Madeira Weddings
Creating Love Stories In Paradise
A Love That Flies High: Antonio & Veda’s Intimate October Elopement in Madeira
Discover how two pilots traded the cockpit for the gardens of Madeira in this intimate elopement story. From a surprise family reunion at the Savoy Palace to custom florals by Madeira Wedding Flowers and a last-minute weather pivot, explore the details of Antonio and Veda's breathtaking October wedding.
Veda & Antonio's
Elopement in Madeira
Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale
As wedding planners, we often talk about “navigating” the complexities of a big day. But for Antonio and Veda, navigation is literally their life’s work. Antonio is a private jet pilot for high-net-worth individuals, and Veda is a dedicated flight instructor.
They spend their lives in the cockpit, soaring above the clouds. Yet, when it came time to say their vows, they didn’t want the sterile environment of an airport or the rush of travel. They wanted to be “grounded”—in the lush, botanical sanctuary of Madeira.
Their story began not in the sky, but on a humble hotel shuttle bus in Baltimore. Fate left only one seat open for Veda, right next to Antonio. Since that moment, they have been flying through life together, and this past October, they landed in Madeira to make it official.
The Secret Surprise: A Family Reunion
The journey began at the Savoy Palace in Funchal. While the plan was a simple, private elopement for just the two of them, a massive surprise was waiting in the wings.
Unbeknownst to Veda, her sisters had flown halfway across the world to be there. The moment she saw them, the “simple elopement” transformed into a deeply emotional family milestone. Watching Veda weep with joy as she embraced her sisters in the Savoy lobby was a moment of pure, raw connection that reminded us all why we do what we do.
The Pivot: From Mountain Peaks to Garden Sanctuary
Every pilot knows that weather is the one variable you can’t control. Originally, Veda had her heart set on a ceremony high in the mountains of Madeira, dreaming of those dramatic, cloud-skimming views.
However, as the wedding date approached, Madeira’s famous “micro-climates” began to show their unpredictable side. Understanding that a mountaintop ceremony in heavy mist or wind might detract from the intimacy of their vows, Veda made the eleventh-hour decision to pivot. She opted instead for the grounded, protected beauty of the gardens at Quinta Bela Vista.
This shift is a perfect example of why local coordination is vital. We were able to transition their “Plan A” into a stunning new reality without losing a second of the day’s magic.
The Ceremony: Finding Silence in the Garden
Quinta Bela Vista is a hidden gem that typically limits itself to very small, exclusive events, making it the perfect sanctuary for our couple.
However, even in a garden sanctuary, logistics require quick thinking. Just as the ceremony was about to begin, local construction noise threatened to break the atmosphere. In a moment of true coordination teamwork, Francisco, the assistant manager at Quinta Bela Vista, and I literally ran across the street to bang on doors and request a brief pause. We managed to secure total silence, allowing the couple to exchange their vows in the quiet beauty they deserved.
Antonio, who we discovered is a secret, profound poet, delivered vows that brought everyone—including the vendors—to tears. Accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful classical violin of Olga Aya, the atmosphere was nothing short of cinematic.
The Adventure: Shouting from the Peaks
After the “I do’s,” the couple still got their mountain fix! We spent the rest of the day chasing the light from the high-altitude peaks of Pico do Arieiro down to the rugged North Coast in a classic convertible car.
Working with Miguel Nobrega (Photography) and Carlos Silva of Adreamstory (Videography) is always a highlight for our team. They are the ultimate team players. It was a long, hilarious, and exhausting day. At one point, Miguel’s voice was echoing across the mountain gaps—shouting instructions so Veda could find the perfect footing on a stone for a dramatic shot. This “full-day coordination” isn’t just about timing; it’s about keeping the energy high and the couple laughing even when they’re tired.
Pro-Tips & The Madeira Weddings Touch
The Beauty Lesson: Veda originally planned for hair extensions but, after a consultation, decided to embrace her natural curls. In Madeira’s windy, humid micro-climates, this was the smartest move. Rose at Mary Cafora created a “Soft Natural Glam” that stayed flawless despite the coastal breeze.
The Signature Floral Solution: The original bouquets, also designed by Verena, were stunning and perfectly matched the garden aesthetic. However, after a long day of shooting across the island, the real flower bouquet was accidentally misplaced. Knowing Veda wanted a memento to take back to New Jersey, Verena stepped in to recreate the bouquet using high-quality artificial flowers that looked exactly like the originals. It’s those small, extra steps—and having our own in-house floral brand, Madeira Wedding Flowers—that define the experience.
The Sweetest End: Their custom 3kg heart-shaped cake by Slice Bakery (Lavender & Blueberry) was described by Veda as “light and airy”—a perfect reflection of their day.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
Two days later, I met the couple at the Savoy Palace for a final goodbye hug. They left behind a beautiful note and a generous tip, but more importantly, they left with a new dream: potentially moving to Portugal in the future.
Antonio and Veda, thank you for letting us be your “ground crew” for this incredible journey. May your love always be as boundless as the sky.
The Dream Team (Vendor Credits):
Planning & Coordination: Madeira Weddings
Florals & Decor: Madeira Wedding Flowers (by Verena Pregetter)
Venue: Quinta da Bela Vista
Photography: Miguel Nobrega
Videography: Carlos Silva / Adreamstory
Hair & Makeup: Rose at Mary Cafora
Cake: Slice Bakery
Base Hotel: Savoy Palace