In our July issue, we talked to William Burlett in depth about getting every part of the equation right. Here are just a few of his favourite things, and suppliers, to includes in his planning:

Photographers
Bamboo Photography – bamboo-fotografia.com
Dan Birch – birchphotography.com
Garrett Walsh – algarvephotography.com
Serra Ribeiro Photography – serraribeiro.com

Venues
Os Agostos In the hills of Santa Barbara, it is beautiful, refined, elegant and creative, a family-run estate with wonderful rooms and outdoor spaces. The in-house florist, Aude, is brilliantly inventive. Parties at Os Agostas must end at 2am but this is hardly a problem.
osagostos.com

Quinta dos Eventos in Santo Estevao, Tavira, offers different spaces, a huge garden and orchard. There are a few farm animals, among them a lady pig which believes it is a dog!. Their kitchens work with local, seasonal products. Perfect for people looking for authenticity, it is a true Algarvian experience – very rustic yet elegant and adjustable to personnal tastes.
quintaeventos.pt

As Fontes in Alte: Built many years ago originally to stage tourist events such as lunches with folkloric shows, As Fontes feels quite medieval. The village of Alte is stunning and around the venue there are fountains with azulejos, a river – which actually splits the venue into two parts, accessible via a little bridge. Civil or symbolic ceremonies can be held beneath a magnificent old tree, and the local church is also a beautiful option.
asfontesalte@gmail.com

Hotel Colégio Charm House, once a school, has a chapel, and is located in the centre of Tavira. Perfect for small weddings, its bedrooms are beautiful, decorated with taste, refinement and creativity. Details matter and there are plenty here.
colegio-charmhouse.com

Forte Sao Joao da Barra in Cabanas de Tavira is an amazing fort overlooking the Ria Formosa, within walkable distance of most accommodation in the fishing town of Cabanas. A particular charm emanates from its simple character, where history is omnipresent and reminds us that what makes Portugal so special is not only its European culture, but also the presence of the ocean.
fortesaojoaodabarra.com

Açoteia das Estrelas in Castro Marim is very different and quirky. There you feel far from civilization, deeply immerged in nature. There are ten newly built little wooden houses for the bride and groom and probably their closest friends to spend the night. It’s a great place for a cowboy-themed wedding! facebook.com/acoteiadasestrelas/

Cakes
Rita of Adocar Atelier I like that her cakes are sophisticated but in a simple way.
adocar-anaritacadete.com

A Taste of Decadence is the most refined cake designer in the Algarve. Louise’s cakes are elaborate and chic, more like works of art than eats.
atasteofdecadencebylouise.com

William suggests a cake covering of Chantilly rather than sugar paste – after the main meal it is a lighter option, he says.
Groom with a view

Beige is popular right now, as are floral prints. The look is definately more casual – sometimes no jacket at all. Cropped trousers are popular, as are shorts, and it’s no to socks.

Themes
Boho chic leads the way, but nature-related themes, like ocean or forest, are in demand right now.