Languages: Portuguese & English
Hi!
I’m Lara. I am a Portuguese living in Porto, but I have a bit of the world inside me. Sine I was little, I very much adored people, from the relationships that are established between them and the world, to the connection we create that transcend location and language.
With this spirit, I lived with eyes and heart wide open in very different places, like Austria, Morocco, and Romania, before I returned to Portugal in 2011. Here I am dedicated exclusively to teaching the Portuguese language to foreigners, helping to make known my mother tongue to all those I meet here.
Also along these lines, the ties that unite and excite the life of people are an area of living that attracts and fascinates me. Therefore, when Carly (the founder of YEWC) presented me with the idea of being a wedding celebrant, I immediately felt captivated by the idea to accompany two souls who wish to join their lives together.
What is your favorite part about being a wedding celebrant?
When I meet a couple for the first time, when we combine efforts to design the perfect ceremony, when a couple shares details, little secrets; when I become aware of their unique connection and of how much love can be a palpable thing… Being able to put a feeling into words and being able to establish a bond through a ceremony.
What’s the most challenging part of creating a ceremony?
People come from all kinds of backgrounds and mindsets. Some are more open and share their minds and thoughts; some others take their leap of faith leaving it to my crystal ball reading skills. It can really be a challenge when we start drafting not knowing if we are going for the right tone. That’s when we realize how much of a big thing it is to get in touch with our couple’s wishes. Also, meeting a balance between different personalities, different faiths or just to step out of our comfort zone can be pretty challenging.
What is the best compliment a couple or wedding guest has ever given you?
“Thank you for being able to read our minds and understanding our wishes, and for being a heartwarming and empathic presence throughout the whole process.”
Parting words
For me, bringing joy and joining hearts together is really the best way of living and celebrating love.
Lara