As the world becomes smaller and smaller, many of us meet the love of our life far from home. This was the case for Olha from the Ukraine and Nazeeh from Jordan. They met in Germany and have since travelled widely together and lived all over Europe. So, what to do when it's time get everyone together to celebrate?! Following on from our previous blog post Casamentos Multiculturais, let's look at this real life case-study to help you find inspiration for your cross-cultural celebration!
Portugal is a fantastic choice for cross-cultural ceremonies because
Olha and Nazeeh choose Portugal for exactly this reason, 'half-way' between the Ukraine and Jordan!
(In this case, they selected the authentic and eclectic Quinta do Torneiro).
What better way to include both cultures than for the Bride to be walked down the aisle by her future father-in-law! Just like Meghan Markle, Olha chose to honour her in-laws family by incorporating them from the very beginning.
When you have very different backgrounds - why not make your own rules! This is exactly what Olha and Nazeeh did. After a traditional and super sweet father-and-daughter flower girl entrance, Olha and Nazeeh followed it up with 'Beer Boys' - two gorgeous guys who joyfully walked down the aisle offering beer to all the guests (I wish I had a photo to share - but I was working LOL!)
Why not create your own traditions just like Olha and Nazeeh!
You might like to also take your inspiration from the rich heritage of the Portugal. Olha and Nazeeh did this in two ways. First, they mixed together Portuguese underground river salts representing the blending of their separate lives into a tasty new mix.
The second way they drew inspiration from 'place' was to Box a Wine from the local area to be opened on their 5th Anniversary. In the Box they also sealed letters to each other to be opened when they drink the wine. How romantic!
By creating new traditions inspired by Portugal, couples can avoid offending either side of the family and make their own, unique memories.
I hope this article will inspire your own creativity. At Arena do Tempo we love to work with you to design a ceremony that fully reflects your choices and personality, so reach out to us today if you would like to get to work on your own perfect symbolic event.
Só o Casal ou na companhia de familiares e daquele círculo de amizades tão especial, uma cerimónia simbólica original, plena de emoção, sofisticada, descontraída ou irreverente, onde quiser e à hora que quiser.