Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings This Outdoor Wedding in São Paolo, Brazil, Featured Dozens of Tropical Floral Arrangements By Blythe Copeland Blythe Copeland Blythe Copeland is a contributing writer with more than a decade of experience as a freelance lifestyle writer. Editorial Guidelines Published on August 23, 2019 Trending Videos Close this video player São Paulo Fotografia A little more than a year after hitting it off at a skate event, Nérida, a model, and Thiago, a rapper, found themselves having a day at São Paulo's Paulista Avenue, a popular tourist spot where Thiago would later perform a street concert. "After we arrived, in the middle of the rapping, he took the ring and asked me to marry him," says Nérida. "All my friends appeared out of nowhere. It was beautiful—but I was super shy!" Almost a year after the surprise proposal (and after two years together), on February 24, 2019, Nérida and Thiago tied the knot at Espaço Ravena Garden—also in São Paulo—in front of their 90 guests. They had hot, sunny weather (February is summer in Brazil!)—"The day was beautiful," recalls Nérida—that allowed them to show off their outdoor, poolside locale, which they decorated with bright, tropical floral arrangements. The event's flowers beautifully reflected the warm, balmy season; the duo let these lush components do the talking and kept the rest of their décor understated and modest, with a subtle rustic vibe (another nod to the natural landscape). "It was beautiful, as I imagined," says Nérida of the event's decorations. "Very exciting and full of love." As for the bride's best advice for couples currently planning their own big days? "I've learned that a wedding requires a lot of physical and mental effort. It was a unique experience, but it demanded a lot of organization," she says. "Having a wedding planner is fundamental—and something that I would recommend to everyone." 01 of 21 Her Couture Gown São Paulo Fotografia As a professional model, Nérida is no stranger to gorgeous gowns—but her Solaine Piccoli off-the-shoulder sheath wedding dress, with its floral design over illusion tulle, was more special than most. "My dress was made for me," she says of her custom creation, which she helped design. "What I loved about the dress was how it represented me in a subtle, elegant way." More of Our Favorite Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses 02 of 21 Veiled Complement São Paulo Fotografia Instead of a long veil that would cover her dress and train, Nérida wore a chic round headpiece with a broach accent from Vienna-based designer Niely Hoetsch. 28 Modern Hair Accessories for Your Wedding Day 03 of 21 A Bursting Bouquet São Paulo Fotografia Nérida chose a bouquet of tropical blooms from designer Kafiori, with varieties that ranged from bright red ginger flowers to subtle peachy alstroemeria. The mix was arranged in a tall oval shape and backed by dark green exotic leaves. 20 Tropical Leaf Wedding Bouquets 04 of 21 In Love São Paulo Fotografia Thiago's tan suit, from São Paulo atelier VG Dândis, created a subtle contrast against Nérida's lace gown—but stood out against the ivy-covered wall, studded with glowing lights, that the couple chose as a background for their portraits. 05 of 21 All in the Details São Paulo Fotografia For the ceremony, Thiago donned a traditional tie and pocket square in a pale blue fabric with tiny white polka dots; his boutonnière, a subtle sprig of lavender, tied into the rest of the floral design. More Boutonnières You Both Will Love 06 of 21 Girls' Night São Paulo Fotografia The couple's littlest ladies brought out their best dresses for the event; they wore three summery white gowns with lace accents and floral details. 07 of 21 Rainbow Connection São Paulo Fotografia Friends and family joined the couple's bridal party, which included some of Nérida's nearest and dearest; the women wore a collection of coordinating gowns in a rainbow of pastel shades. "Each bridesmaid chose their own dress," she says. "The only thing I asked for was the color." 08 of 21 Poolside Paradise São Paulo Fotografia For their ceremony location, Nérida and Thiago chose a covered poolside spot, where ornate metalwork supported a roof that shielded guests from the sun. Potted cacti and floral arrangements built on the couple's décor scheme. "I chose an open place because I wanted to be close to nature," says Nérida. More Fun Ideas for a Poolside Wedding 09 of 21 Oh, Boy! São Paulo Fotografia Two dressed-to-the-nines ring bearers sported suspenders and formal shorts as they eagerly raced down the aisle, charming guests who pulled out their phones to capture the moment. 10 of 21 Brother and Sister São Paulo Fotografia Nérida's brother escorted her down the aisle to "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys in what the bride says was her favorite part of the day. 11 of 21 Petals to the Metal São Paulo Fotografia Architectural blooms in shades of bright pink and peach stood out against variegated leaves, striking ferns, and yellow-edged plants in the larger-scale arrangements that decorated the ceremony spot. 12 of 21 An Emotional Moment São Paulo Fotografia Seeing his bride process down the aisle was just as emotional for Thiago, who took off his hat as he wiped a tear away. During the ceremony, Nérida and Thiago exchanged vows they wrote themselves in a religious service officiated by their friend, pastor Rafael Nascimento. More Priceless Grooms' Reactions to Seeing Their Brides for the First Time 13 of 21 The Rings São Paulo Fotografia For their wedding bands, the couple chose simple, matching plain bands, which were secured with natural twine to a custom-engraved wooden disc from Atelie Mari Marchi. 14 of 21 Husband and Wife São Paulo Fotografia After the ceremony, the joyful newlyweds recessed down the aisle as friends and family cheered and showered them with confetti. More Confetti-Inspired Wedding Ideas That'll Make Your Day All About the Party 15 of 21 Sealed with a Kiss São Paulo Fotografia The new Mr. and Mrs. shared a sweet kiss before posing for their professional portraits during the cocktail hour. 16 of 21 Favors and Flowers São Paulo Fotografia A vintage hutch inside the venue displayed colorful flowers in white and metallic vases alongside custom treats wrapped in brown paper bags. 26 Rustic Wedding Ideas That Still Feel Elevated 17 of 21 Small Wonder São Paulo Fotografia White bud vases held bird of paradise flowers; they added a structural element to the tablescapes. 18 of 21 Eat, Drink, and Be Merry São Paulo Fotografia Other mismatched floral accents included ferns in small ceramic vessels, which were placed next to pale pink blooms surrounded by hurricanes. The couple's menu design included the same ferns and florals featured prominently in the fresh arrangements, tying the day's various elements together. 19 of 21 Flower Power São Paulo Fotografia The cocktail lounge offered a guests a selection of finger foods, thoughtfully displayed on coordinating stands and plates, surrounded by potted plants in mismatched vases. 21 Cocktail Hour Food Ideas Your Guests Will Love 20 of 21 Bright and White São Paulo Fotografia For dessert, Nérida and Thiego chose a spicy chocolate cake from Hey, Sweet!. Bright yellow, green, and red flowers added a fresh, lively accent. 21 of 21 Sources São Paulo Fotografia Photography and Videography, São Paulo Fotografia Venue and Catering, Espaço Ravena Garden Event planning and Design, Afro Wedding Flowers, Kafiori Officiant, Pastor Rafael Nacimiento Stationery and Calligraphy, Nós Um Cake, Hey, Sweet! Music, DJ Kiko; Sujeito a Mixtape Bride's accessories, Niely Hoetsch (headpiece); Le Lanfredi (shoes) Hair and makeup, Carol Romero Groom's suit, VG Dândis Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit