In Brazil, WhatsApp is the primary way people communicate—much more commonly used than standard texting or phone calls. Whether you're contacting your hotel, making a restaurant reservation, or arranging transportation, chances are it will all happen through WhatsApp. It also works over Wi-Fi, which is helpful if you’re traveling without a local phone plan. For our wedding, we’ll be using a dedicated WhatsApp Channel to share important updates, logistical information, and helpful tips. This will be our main method of communicating with guests while you're in Brazil. Join our Wedding Channel by copying this link, or you can search for our channel name "Luke & Paula Wedding" under Updates https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAqTFoF1YlWrgUull2G Please note that this will be a one-way channel (not a group chat), so you’ll only receive relevant updates from us—no spam or chatter. All the information will also be updated on our website.

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What documents will I need for travel to Brazil?

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If you are traveling with a U.S. or Canadian passport, you will ll need to apply for an e-visa before your trip. It is very easy to obtain (You can find the link and more info in the Travel section of this site.) As with any international travel, you'll also need a valid passport—make sure it doesn't expire for at least six months after your arrival date. A few quick tips: - It's a good idea to apply for your e-visa early so you’re not rushed. - Keep a printed copy of your visa and other travel docs with you. - Some airlines may have extra requirements, so it’s worth double-checking with them before you fly. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

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How can I pay for things in Brazil?

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In Brazil, you can pay using either Brazilian currency (reais) or an international credit card. Currency Exchange: U.S. dollars can be exchanged for reais at currency exchange offices or banks. It's a good idea to exchange a small amount before arriving or at the airport for convenience. Credit Cards: Many places accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Just make sure your card is enabled for international use—you may need to notify your bank before traveling to avoid any holds or issues. We recommend having a mix of both cash and card, especially for smaller shops, local markets, or tips.

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What should we expect for the weekend?

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We’re so excited to celebrate with you over an entire weekend of fun, food, and festivities in the beautiful hills of Ouro Preto! Guests from abroad will be staying at Vila Relicário, which is also our wedding venue. This makes everything super convenient. Just relax, soak in the views, and enjoy the time together. Here’s a quick rundown of the weekend: Friday Night: We’ll kick things off with a welcome party featuring a pizza rodízio (all-you-can-eat pizza, Brazilian style!) Saturday: A delicious breakfast and lunch will be provided at Vila Relicário (included in your hotel rate). The wedding ceremony and party will take place in the afternoon and continue into the night—come ready to dance! Sunday Morning: We’ll wrap things up with a farewell breakfast, also included in your stay. If you’d like to explore, feel free to wander the charming streets of Ouro Preto or try one of the nearby hiking trails—there are beautiful mountain views and colonial treasures all around. While you're welcome to explore the area during free time, we strongly encourage all guests to stay at Vila Relicário to ensure you're part of all the weekend events and to make logistics easy for everyone. Everything is happening on-site, and being together in one place will make the experience more fun, relaxed, and connected for all of us!

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What makes Ouro Preto so special?

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Nestled in the mountains of Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto is a beautifully preserved colonial town that feels like stepping into a storybook. Once the heart of Brazil’s gold rush in the 18th century, it was the richest city in the country and a center of Baroque art and architecture. Today, its cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and colorful hillside houses reflect a rich blend of history and charm that’s hard to find anywhere else. Ouro Preto (which means “Black Gold”) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite for travelers seeking culture, romance, and a little magic. Beyond its stunning architecture, the town offers breathtaking views, delicious local cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere—making it the perfect place for a celebration of love.

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Is it safe to travel to Ouro Preto and Belo Horizonte?

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Yes! Ouro Preto is a very safe and welcoming town, especially for visitors. It’s a small, historic city with a laid-back atmosphere where you can stroll the cobblestone streets and enjoy the sights with peace of mind. Most guests will arrive via the city of Belo Horizonte (BH), the capital of Minas Gerais. Like many large cities, BH has areas that require a bit more caution. It’s totally manageable with a few basic safety tips: - Avoid displaying your phone while walking on the street—use it indoors, in cars, or in secure areas. - Leave flashy jewelry at home, especially anything that could be easily grabbed. -Use ride apps like Uber, but we strongly recommend choosing Uber Black or a similar premium option (we really emphasize this). It's still very affordable in Brazil and tends to have more experienced drivers and higher safety standards. - If walking at night in BH, stick to well-lit, busier streets, and avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods. -Be aware of your surroundings, just as you would in any major city. Once you’re in Ouro Preto, you’ll notice a big difference—it’s a peaceful and safe destination where safety concerns are minimal. We’ve chosen it not only for its beauty and history, but also because we know our guests will feel comfortable there.

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What is the food and drink situation at the wedding?

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Get ready—Brazilian weddings are known for having tons of food, and ours will be no exception! Instead of one formal meal, food will be served in waves throughout the night. You can expect a steady flow of appetizers, small bites, hot dishes, and sweet treats, so there’s always something delicious to enjoy. Our biggest tip: pace yourself! There will be plenty to eat --and we mean PLENTY -- and we want you to enjoy it all and have energy to dance. This style of dining is meant to be social, festive, and fun—perfect for snacking between songs, mingling, and savoring the evening. To go along with the food, we’ll have a full cocktail bar, plus beer and wine available all night. Whether you’re sipping a caipirinha or toasting with a glass of wine, there will be no shortage of options to keep the celebration going. Come hungry, come ready to dance, and come ready to celebrate—Brazilian style!

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What if I want to come earlier or stay longer and explore?

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We’d love for you to make the most of your trip. If you’re planning to arrive early or stay after the wedding to explore Brazil, please reference the following document for recommendations! Whether you're looking for beautiful beaches, nature adventures, or cultural experiences, we can point you in the right direction! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rfUMX1pE-tvltyHas7Rtaj_rH32rBELY2gj4GyAEvXM/edit?usp=sharing

For all the days along the way

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