mistakes you’ll want to avoid making in order to put your guests in good spirits!

1. Not catering to your crowd
First things first, know your crowd, advises Maren White, The Greenbrier Weddings Director. “You made the guest list and should therefore have a decent idea of how many people drink and what their preferences are. This will help you determine the type of bar you want to offer.” For example, if you’re catering to a beer-drinking crowd, spice things up with some local microbrews, she says. And if they’re all wine connoisseurs, splurge a little on bottles that your guests will appreciate. Signature drinks and premium liquor are always good ideas for the cocktail-loving crowd.

2. Offering up shots, shots, shots!
Shots sound like a lot of fun in theory, but can wind up being a huge headache in more ways than one! Senior Creative Event and Trend Specialist, Rachel Bruzek, of D’Amico Catering agrees. Hosting shots can become a beverage provider, homeowner and caterer’s nightmare, she warns. “Guests can get intoxicated extremely fast. Homeowner’s insurance and liquor licenses are also at stake, as well as the guests’ reputation. Not to mention, it becomes an embarrassment for the host to have a member of the bridal party cut off and taken out of a venue for being too drunk.” Yikes!

3. Trying to bring your own booze
Especially the wine. Corkage fees were invented to allow guests to bring in a specialty wine to their event, not for groups to purchase Two Buck Chuck in an attempt to save money, cautions Angie Casper, Director of Catering at Alexis Hotel in Seattle, WA. “Couples often underestimate the value of a professional catering company handling this for you, as they tend to under or over estimate what they’ll need,” she explains. “Often they fall short of white wine on a hot day or are left with several cases of wine at the end of the event.” In the long run, she’s seen couples go through all the work of providing their own (not great tasting) wines and not save a dime. Eek.

4. Forgetting the beer
Lots of liquor is great, but what about the beer!? As Ani Keshishian, Creative Director of Anoush Banquet Halls & Catering and L.A. Banquets, points out, a fully stocked bar with the full selection of liquor options and only two choices for beer isn’t even a glass half full if your fianc&#233’s college buddies are all beer drinkers and your new boss can’t order his favorite brew. “Just because it’s not a cocktail doesn’t mean that it’s not important.”

See More: How to Pick Your Signature Wedding Cocktail

5. Getting too specialized
For signature cocktails, Bittercube founders Nicholas Kosevich and Ira Koplowitz say simplicity is always best. “Each signature cocktail should be based in the classics, with enough of a twist to differentiate itself and create a unique experience for your guests.” As for beer, offering a selection of just an IPA and a stout is too specialized, according to Josh Tart, Director of Catering at RiverPlace Hotel in Portland, OR. “We’re seeing more and more of this with the rising popularity of craft beer.” Providing a broader variety of both beer and cocktails won’t drive up the cost like many people think, he says, or tempt guests to overdrink.

6. Not having enough options for non-drinkers
So many times, I see bars with a fantastic variety, but too few options for the non-drinker, notes wedding photographer Kate Lyon of Kate Marie Photography. “Make sure you have a variety of sodas, water and coffee for later in the reception!”

7. Ignoring the bartender-guest ratio suggestions
As Lyon points out, there’s nothing worse than waiting in line for too long to get a cold drink, especially if it’s hot outside! “If your wedding is large, consider having two bar stations, set in different areas,” she recommends.

Kym Johnson's Wedding Flowers Sound Absolutely Gorgeous (But They're Not What You'd Expect…)

Kym Johnson, you never fail to surprise us when it comes to those upcoming wedding plans of yours! The Dancing with the Stars pro already shocked us when she shared that the wedding dress she’ll be wearing to her nuptials to Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec won’t be anything like the glitzy and glam little frocks she pirouettes in, and that she’s going with a more simple “I do” design. Now, Johnson is revealing yet another unexpected big day detail — her wedding flowers.

What kind of bridal bouquet do you think this dancing pro will clutch for her walk down the aisle? Blooms as big and bold as her ballroom skills? Yep, us too. But once again, Johnson is proving us wrong!

“[Flowers are] my favorite part of the whole wedding,” the blonde beauty told People magazine in an exclusive video of her florist excursion. We’re definitely with you on that one, Johnson! Even her hubby-to-be knowns the importance of big day blooms. “The most challenging part of wedding planning has been the flowers,” said Herjavec. “I want lots of flowers. Picking them is more of a Kym thing.” Yep, you probably want to leave that one to the bride… (We do know best, after all!)

But just what kind of flowers is this particular bride picking? “I kind of like very simple, classic design,” Johnson shared. “I don’t want it to be too full-on and crazy.” Not exactly what we’d expect from this dancing queen, considering her penchant for glittery frocks on the Dancing with the Stars floor, but her wedding flower style — all-white peonies and roses — definitely sounds breathtakingly beautiful, nonetheless!

Now that she’s done with this big wedding to-do (“I can check that off the list!” said Johnson), all there’s left to do is choreograph that first wedding dance, right? Obviously, it’s bound to score a perfect Dancing with the Stars 10 from us!

See More: 44 Picture-Perfect Peony Bouquets

15 Things My Wife Does That Make Me Fall In Love With Her Again

scottsdale wedding

Photo: Amy & Jordan

My wife and I dated for nearly eight years before deciding to tie the knot three years ago. I’ve had lots of time to reflect on what works for us, and what I can tell you about love is that (to use one of my wife’s least favorite phrases) it’s a process, one that’s aided considerably by the following traits.

Some of them are things she does deliberately, and others are things I just happen to find endearing. There’s no magic set of things you can do to maintain and grow a relationship, but what makes these traits meaningful to me is that they’re all authentic expressions of her self and values.

None of them are terribly important on their own, but they remind me daily of why I asked her to marry me in the first place.

1. She gives me space.

Sometimes the best thing for your relationship is what you don’t do. My wife and I each need time to ourselves, both because of the kinds of work we do and because we each need personal down time to unwind. The best way for her to support my work and mental health is sometimes to leave me be, and I try to return the favor and not interrupt her when she’s writing, too.

2. She lets me get away for a couple of days.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder they say, and sometimes there’s nothing like a long car trip with the guys to make you long for the company of your partner. I realize this list doesn’t sound super-romantic so far, but long-term relationships do not consist entirely of splendors and grand romantic gestures. Sometimes they’re more like a backcountry trail that reveals its treasures intermittently between periods of walking uphill.

Taxes and financial planning, for example, don’t become simpler or less contentions when another person is involved.

3. She’s usually right.

My wife does her research. She’s not prone to casually spouting off about things she knows nothing of. She has opinions, some of them quite strongly held, but they’re informed opinions. Not to get all Machiavellian, but both people in a relationship need their partner to be an asset and not a liability.

Of course, we’re all liabilities sometimes, and love means taking care of your partner when they’re sick, hurt, or just a bit too tipsy. But you also can’t expect yourself to support a partner who consistently makes harmful decisions. I’m very happy to be with someone who carefully researches her options and brings evidence to our decision-making conversations.

4. She talks me into doing things.

When my wife suggested we travel to a major American city to participate in a mass protest, my initial reaction was roughly “I don’t see how it helps the cause for us to get abused by police.” It turned out to be an inspiring event that led me to change my behaviors in some important ways, and I’m thankful we went. I’m lucky to have a partner who’s willing to push against my inertia and get me out of the house in spite of my apprehensions.

See More: 3 Mistakes That Almost Killed My Marriage (By A Happily Married Man)

5. She doesn’t let me get away with sh*t.

Although I usually don’t appreciate it at the time, in the grand view I’m really thankful that my wife lets me know when I’m slipping up. This gives me an opportunity to see my role in our relationship more clearly, and make adjustments where necessary.

6. She argues for her beliefs.
They aren’t always the most pleasant conversations at the time, but my wife is willing to disagree with me and defend her perspectives with reference to a great deal of evidence, which means that, even if I don’t share her perspective on every issue, I at least have a more complex understanding than I did before we talked.

7. She understands that we have different tastes.
My wife is never going to be into the Grateful Dead, and that’s OK. You are not obligated to like everything your partner likes, but you are somewhat obligated to put up with them liking it, and that might mean listening to a Grateful Dead show now and then, although I try to hold up my end of the bargain by not exposing her to things she doesn’t care for, especially after she was such a sport at the Phil and Friends show.

8. She gets dressed up.
We’ve been together for years and have seen each other naked thousands of times, but my wife still keeps track of my tastes in shoes, clothes, makeup, and hair, and incorporates my preferences into her personal style.

See More: 50 Romantic Quotes That’ll Remind You Why Love Is ALL That Matters

9. She gets undressed.
My wife likes to go around the house naked, and while it’s not for my benefit, I nevertheless enjoy it.

10. She’s kind.

When I see her take time to play with the cats or share kind words with a friend on the street, I’m reminded again of what a compassionate person she is.

11. She chills the wine.

Falling in love again is easier over a glass of wine, especially one that’s been put in the fridge earlier that day by a spouse who knows it’s going to be appreciated after a day at work.

12. She carves up the slopes.
It’s not the skiing itself, but seeing her excel at something she loves doing makes her very attractive coming down the mountain in her ski gear. If my wife was passionate about playing the drums, I’d probably fall in love with her again watching her pound the skins.

13. She grows plants.
Like seeing her being kind to animals, seeing her out in the yard or on the porch in her floppy hat taking care of our plants, many of which she sprouted from seeds or rescued from roadsides, reminds me of how caring she is and makes me adore her even more.

14. She loves chocolate.
I’m not sure why, but I find this endlessly endearing.

15. She takes walks with me.
If you’re looking to fall in love again, you could do worse than to take a walk by a river on a crisp evening while the sun pours its late afternoon light all over everything. Maybe if you’re really lucky you’ll hold hands and have an informed argument.

See More: I Refuse To Let My Wife’s Depression Ruin My Marriage

This article originally appeared on YourTango.

BRIDES Houston: These 5 Outdoor Spots in Houston are Ideal for Popping the Question

houston proposal spots

Photo: Courtesy of geneva.walker on Instagram

Choosing to propose to your partner is a big decision — let alone where to do it! For our Houston brides and grooms wanting to officially take your love off the market, these one-of-a-kind proposal spots are sure to be a totally gorgeous proposal backdrop. From gardens to reflection pools, you’re sure to find the ideal outdoor spot to ask the biggest question of your life.

Houston Arboretum
What better place to ask your love to marry you than by some of Houston’s most breathtaking blooms? With a flock of ornate gardens including “The Wildlife Garden” — featuring intimate benches for watching the unique setting’s wild birds, animals, and butterflies, there’s no limit to the amount of creativity allotted to your proposal moment. Wedding rentals infused with the arboretum’s lush greens and natural foliage also makes this spot the perfect place to later tie the knot! Read real brides’ reviews here!

Memorial Park
The natural elements of one of Houston’s most popular parks create a magical wooded escape from the city’s bustling metropolitan streets. Memorial Park is an ideal spot for a picturesque proposal, located next to Houston’s thriving arboretum, and the botanical scents of this park will waft their way to wherever you are — creating a romantic aroma for the big moment. For anyone wanting to make an extra-special proposition, this Houston staple is the spot for a post-picnic proposal!

See More: Find The Best Wedding Planner for Your Big Day on Our Local Vendors Page

Discovery Green
Noted for providing Texans with some of the best panoramic views of the Houston skyline, this popular destination has been uniting couples in the heart of downtown Houston since 2008. Meant to completely redefine the natural landscape of its surrounding urban environment, the location is a beautiful site to kick-off a lifetime of memories with your partner. Covering 12-acres of extensive green landscape, there are an endless amount of hidden locations to get down on one knee.

The Reflection Pool at the Houston Zoo
Ranking as one of Houston’s most whimsical and magical spots for an engagement, the serene setting of the reflection pool at the Houston Zoo provides romance and curiosity. Thanks to the cascading arch effect provided by its overgrown trees, the reflection pool is a serene and very unexpected location to pop the question to your sweetheart. Some of the zoo’s most popular areas are also available to rent for wedding ceremonies, giving you and your other half a magical start to “happily ever after” at the spot of your proposal.

McGovern Centennial Gardens
What better way to get engaged to your fianc&eacutee than in the middle of one of Houston’s most coveted proposal spots. Located in Hermann Park, the McGovern Centennial Gardens’ ornate collection of flowers and plants is a stunning locale for this life-changing event. Whether your partner loves to stop and smell the roses in the rose garden or prefers more of a forest vibe in the one-of-a-kind woodland garden, this unique celebration of nature will provide the perfect backdrop to your special occasion. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Need an expert photographer to capture your engagement? Check out our favorite Houston photographers here!

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Celebrity Bridal Beauty Looks of the Week: Diane Kruger, Chanel Iman, Lizzy Caplan

celeb beauty looks diane kruger chanel iman lizzy caplan

Photo: Getty Images

Diane Kruger gives us understated glam, Chanel Iman’s look goes for over-the-top drama and Lizzy Caplan takes faux lashes for a spin. Take wedding day beauty inspiration from these red carpet mavens.


Diane Kruger at the New York premiere of ‘The Infiltrator’:
When it comes to looking effortlessly chic, Diane Kruger is the queen of the game, and a great reference for any bride who wants to take a quiet approach to her big day glam. Start by buffing a lightweight foundation into your skin with a wet makeup sponge to get a flawless-but-natural effect, and warm up the cheeks with a coral blush. Apply a metallic brown shadow from your upper lash line to just above the crease, and then smudge it under the lower lashes, as well. Then take a matte brown that is a shade or two darker and sweep it above the metallic shadow, and use a shimmery champagne color to highlight the inner corners. Next, apply a coat or two of mascara, wiggling it at the base of the lashes to create a lined effect. Brush your brows up and out and fill them in with a pencil to give your eyes a strong outline, and then finish by using a powder highlighter down the middle of your face and across your cheekbones. A swipe of pink lip gloss, and you’re done.

Lizzy Caplan at the premiere of ‘Ghostbusters’: If you never wear faux lashes, your wedding day is a great time to give them a try, and Lizzy Caplan shows us why: After perfecting your complexion with a lightweight foundation, line your upper lashes with a black eyeliner and add some depth with shades of brown on the lid and in the crease. A strip of faux lashes immediately takes this then everyday look into glamorous territory while still maintaining its dignity (and classic appeal). Perfectly shaped brows and pink cheeks and lips complete the look that is apropos for any style wedding.

Chanel Iman at the 2016 VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail the Queen: Looking for a little drama in the beauty department for your nuptials? Then look no further than Chanel Iman’s futuristic look. For the complexion, keeps things smooth and glowing using plenty of highlighter and warming up the cheekbones with a bronzer. Then, for those bold eyes, begin by tightlining the top and bottom lids. Create a traditional cateye with a black liquid liner, and then use a matte black or dark gray shadow and create an exaggerated winged shape that extends all the way to the corner of your eyebrow. A few coats of mascara and some highlighter below the lower lashes will make the look pop even more. To continue the drama, shape and shade in your brows deeply, extending the lines slightly beyond your natural brows. Finally, keep the lip simple with a clear gloss or nude lipstick.

The Best Wedding Registry Rewards and Perks

Wedding Registry Rewards

Photo: Getty Images

Wait, you mean there’s more? As if getting to scan your way into oblivion and adding everything you could ever dream of owning onto a giant wish list wasn’t enough of an incentive to register for your wedding, many retailers also offer irresistible perks and rewards just for registering with them. Selecting a store to sign up with with is an important decision, so check out this wedding registry rewards breakdown to narrow down the best programs and added bonuses for you and your soon-to-be spouse.

Macy’s
Largely considered one of the best retailers for registry rewards, Macy’s offers tons of perks for their bridal registrants. Through their Registry Star Rewards Programs, couples not only get 10 percent off on every eligible purchase they make throughout their registries timeline, but they also receive five percent rewards, in the form of a gift card, at the end of their registry based on total net spend. Added perks include a valuable coupon book at the time of sign up, on top of tons of manufacturer completion gifts, too. Pair these perks with their “complete your registry” 20 percent discount post-wedding, and it’s easy to crown Macy’s as King of wedding registry reward programs.

Bed Bath & Beyond
The Start-to-Finish Incentive Program at Bed Bath & Beyond features a bunch of perks that will make registering for wedding gifts even more exciting. With the “freebook” couples select brands within the book to add to their registry, and can earn free gifts based on purchases. They also offer a completion program which enables new couples to use once online, and once in store within three months of saying ‘I do,” for a discount on your remaining items. Paired with free announcement cards, competitive pricing and hassle-free returns, Bed Bath & Beyond will take your wedding registry “beyond” your expectations.

Crate & Barrel
Free wine glasses? Yes please. Couples that select Crate & Barrel as their registry retailer receive a free gift at sign-up — a set of their stemless wine glasses. Additionally, they offer 10 percent off the entire store, even furniture, for six months after your wedding date along with manufacturer bonus gifts for certain spend thresholds on select registry items. All registry items ship free, they have select sip-and-scan private registry events, as well as a handy “Thank You Manager” to help keep you organized and make your thank you card writing experience (a bit) less overwhelming!

Kohl’s
Gifts that arrive after your wedding day end up being extra little surprises that can help you treat yourself. After your big day, Kohl’s offers 10 percent back (on a gift card) on all gifts purchased from your registry for some post-wedding shopping. They also offer a 15 percent completion program within three months of your wedding, so you can grab any gifts remaining on your list. Manufacturer bonus gifts, free announcement cards (with 20 percent off coupons!) and seamless returns and exchanges make Kohls’ a fun and convenient spot for registering, full of added perks.

Target
Target, Tarjay, however you say it, it’s right on target for wedding registries. (See what we did there?) Registrants at this retailer have direct access to bonus gifts with qualifying purchases, as well as a 15 percent discount on all registry items not purchased off their registry. Additionally, Target features a “group gifting” feature that enables several gift-givers to all chip-in for a larger gift.

Bloomingdales
Luxury lovers, be sure to check out Bloomingdales wedding registry. Aside from having a slew of gorgeous housewares, dinnerware and décor at your fingertips (only a laser gun scan away!) they have an impressive registry program. With devoted wedding specialists that work exclusively with soon-to-wed couples, you can create your dream registry and get rewarded for it, too. Savings opportunities for enrolled couples include 25 percent off dresses and suits, 20 percent off fine jewelry (hello, wedding dress accessories!) and 10 percent off luggage purchases, so you can stock up on wedding and honeymoon essentials while saving money for the big day. Additionally, completion offers and discounts await, as do “splurge cards” which are given for couples that reach specific spend levels.

See More: The Hottest Kitchen Registry Items for 2016

6 Cute Wedding Sign Ideas to Clue Guests In on the Wedding-Day Schedule

Lately, we’ve been spotting plenty of cute and creative wedding sign ideas on Pinterest. One of our favorites? Signs that outline the order of events so guests know exactly what to expect throughout the wedding day. That way, they won’t get antsy wondering what’s about to happen next. Check out six of our favorite takes on this idea:

Hand-Lettered Windowpane (above): Repurpose a weathered white window and hand-letter a brief overview of the wedding day on the glass panes for a casual, down-home feel.

Wooden Pallet Sign: Turn a salvaged wood pallet into a creative wedding-timeline sign with chalkboard labels and white chalk.

Wooden Sign: For a more organic look, hand-paint a wooden sign and decorate it with a garland of fresh greenery.

Gilded-Frame Chalkboard: Step up a simple chalkboard sign by adding a beautiful vintage frame.

Window Sign: Another clever take on a repurposed window pane to showcase the wedding day’s itinerary.

Cocktail Napkins: Okay, this isn’t a sign, per se, but these cocktail napkins printed with the day’s schedule are such a clever way to let everyone know what’s in store.

4 Fun Alternatives to Bridal Shower Games

There’s nothing a mother of the bride and her friends love more than doling out their marriage tips to the bride and her friends. And we’re pretty sure you have your own advice for the bride, too! If you’re planning a bridal shower and looking for a cute memento the bride can use for a lifetime of happily-ever-after — and an alternative to those overdone bridal shower games — consider incorporating these ideas into her bridal shower.

A Recipe Box
Along with the invitation, send every guest a blank recipe card to fill out. To avoid repeats as best you can, assign each guest a category: Appetizers, Mains, Desserts, Snacks. Ask everyone to put their favorite recipe on the card and bring it with them to the bridal shower. Then, buy a cute recipe box and have everyone drop their cards inside. Present the box as the last gift of the shower! Pro Tip: Not everyone will remember to fill out their card ahead of time — or some might want to include more than one recipe! — so bring extras to the party.

The Date Night Jar
Ideas can run dry after a lifetime of marriage, so get a jumpstart on their future and help them outsource some great date ideas. Buy an oversized mason jar and hand out slips of paper to each guest as they walk in the door. Have them write their best date night (or day) idea on that paper — encourage them to be creative or pull from the best date they’ve ever been on. Once they’re done writing, fold the paper up and throw it in the jar. Offer it to the bride as inspiration, with one caveat: Whatever paper they pull out of the jar they have to give it a try that night!

Family Advice Book
If you’re a mom, aunt, or grandmother putting together a shower, create a book that will make the whole party cry. Assign a page of a scrapbook to all of the married women in your family — reach out to the groom’s side too if you can! Tell each woman to decorate the page, but most importantly, include three things: their best marriage advice for the bride; their wishes for the bride and groom; and their favorite memory of the bride or groom. This one will bring a lot of laughs — and tears — for sure!

The Anniversary Wishes
Buy enough envelopes and blank cards for every guest at the party, then label each envelope with a number 1 through however many guests you’re having. Shuffle the pile and hand them out at random. You guessed it, that number represents an anniversary. Have each guest write a wish to the bride and groom on that anniversary (trust us, by year 5, there will be a lot of “we hope you’ve had a baby by now!”). Have everyone seal their envelopes when they’re done and collect them in an album or box. Tell the bride she can only open each when they reach that anniversary!

See More: 25 Pieces of the Best Marriage Advice EVER (Collected Over 13 Years)

A Lisbon Honeymoon Itinerary That Will Have You Flying to Portugal ASAP

lisbon honeymoon itinerary

Photo: Getty Images

Winding cobblestone streets, world-class wine, impeccable seafood, the passionate sounds of Fado music, and pink hued sunsets to die for — those are just a few reasons to consider spending your honeymoon in Lisbon. Portugal’s capital is often overlooked as one of Europe’s most romantic cities, but the coastal city has been attracting many visitors lately, and for good reason. Not only is Lisbon incredibly romantic (just try not to hold hands as you stroll up and down the tiny streets of the old Alfama, or kiss as you hop onto one of many trollies around the city), but it’s become one of the more affordable European cities to visit — music to a bride-to-be’s ears! While we could spend weeks navigating Lisbon’s ancient mysteries — not to mention the countless day trips to surrounding country and beachside towns — we’re giving you the ultimate 3 day crash course in honeymooning in the gorgeous city. Just make sure to pack comfy shoes, Lisbon’s hill-y landscapes are no joke — at least you’ll keep up with your Fitbit after the wedding.

Day 1:

Morning:
Settle in to one of the boutique hotels in the Chiado neighborhood. You’ll be right in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle and in walking distance from everything you want to see. The recently opened AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado aims to capture the city’s romantic history in an 18th-century building with all the modern amenities (rainfall walk-in shower!). The hotel’s honeymoon suite even features a fireplace, and breakfast is included (so many Portuguese pastries, so little time).

Afternoon:
Walk down to the Baixa neighborhood, Lisbon’s downtown, to begin to get acquainted with the city. The area was built back from scratch after the famous 1755 earthquake that decimated the city. If you want to get your bearings and have a professional guide you through parts of this complex city, we vote you hop on a “We Hate Tourism” jeep to save your feet from walking up and down the hills. You’ll get a unique perspective on some of the top sites from locals.

Evening:

For your first sunset in town, head up to the Bairro Alto Hotel’s rooftop for a glass of Portuguese wine or Sangria and take in the city’s pink hues as you enjoy the views. Next, start your dining tour off right with a seafood extravaganza at neighboring restaurant Sea Me — where fish are so fresh you can pick your own from the daily catch. Your wedding diet is well over so head to Santini for some of the world’s best ice cream before strolling hand in hand with your loved one as the city’s pink lights up the romance factor.

lisbon honeymoon itinerary

Photo: Getty Images

Day 2:

Morning:
Get up early and make your way just outside of town to Belém (easily accessible by public transport or taxi). First things, first: get in line at Pastéis de Belém — don’t be scared if it’s long, it moves very fast. The iconic pastry shop holds the original recipe for Portugal’s famous custard pastries, pasteis de nata. Indulge in these amazingly creamy treats right from the oven with a coffee, and make sure to take some to go (you’ll want more later, trust us).

While you’re in Belém make the most of a perfect slice of sightseeing. The 500 years old Monastery of Jeronimos is a perfect example of the Age of Discovery’s architectural masterpieces that marry European and Mourish styles. The Tower of Belém is another great Age of Discovery monument dedicated to the patron saint of Lisbon, St. Vincent. If you’re curious about Lisbon’s golden age, make sure to visit the Discoverers Monument on the water in Belém for spectacular views and a little slice of explorer history.

Afternoon: Lisbon’s waterfronts have experienced a renaissance and one great example of this is Mercado da Ribeira, the city’s old marketplace that’s been transformed into a foodie’s dream. The market is like a high-end food court with everything from fresh seafood, to cod fish croquettes (a Portuguese classic you can’t miss!), cocktail tastings, and wines galore. Work off the food with a stroll uphill back to the Chiado and Bairro Alto area.

Evening: Take the Santa Justa lift or one of the funicular trams (such a fun experience!) up to the bohemian Bairro Alto for a romantic night of exploring the cobblestone streets and listening to Portugal’s classic Fado music. Reserve ahead at Tasca do Chico for a more laidback, local experience, or head to one of the bigger concert halls for dinner and a show (we find the latter more romantic!). Before a night of music, make time for an amazing culinary experience at local favorite 100 Maneiras — the 10-course tasting menu makes navigating the food easier.

lisbon-alfama.jpg

Photo: Getty Images

Day 3:

Morning and Afternoon: Hop on the old-fashioned 28 tram line to avoid the hills from the Baixa area to the castle and the old neighborhood of Alfama. Lisbon has no shortage of beautiful sights to see, and Castelo de Sã o Jorge (Saint George’s Castle) is one that should not be missed. All of Lisbon’s history can be experienced in this hilltop fort, where some ruins date back to 48 B.C. If history and ruins are not on your list of honeymoon priorities come for the panoramic views of Lisbon. The surrounding Alfama area is ideal for shopping for handcrafted souvenirs like Portuguese tiles (pay attention to these exquisite tiles as you walk around the city).

Evening: Make your last night a culinary experience you and your new spouse won’t soon forget. Book a table at Portuguese chef du jour Jose Avillez’s Belcanto restaurant (reserve this way in advance!). The top of the Avillez food chain, Belcanto has been awarded 2 Michelin stars and been included in several best world restaurant lists. If a formal dining experience is not your thing, Avillez’s more casual Cantinho do Avillez still holds the chef’s inventive culinary tastes, in an unfussy setting. Either way save room for the chef’s delectable desserts.

See more: The Best Honeymoon Hotels in Europe

lisbon honeymoon itinerary

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Bonus: If you have an extra day or two, make your way to the ultra-romantic city of Sintra, where an ancient royal castle (the Portuguese King’s summer home) will have you living all your Cinderella fantasies amidst glowing sunsets and incredible views of the coast. Or head to the adorable seaside suburb of Cascais for a beach day and some of the best seafood you’ve ever tasted — locals recommend Furnas do Guincho for excellent fish and beach views.