The wedding will take place on Tuesday, November 4th, in Porto, Portugal. We’ll arrive in Porto on Sunday, November 2nd, and spend a few days exploring the city. On the 4th, we’ll have a small, intimate dinner with our loved ones to celebrate. For more details about our our special day, visit the Event Details page.
Let us know you're coming by RSVPing on the Welcome page or RSVP Details page. Please RSVP by April 1, 2025, so we can wrap up our plans!
Yes, we’re in the midst of planning several group activities at various locations in Porto and Lisbon. These activities will be completely voluntary, so please don’t feel obligated to attend. Once finalized, we'll share details for each event. For more ideas on what to see and do, visit our Explore Porto & Lisbon page. It features a list of popular landmarks, restaurants, and shops to help spark inspiration for your trip!
All group activities will take place at various locations and times in Porto and Lisbon, Portugal. Please stay turned while we finalize the details!
We’re kicking off the festivities with a casual Bem-vindo Cocktail Hour on Sunday, November 2nd, at the hotel bar, Bartolomeu Bistro & Wine. Think of it as a relaxed, late-evening happy hour to shake off the jet lag and mingle with fellow guests. Attendance is entirely optional, so join us if you’re in town! Since we’ve decided to do things a little differently, there will not be a rehearsal dinner. For more details on the Bem-vindo Cocktail Hour, visit the Event Details page.
We want everyone to feel comfortable and have fun—there’s no need for formal attire at any point. For the wedding, we’re going with 'smart' cocktail attire—wear what makes you feel good and ready to celebrate! For more details on what to wear to each event, check out the Event Details page.
We understand that our guests will be traveling from various cities and on different dates, so we’re leaving travel arrangements up to you. Whether you prefer a specific airline, using points, or working with a travel agent, feel free to make the arrangements that best suit your needs. For our detailed flight information, please review the Travel & Stay page.
For U.S. citizens, starting in mid-2025, the European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will require travelers to obtain prior authorization before entering Schengen Area countries, including Portugal. For passport requirements: Validity: Your U.S. passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. Condition: Ensure your passport is in good condition, with no damage that could hinder identification. Blank Pages: Your passport should have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Recommendations: Stay informed: Check official sources such as the U.S. Department of State and the European Union's ETIAS website for any updates on travel requirements. Apply early: Once ETIAS becomes operational, be sure to apply for your travel authorization well in advance to ensure timely approval. Verify passport details: Before applying for ETIAS, confirm that your passport details are accurate and up-to-date. We recommend reviewing travel guidelines closer to your departure date to ensure everything is in order for your trip.
The best way to travel between Porto and Lisbon is by train, especially the Alfa Pendular train, which is convenient and offers scenic views along the way. The journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, departing from Porto's Campanhã station and arriving at Lisbon's Santa Apolónia or Oriente station. Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive, but the train is usually the fastest and most comfortable option. While flying is also possible, it may not save much time when factoring in airport procedures. For our detailed train information, please review the Travel & Stay page.
We know everyone has their own preferences for accommodations, whether it's a favorite hotel brand, a charming boutique, or group rentals like Vrbo or Airbnb. Feel free to book lodging that suits you best—whether that means joining us at our hotels or staying nearby. In Porto, we’ll be staying at Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments from Sunday, November 2nd, to Thursday, November 6th. Afterward, we’ll travel by train to Lisbon and stay at Torel Palace from Thursday, November 6th, to Saturday, November 8th. For more details about our lodging, visit the Travel and Stay page.
For those staying at Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments, here are several convenient ways to reach our wedding venue at Real, by Calçada Restaurant: The Metro: A quick 5-minute walk to the station, followed by a 5-minute ride on the Yellow Line, and another 5-minute walk to the restaurant. If you leave around 7:00 PM, you’ll have plenty of time to reach the venue by 7:30. Walking: If you prefer to walk the entire way, it’s about half a mile (15 minutes). Taxi or Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available. The drive takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Porto and Lisbon are very walkable cities, and many of the locations are easily accessible on foot. For longer distances, we recommend using public transit or taxis/rideshare services like Uber, which are widely available and convenient.
In early November, Porto and Lisbon typically experience mild fall weather. In Porto, temperatures usually range from 50–65°F (10–18°C) with a chance of rain, so it's a good idea to bring layers and a light rain jacket. Lisbon tends to be a bit warmer, with temperatures ranging from 55–70°F (13–21°C), but there may still be occasional rain. We recommend packing for comfortable fall weather, including layers for cooler evenings and a rain jacket just in case.
In Porto and Lisbon, the official language is Portuguese. Both cities are popular tourist destinations, so English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, and other tourist areas. While Portuguese is the primary language, you may encounter some language barriers, but most locals are helpful, and translation apps can assist with any quick communication needs.
Yes, WiFi is widely available in both Porto and Lisbon. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free WiFi, so staying connected should be easy. Many public spaces and transportation hubs also provide free internet access. For calling and data usage, check with your mobile provider about international travel plans to avoid unexpected charges. Many people also use apps like WhatsApp for calls and messaging over WiFi, so it’s a great option for staying in touch without incurring additional costs. You may also want to consider purchasing a local SIM card or a portable WiFi hotspot for more reliable service during your stay.
In both Porto and Lisbon, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Here are some general guidelines: Restaurants: A tip of 5-10% is customary if the service charge is not already included in your bill. If the service charge is included, a small tip for excellent service is always appreciated. Taxis and Rideshares: For taxis, rounding up the fare or adding a tip of around 5-10% is common. For rideshare services like Uber or Bolt, tipping is optional but appreciated. Hotel Staff: For hotel staff, it’s typical to leave a small tip for housekeeping (1-2 euros per night) and for bellhops (1-2 euros per bag). Tour Guides: If you’re joining any tours or excursions, tipping your guide is always appreciated. Around 5-10% of the tour price is a good benchmark. As always, tipping is a personal decision, and it should reflect the quality of service you receive.
We do not have a wedding gift registry. Your presence at our celebration is the greatest gift we could ask for.