Languages: English & French
So happy to meet you!
I’m Rebecca, Utah born and bred with a decade living in NYC to spice things up! I came to Portugal at the beginning of 2019 with every intention of leaving after three months. This country was on a long list of destinations I planned to visit while traveling for a few years in my newly-established profession as a freelance writer.
I’d been on the road for a while before arriving here, reveling in the constant change of scenery and countless chance encounters with extraordinary people. After an especially busy holiday season, my intent was to spend the winter solo in Sintra, reflecting on lessons learned and planning where to go next.
Little did I know, the universe had another idea in mind—
During that bright, blue-sky January, I fell head over heels for the beauty and tranquility of this place. Then, after only a few dates, I fell even harder for an Alentejo-born runner who loves the outdoors, adventure, messy travel plans, and motorcycles just as much as I do. Though we met when I was only a few months into my grand plan for living an unanchored life, I decided to kick off my traveling shoes and make Portugal home.
What attracted you to becoming a wedding celebrant?
Like a good mystery novel, there are moments in life when everything clicks into place. When Carly invited me to join the team, all the pieces suddenly fit together—fond childhood memories of my father, a retired judge, heading out to perform weddings on Saturday afternoons; exhilarating moments of participating in friends’ weddings when I felt purely in my element; and eight years working in corporate responsibility at Tiffany & Co., a company dedicated to celebrating love.
More than anything, though, it is my unfaltering belief in the power of a deep connection between two people that drew me to this work. It’s a power that lifts each person to greater heights than either could achieve on their own. Such a connection can make this crazy ride of life a little calmer, a lot more joyful, and a hell of a lot more fun.
I’m so looking forward to welcoming couples from around the world who have chosen Portugal as the place to say, “I do.”
What do you wish for the couples that you marry?
My wish is that you’ll remember that loving is core to our nature and brings out the best in us. When we remember marriage is about the privilege of loving another human with all of our heart, we step into the best version of ourselves.
In the words of Dr. Harville Hendrix, an internationally-respected relationship expert, “Romantic love is a taste of what we really are. That’s why romantic love is so intoxicating. It’s not just an emotional experience, it’s a taste of the essence of what it’s like to be an optimal human.”
Parting Words
I can’t wait to welcome you to one of the happiest places on Earth, where you’ll celebrate one of the happiest days of your life. When you’re all hyped up on jitters and joy, I’ll be here to celebrate with you and celebrate all that you are—and will become—together.
Rebecca