Five years after saying “I do,” Inês and Rodrigo finally threw their wedding in São Miguel, the Azorean island where Inês grew up. The couple, based in Brooklyn but rooted in Portugal, chose to celebrate their fifth anniversary—known locally as Bodas de Madeira, or wooden anniversary—with a three-day event that they designed almost entirely by themselves.
Inês is a Portuguese designer, and Rodrigo works as a visual artist. Their creative backgrounds showed in every detail of the celebration, which unfolded in a way that felt both personal and grounded in local tradition. Instead of rushing into a typical wedding, they waited half a decade, letting the moment come when it felt right for them and their circle of family and friends.
The food was a standout, catered by Espaço Quinta, a respected local provider on the island. Guests enjoyed a buffet that leaned heavily on the Azores’ natural bounty: fresh island fish, meats, crisp salads, and a grazing table loaded with local cheeses and charcuterie. One unexpected touch was the pastry rings that came with caviar toppings, adding a luxe feel to a casual, communal meal.
This wedding wasn’t about big extravagance or over-the-top trends; it was about connection and place. The couple’s choice to hold the event in São Miguel brought their longtime friends and family to Inês’s childhood home, weaving together memories and new experiences in a setting that mattered to them.
They incorporated handmade elements throughout the event, including “butter shoes,” a playful and unusual detail that drew attention. These bespoke butter shoes capture the couple’s artistic spirit and their willingness to play with wedding traditions in a tactile way. It’s the kind of detail that sparks curiosity and invites conversation, something that felt perfectly in tune with their vibe.
The event stretched over three days, allowing for a relaxed pace and plenty of chances to catch up and enjoy the surroundings. Instead of cramming everything into one day, the couple used the extended format to give their guests time to explore the island and settle into the rhythm of the celebration.
The timing also connected to the symbolic meaning of the fifth anniversary in Portugal, a nod to wood that suggests strength and durability. By tying their wedding date to that milestone, Inês and Rodrigo added a layer of significance without making a fuss.
Their approach offers a quiet reminder that weddings don’t have to follow a strict schedule or formula. Waiting five years before having a full celebration gave the couple space to build a meaningful event that felt authentic to them.
For couples thinking about how to shape their own celebrations, Inês and Rodrigo’s example shows the benefits of taking your time and leaning into personal history and local culture. It’s not about ticking boxes but about creating moments that feel right for you and the people you care about.
Their Azores wedding, with its handmade touches and thoughtful food, was less about spectacle and more about gathering in a place that holds memories. It’s a kind of celebration that looks great in photos, sure, but also one that leaves everyone with a real sense of belonging.
If you’re curious about how to bring your own story onto the day, look no further than this couple’s mix of patience, place, and creativity. It’s a reminder that weddings can be as unique as the people saying “I do.”
According to Green Wedding Shoes.
