Stephanie Persaud and Romit Mirchandani, Penha Longa Resort, Portugal
Rooted in tradition, elevated with personal expression, and wrapped in unforgettable moments, this couple’s cross-cultural wedding reflected their journey together.
Stephanie Persaud and Romit Mirchandani’s wedding in Portugal was a radiant tapestry of heritage, elegance, and modern flair. With five thoughtfully curated events, each honoring Stephanie’s Guyanese roots, Romit’s Indian heritage, and the rich cultural landscape of Portugal, their destination wedding was a seamless blend of romance and revelry.
How They Met
Stephanie and Romit’s journey began at NYU during their freshman year, where their bond first blossomed as friendship. Time and life took them in different directions, but fate had other plans. Years later, they reconnected through mutual friends, and what began as a casual reconnection soon turned into something deeper. Their love story reached a poignant milestone with an exquisitely curated proposal, starting at Stephanie’s old apartment, where they had spent much of the pandemic together. Romit orchestrated a private proposal followed by a glamorous Vogue-style photoshoot in SoHo, culminating in a surprise engagement party surrounded by their dearest family and friends.
Wedding Planning
The couple envisioned a modern Indian wedding that honored their distinct heritages—Romit’s Indian roots and Stephanie’s Guyanese background—while embracing Portugal’s old-world charm. “We wanted to celebrate the fusion of our cultures with a contemporary twist, all while paying homage to the history and beauty of Portugal,” they share. Throughout five thoughtfully designed events the couple’s personalities shone through. “Each celebration reflected a balance between my romantic elegance and Romit’s modern flair,” Stephanie shares. The result was an unforgettable destination celebration that artfully bridged tradition and modernity.
Wedding Functions
Welcome Party
The wedding festivities began at the historic Penha Longa Monastery, dating back to 1543. Guests were welcomed with a formal garden soirée, where the evening unfolded amidst manicured greens and candlelit tables. Midway through the celebration, a dramatic reveal led guests to the open-air courtyard, transformed into a Brooklyn Mirage-inspired rave—a perfect nod to the couple’s New York roots.
Haldi
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sintra Nature Reserve, the haldi ceremony was an immersive experience of color, flavor, and culture. “Our Guyanese celebrity chef designed a fusion menu with pepperpot jackfruit samosas, doubles, and shrikhand cannolis,” says Stephanie. The musical vibe was just as eclectic, blending live tabla rhythms with their favorite Western tracks, creating a soundscape that mirrored their shared journey.
Sangeet
The sangeet offered panoramic views of the Tagus River. Guests enjoyed golden hour on the rooftop before being ushered downstairs for performances, heartfelt speeches, and spirited dancing. The decor—evocative of NYC’s Somewhere Nowhere—set the perfect tone for a glamorous night. “We wanted this night to feel like home but elevated,” shares Romit. “A beautiful mix of our roots and the city that brought us together.”
Wedding
Romit made his grand entrance in a vintage 1956 Mercedes, a subtle nod to Europe’s timeless elegance. Their wedding ceremony took place in the serene 16th-century Nuncio Gardens at Penha Longa. A temporary floating bridge was constructed for the aisle and mandap, turning the historic site into a magical wonderland. However, nature had its plans! “The winds that morning were so strong that our mandap snapped in half,” the couple recalls. Yet, with the skill and calm of their planners and decorator, the entire structure was recreated with new materials, ensuring the ceremony remained perfectly on schedule and just as breathtaking.
Reception
The grand finale was hosted at the Palace of Correio-Mor, a magnificent estate nestled on the outskirts of Lisbon. A red carpet welcome and a live string quartet serenading guests with a blend of classical, Bollywood and Western melodies set an opulent tone. As the palace’s back doors opened, a beautifully lit hedge maze led guests to the Reception ballroom—a cinematic reveal that left everyone spellbound. The evening unfolded with elegance, laughter, and joy as family and friends danced the night away, celebrating a union steeped in heritage, heart, and style.
Advice for Couples
Stephanie and Romit offer heartfelt advice for future couples: “Identify which elements are truly important in honoring both cultures and families—it’s just as much about your parents as it is about the two of you.” They also encourage setting boundaries during planning. “Decide when you’ll talk about the wedding and when you won’t—so it doesn’t take over your life for a year.” Most importantly, they stress the value of presence: “Experience every moment together. Even when pulled in different directions, hold hands and go through it side by side. That shared perspective is everything.” And finally, “Your guests will remember how they felt—cherish those who travelled across the world to celebrate with you.”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: SUD Lisboa, Portugal (Sangeet); Penha Longa Resort, Portugal (Welcome Party, Wedding); Palace of Correio-Mor, Portugal (Reception)
Wedding Planner: Bespoke Weddings by Details
Décor: JnM Events
Caterers: Passage To India
Groom’s Outfits: Arjan Dugal, Seema Gujral, Kunal Rawal, Brioni
Bride’s Outfits: Moledro, The Little Black Bow, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Rahul Mishra
Makeup: Joana Moreira Makeup
Hairstyling: Let’s HAIR
Entertainment: CJ Chirag Beatz, Adlib Strings
DJ: O Fresh
Photography: Didar Virdi
Videography: Empire Cinematic
