Inside: A Multicultural Celebration At A Portuguese Lakeside Paradise

From discovering their dream venue through an Instagram ad to their multicultural celebration unfolding across three joyful days, step inside Megha and Valentin’s multicultural celebration at a Portuguese lakeside paradise.

The Story So Far

Megha and Valentin first discovered their dream venue, Swan Lake in Braga, Portugal, through an Instagram advert. From that moment, everything moved quickly. “We spoke to Natalie from Veil & Véu on a Sunday, flew to Braga on the Monday, and booked it just hours after stepping foot on the property,” says Megha. “It was run with such warmth and excellence by a local family – it felt like a utopia. The magic was instant.”

Their multicultural celebration unfolded across three joyful days, blending Indian traditions with European style – and bringing together friends and family from across the globe, including the UK, Switzerland, India, Burundi, the USA, Australia, Canada, Pakistan, Spain and Korea.

The Venue

The couple chose Swan Lake – a breathtaking venue tucked into the heart of the Portuguese countryside. With its lush tropical gardens, a bridal treehouse, and a pier stretching over still water, the space has its own unique microclimate and cinematic charm.

The celebrations began with a traditional Ganpathi Pooja at Hotel Vila Galé, Central Braga, where guests were welcomed amidst garden florals and the soothing sound of a nearby fountain. As the sun set, the energy lifted with a Havana-themed sangeet, featuring Indian cuisine, tarot readers and henna artists.

The following day, the wedding took place under a floating Mandap adorned with fresh ivy, grand chandeliers and cascading florals. Guests were treated to cocktails, live saxophone, fire cascades and an aqua dance show – all culminating in the couple’s cake cutting on a floating platform over the water at sunset.

The Fashion

“My ceremony dress found me,” says Megha. While shopping with her mother-in-law, she stumbled upon Sonas Couture. “It was my partner’s favourite colour and brought our cultures together in a way that felt entirely us.”

For her white dress, she searched endlessly on – until finally discovering the perfect fit during the Black Friday sales from Meshki. “It was elegant, effortless, and just felt right.”

Valentin also wore Sonas Couture for the Indian ceremony – carefully colour-matched to Megha’s look – and later changed into a custom midnight blue tuxedo from Suit Supply, complete with a bow tie and personalised initials stitched into the shirt.

The Bridal Party

Megha’s bridesmaids – friends from all walks of life – each wore lilac, one-shouldered gowns with their own unique twist. “I wanted them to reflect their individuality, so I asked for a fusion look with an Asian element,” says Megha. One opted for sari-style draping, another added a midriff cut as a nod to a lengha, while others used accessories to infuse traditional detail.

The Jewellery & Accessories

Comfort was key for Megha’s shoes. She chose a white Steve Madden pair with a bow detail – a nod to something her husband had admired at a previous wedding. For her Indian outfit, Megha and her mother travelled to Delhi, having custom jewellery designed to complement her ceremony look. “We even brought the top of the outfit to the store to make sure it was perfectly matched.”

The Food & Drink

Guests enjoyed an expansive menu of Indian dishes alongside international live stations, curated to accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements. His and hers cocktails added a personal touch, while the venue’s ability to adapt the menu with such ease made the experience feel seamless and considered.

The Entertainment

From live music to interactive experiences, entertainment was at the heart of the celebration. A saxophonist brought relaxed glamour to cocktail hour, while Ana – a live illustrator – became such a guest favourite that she stayed an additional four hours to complete all her portraits. Tarot readers and henna artists added to the immersive atmosphere.

The Honeymoon

Following the wedding, the couple spent a few days in Lamego, a charming town in the Douro Valley. “It was the perfect way to decompress,” says Megha. Next up? A sun-soaked road trip through Puglia this summer.

Advice For Future Couples

“Use a planner if you’re getting married abroad – it makes the process infinitely easier. Choose your battles and decide early on what really matters. And above all, enjoy it. A wedding is about celebrating your love, your way. Let it reflect you as a couple – unapologetically and beautifully.”