Mickael Das Neves and Anne Gauthier met in Paris at IPAG Business School during a school party. Their was initially a long distance relationship of many years before they moved to Manila together, and then after, when Anne decided to pursue her dream and study theater in New York. “Mickael has always been so supportive, patient and constantly wants the best for me. So with a steadfast heart, he told me to take the jump, while he stayed in Manila for work,” she shares. Once Anne finished her degree, she joined Mickael in Melbourne, Australia, where he had been transferred, before they moved back to Manila together. Today, he is the CEO of Cloud CFO, a finance and accounting service, while she runs Behind the Scenes, a company that does creative coaching and events, teaching theater skills in corporate living.
After 11 years of dating, Mickael proposed to Anne in New York on her 29th birthday. “Mickael flew across the globe and showed up in Washington Square Park with a bouquet of flowers. Him proposing didn’t even cross my mind; I kept thinking he was there to surprise me for my birthday. So when he went down on one knee to propose I was in complete shock and it took me a few minutes to answer yes!” she says. “Once it all sunk in, I was in a world of bliss. Mickael brought me to a beautiful restaurant on the West Side. It made NYC an even more memorable city for the both of us. The proposal was completely unexpected!”
RELATED READS: LOOK: Cliff Ho and Martine Cajucom’s Bali Wedding is #GOALS
They had the wedding in Lisbon Portugal. It was the first place Anne and Mickael visited together as a couple, besides being Mickael’s country of origin that holds a special place in his heart. “Being into the arts, I’ve always had a fascination for the European old world. We chose places that had a strong history behind it,” says Anne. Wanting their guests to experience Lisbon to the fullest, the revelry started with welcome cocktails at Castelo de Sao Jorge, with a view to the city and Fado music playing as entertainment. Officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Intagible Heritage List, this, along with the food and the tiled pillows helped ensure that the night was authentically Portugese themed.
The beauty and peacefulness of the Basilica Da Estela made it an obvious choice to have the wedding ceremony. “It is quiet but when our soprano singer and string quartet played, the sound resonated,” says Anne. “We also incorporated Filipino traditions during the ceremony, which was very important to us. We specifically bought the cord, veil and candles from the Philippines.”
RELATED READS: California Here We Come: Corey Schwartz & Joy Chua’s Wedding
For the reception, the couple chose Pestana Palace. Built in 1904 by the Marquis de Valle Flor and his three daughters, it was declared a National Monument and renovated into a beautiful hotel. It started off with cocktails outside with music from a Jazz band. Later guests moved into the dining room for a splendid four course meal catered by Pestana Palace. “I wanted guests to dine in a historical room with painted ceilings, old decor, golden frame,” says Anne. The after party was at the Old Stables of the palace, followed by a farewell brunch the next day at the gardens of the palace. “It was a nice way to say good-bye to all our guests especially since many came from different parts of the world and we don’t get to see them as often as we would like to.”
Anne and Mickael’s wedding was a magical experience for both of them. “We turned a wedding day into a wedding weekend,” she says. “Being surrounded by all your loved ones in one room to celebrate the love you have with your significant other is truly a unique and memorable experience.”
Scroll down to see more photos from Mickael Das Neves and Anne Gauthier’s wedding celebration…
WEDDING SUPPLIERS:
Bridal Gown Vera Wang
Bridal Shoes Christian Louboutin
Bridal Veil Hannah Kong
Hair Piece Mia Arcenas
Reception Dress Hannah Kong
Makeup Joana Moreira
Hair Patricia Regedor
Rings Jewelmer
Groom’s Suit William Lee
Wedding Planner and stylist Portugal Wedding Planners
Caterer Pestana Palace
Cake Pestana Palace
Giveaways Bag with logo designed by Thea Jacinto Ugarte with Castabel soap and Olive Oil
Videographer Idofilms
DJ Guillermo from Jukebox
RELATED READS: Taro Niggemann and Janthina Fong’s Filipino-Bavarian Wedding
