“Stephen Youdeem, a real estate developer, is known for waking up in the middle of the night for a snack. So when it came time for him to propose, he figured he’d slip the ring on Bari Mimoun’s hand as she slept. But as you may expect, proposals never go as planned—it was the one night Bari, a guidance counselor, tossed and turned. When she eventually woke to use the bathroom, Stephen seized the moment: As she got back in bed, he handed her the ring. “He never technically proposed,” Bari says with a laugh.
From there, the couple began planning a destination wedding in A dos Cunhados, Portugal, outside of Lisbon, for 160 guests at Areias Do Seixo, a rustic hideaway on the beach. They brought together Jewish traditions with favorite drinks—Palomas!—and Portuguese food for a weekend celebration of love.
The couple collaborated with Jeannette Tavares of Evoke Design & Creative on the logistics and decor, which included a pampas grass-lined chuppah, Portuguese ceramics on the tabletops, and saxophone player that led the guests from the dinner to the dance party. “She was able to take my vision and create our dream,” Bari raves of her planner. “I was able to completely focus on the moment rather than all the many small details.”
It allowed her to be present throughout the day, which she recalls as one of her favorite memories. “Stephen would randomly find me, hug me, and look me in the eyes and say: ‘This is for us, everyone’s here for us. Look around and remember these moments,’” she recalls.” – Brides
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Venue: Areias de Seixo
Planner: Jeannette Tavares of Evoke Design and Creative
Officiant: Daniel Cohen
Bridal Grown and Veil: Lela Rose
Bride’s Shoes: LK Bennett, Golden Goose
Hair: Joao Pereira
Makeup: Makeup by Helena
Groom’s Attire: J Crew, Stubbs and Wooton
Invitations: Emily Baird Design
Favors: A Vida Portuguesa
Music: Italy Galo
Photography: Branco Prata
