John Michael Oleksa and Michael Maisel tied the knot in a greenhouse under the stars.
From left to right: John Michael and Michael
John Michael Oleksa & Michael Maisel
June 22, 2024
Quinta da Bella Vista Sintra, Portugal
THE COUPLE John Michael Oleksa, a realtor with Compass, and Michael Maisel, a program manager at Google, met on Hinge in 2021—and a proposal followed precisely one year later when John Michael surprised Michael on the steps of their brownstone during a housewarming party. “Being in our home, surrounded by family and friends, and our Golden Retriever Becky, made it very special,” says John Michael.
A traditional Portgual menu was served, with beautifully designed sage green and white menus on the tables.
THE DETAILS The Philadelphia couple celebrated with 150 guests at a destination wedding in Portugal in June 2024. A greenhouse under the stars was the backdrop for the reception, and guests found their seats from custom matchboxes that had a small watercolor of the venue.
Tables were filled with white florals and sage green accents.
THE PARTY An array of traditional Portuguese food was served—skipping wedding cake for an assortment of desserts. The crowd danced into the night at the afterparty: “Two talented drag queens and the DJ crew brought so much fun energy to just dance, sing and enjoy the rest of the night,” says John Michael.
THE LIST
Wedding Planner Doris Costa, Doma Portugal Weddings, domaweddings.com
Grooms’ Tuxes Michael: Tom Ford, Boyds, boydsphila.com; John Michael: Suit Supply, suitsupply.com
Grooms’ Shoes Michael: To Boot New York, toboot.com; John Michael: Marc Nolan, marcnolan.com
Grooms’ Watches Michael: Cartier Santos; John Michael: Shinola, shinola.com
Rings Cartier, cartier.com
Flower Girl’s Dress Rosebud Fashions, Bella Bridesmaids, bellabridesmaids.com
Florals Happy Day Floral and Event Design, en.happydayeventos. com
Catering Casa da Comida, casadacomida.pt
Invitations Papertree Studio, papertreestudio.net
Rentals and Linens BC Planning and Rentals
Entertainment Ceremony: Coro Genesis, hymnus.net; reception: Pedro Benga, Jukebox, jukebox.com.pt
Videographer Fullcut, fullcutweddings.com
Photography by: Anastasia Ivanichkina, Portugal Wedding Photographer
