Joana + Gonçalo by Brancoprata

Our vision was black tie mixed with Italian summer wedding.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

I (Joana) am a designer and HR director, we have twin boys about to turn 2 years old, I love business (I had a customizable shoe company for 8 years), photography, fashion and traveling – I go to new york religiously every year with my girlfriends. Gonçalo is a pilot instructor and flight attendant, loves sports and bodyboard, was actually national champion and has done several Ironmans. We love to travel together, to have dates and to go out for dancing just the two of us. We’re doing our first marathon together this November in new york! (Joana’s first marathon, Goncalo’s… 15th? Lol)

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met at a photoshoot, I (Joana) had a shoe brand and was the photographer. I asked Goncalo to be my model. That was the first time we met – Gonçalo was lovestruck since then but it took another 5 years for us to meet again. When we met a second time, on September 2nd 2022, it was love at first sight. Our first date lasted for about 13 hours – we were never apart since then (we actually commemorate this date as our anniversary)

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

Our vision was black tie mixed with Italian summer wedding. We wanted timeless frames, both in our outfits, decor, the place itself. Something we can look back 20 years from now and still gasp. Very little and simple flowers, only white, and mostly just playing with light and candles. Color palette was white, light blue and dark blue.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

The place itself was stunning. A palace yet not too snobbish. Specifically the light tunnel for the dinner was amazing.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

We loved it – we love details and he had great fun thinking of everything from funny quotes to put on the napkins, to the food, the music, everything. Best tip is: plan in advance, to make sure you enjoy it and its not stressful. Also, when things get overwhelming, remember its a party to celebrate your love – your friends and family will be happy anyway. Oh, do not save on a great bar, food and music. If these 3 are great, you’ll have a hell of a party anywhere. We still get compliments 3 months after of our bar and food.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

The Bar was exquisite – absolutely worth the investment. Best cocktails we’ve had in our life (@) / the food was also memorable – @fusioncatering / the djs were awesome as well, and the photos iconic @brancoprata

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

Joana’s dress was Danielle Frankel’s, one of my favorite designers, I actually traveled to New York (my favorite city) twice to have it made. For the second dress, it was a custom Clio Peppiatt, which was actually embroidered with our initials (J&G) and our wedding date in baby blue (my something blue). Gonçalo’s smoking was completely custom made in Alphaiate, which happens to be one of his best friends brand.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

My engagement ring was custom made from an idea Gonçalo had, inspired by the “toi et moi” rings. It’s a diamond plus an aqua marine, which is my birthstone.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Our top 3 was definitely photography, food&drinks and venue.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

Probably when we met at the church and saw each other for the first time – we were both crying a lot. Also, our friends say they never saw a couple marrying kiss so many times in a church – we were just so happy. One of our favorite moments was also when we entered the party after the ceremony, to the sound of “My boo” – we were dacing, the nerves were gone and we just wanted to party. The sunset party and the dinner speeches were also truly special. We felt very loved – and cried a lot, again. We still get chills when we think about it.