Settle into Penha Longa with light bites and refreshments while your room is being prepared. Whatever you travelled in is perfect ~ come comfortable, drop your bags, and make yourself at home as a warm welcome to our wedding weekend.
The Mehndi ceremony is traditionally where henna paste is applied to the bride's hands and feet. For our event, we will have henna artists available to apply small designs for all guests who wish.
The Haldi ceremony is when turmeric (haldi) paste is applied to the bride and groom, bringing protection and radiance to the couple.
Our first evening of festivities will be held at Forte da Cruz, a 17th-century seaside fortress overlooking the coastline for our Sangeet! The Sangeet means "sung together" in Sanskrit and features choreographed dance performances from family and friends. There will also be an after-party following the Sangeet at Forte da Cruz.
TransportationShuttles to Forte da Cruz and back to Penha Longa will be available during the evening.
Explore attire inspiration.
The wedding ceremony festivities will begin at 4:00 PM with Brij's Baraat!
All are welcome to join this vibrant, joy-filled procession with Brij on horseback and drums setting the rhythm. It will start at the Hotel entrance and proceed down to the Monastery where we await the Bride and ceremony. Everyone is invited to dance along, cheer him on, and help get the celebrations started.
The wedding ceremony will follow at 5:00 PM.
Following the baraat, we arrive to the event we've all been waiting for ~ seven years to the day since we first met.
After the ceremony, there will then be a cocktail hour, reception dinner, dancing, and after-party, all held at the Monastery.
If you happen to have time before your flight or onward journey, please stop by for breakfast, a coffee and one more hug. This is completely optional and casual. We're so grateful you came to celebrate with us.
The algorithm got this one right.
Cate and Brij’s story started with a match on Hinge. They shared a bottle of wine and calamari in Old Town, Alexandria where "There She Goes" played by a live band as Cate walked up and "Marry You" by Bruno Mars came on shortly after (which Brij noted). What then followed were so many adventures, some detailed below.
Their first international trip took them to Portugal, including Sintra. It fueled their shared love of discovering new places together. Little did they know they’d one day be inviting you all back for their wedding.
After Brij sold his agency, they spent two months living and working in Colombia, with salsa classes every day and many weekend hikes to ecolodges. One long weekend took them to a house in the middle of the ocean, where they slept in hammocks after their boat fully submitted to the waves on the way there. They loved living in Medellín so much, they toured condos to buy and almost didn't return home.
Brij joined Google which took him to Boston. When Cate accepted a new job, she spent time in between living in Sicily.
Between friends’ weddings and trips, travels of their own, and family visits and vacations, they kept collecting memories. See some of our adventures in the Gallery.
Brij moved back to DC (you may recall recently seeing the photo of Brij's farewell to DC party above), and the two moved in together. Their place soon became known for a good party, from their housewarming and Halloween party to the one and only season Cate ever watched of Love Island.
Cate brought together nearly two hours of messages and memories for a surprise video, telling Brij she had movie plans for his 30th birthday. There’s a lot of love for Brij in this world ~ many of you can probably spot your cameo!
Brij digitized and preserved “Search & Find,” the podcast Cate hosted as a child on an old tape recorder, mashed with some of her favorite songs. Cate commissioned an artist to write a song about their early days together. It's cringe, but was fun and most importantly, all made without AI ;)
Cate knew Brij was the one when early in their relationship he welcomed her foster animals and supported her through the emotional roller coaster that is fostering. After fostering 12 cats and three dogs, they adopted two of their fosters: Billy and Romeo. Names still subject to change, though their original rescue names have stuck.
Brij proposed at a wellness resort in the wine country of Baja, Mexico, the perfect combination of Cate’s favorite things. They returned to a surprise party at Cate’s parents’ home in San Diego, followed by an engagement celebration at Brij’s dad’s home in DC, and a party in San Francisco hosted by Tash. So many friends flew across the country as a surprise to attend these celebrations, and we couldn't have been happier during this joyous time.
They packed up their East Coast life and moved to San Francisco. A new company for Brij, a new market for Cate, a new apartment for the kitties, and a new city for them all to explore. They of course had to warm the space with a housewarming, including a tarot card reader, themed drinks, a late-night In-N-Out surprise, and ruining yet another ceiling with extreme decor.
See you in Sintra.
Penha Longa Resort is a Ritz-Carlton property situated within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Estrada da Lagoa Azul · Linhó, 2714-511Please book by July 1, 2027.
For your convenience, we have reserved a block of rooms at Penha Longa Resort, where most of our wedding events will take place. Please book by July 1, 2027 to receive our discounted rate. After this date, rates may increase and availability may be limited.
Our room block includes Deluxe Rooms for two guests. For details about room upgrades and additional guests, please see our FAQs.
Book a Room →Penha Longa Resort is a Ritz-Carlton property situated within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais).
The Park is a highly protected reserve that stretches from the mystical mountains of Sintra down to the Atlantic coastline. Penha Longa holds the distinction of being the only hotel located entirely within the borders of this protected UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. The surrounding protected area is a high-biodiversity sanctuary home to over 200 animal species. The resort's event spaces, golf courses, and hotel rooms are completely enveloped by protected, unbroken mountain wilderness and lush pine forests.
Lisbon Airport (LIS) is a short 30 minute drive to Penha Longa Resort in Sintra. Most events will be hosted on the Penha Longa Resort Property and will require no transportation for guests staying there.
We have arranged for transportation to and from the hotel to Forte da Cruz for the Sangeet.
Uber, Bolt, taxi, and private drivers are widely accessible to and from the Lisbon Airport and around Sintra. You can always ask Penha Longa reception to organize a taxi for you. Should you choose to rent a car, there is parking onsite at Penha Longa.
A preview of where we’ll celebrate together.
The illustrations are here to inspire you.
Wear what feels like you, and come ready to celebrate.
Friday, October 1, 2027 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Penha Longa Spice Garden
Join us for lunch, henna and a little turmeric in the Spice Garden. Henna artists will be there for anyone who would like a design, and the Haldi brings a joyful touch of color and blessings before the vows. Come relaxed and enjoy this time together.
Coming straight from the airport? Whatever you travelled in is perfect. Come comfortable, drop your bags and make yourself at home. Casual Western clothes are completely welcome, and Indian attire is optional. A sundress, T-shirt and trousers, or a light kurta all work. Turmeric and mehndi can stain, so choose something you won't worry about.
Friday, October 1, 2027 | 6:00 PM
Forte da Cruz
Cate's Portuguese roots and Brij's Indian traditions meet by the sea. At Forte da Cruz, we'll begin with food, performances from family and friends, and a dance floor full of our favorite people. Bring the sparkle and save us a dance.
Women: We recommend wearing a lehenga (skirt set), anarkali (dress), or sharara (pants set), as they offer the most freedom for dancing. A saree (dress) is also a great option, but may be more difficult to dance and drape.
Men: A kurta (long tunic) with matching trousers is a great option for dancing. You can wear it on its own or add a Nehru vest for a more dressed-up look. A bandhgala (closed-neck jacket) paired with trousers is another lovely choice.
A glamorous Western dress or a polished suit works beautifully, too. We encourage festive colors and patterns, so feel free to have fun with your look!
Saturday, October 2, 2027
Baraat 4:00 PM / Ceremony 5:00 PM
Penha Longa | Lobby to Monastery
We met on October 2, 2020. Seven years later, we'll meet at the end of the aisle. Join Brij's Baraat from the hotel lobby to the Monastery, followed by vows, cocktails, dinner and a night of dancing. Our next chapter begins with all of you.
An elegant gown or formal dress, or a dark tailored suit and tie. One outfit takes you from the Baraat through the reception. Choose shoes that can join the procession and the party.
Sunday, October 3, 2027 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Penha Longa Mercatto | Optional
If you have time before your flight or onward journey, stop by for breakfast, a coffee and one more hug. We're so grateful you came to celebrate with us.
Sweatpants, your travel outfit ~ anything is fine. No need to dress up.
We know this will be the first Indian wedding for many of you. Please wear what feels comfortable and works for you. If you have any questions, feel free to text us!
Glam for the Sangeet, formal for the wedding. Travel clothes are perfect for arrival and brunch.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a small evening bag. For henna, sleeves that roll up easily are helpful.
Pack a wrap, cardigan or light jacket, plus a compact umbrella. Check the forecast closer to departure.
Bring comfortable shoes for exploring and a pair you can walk and dance in for the Baraat and celebrations.
Palaces above the clouds, seaside cafés, and a little time to enjoy Penha Longa between the celebrations.
There is plenty to enjoy without leaving the resort. Take your morning slowly, explore the grounds, or settle in for a little time by the pool.
On‑site: 27 holes over two golf courses, hiking trails, spa, pools, gym, and several restaurants.
Book a treatment, unwind in the spa garden, or spend a quiet afternoon beside one of the resort’s pools.
Explore the forest surroundings and the historic circuit.
Enjoy 27 holes over two golf courses, or reserve a meal at one of the resort’s restaurants.
The hotel does surprises in random spaces of the resort, on random intervals. We've experienced special coffee tastings at restaurants, morning donuts, popsicles at the pool, Port wine tasting in the evenings, and shoulder massages in the spa and gym. You just have to be in the right place, at the right time!
Contact the resort concierge for treatment appointments, golf tee times, restaurant reservations, and current activity options.
Distance: 15 minutes from Penha Longa to park entrance. You can take a tuktuk from the bottom to cart you to the top or hike. It's the most iconic landmark in Sintra - colorful, whimsical, perched above the clouds.
Tip: Morning or late afternoon avoids crowds. Time needed: 2–3 hours.
Both Brij and Cate and Brij's mom, Aradhna, and Grant ate at the Dona Maria restaurant near Pena Palace. We also recommend the Azenhas do Mar restaurant for seafood by the sea.
Distance: 15 minutes from Penha Longa. Has the famous Initiation Well, lush gardens, secret tunnels, and mystical architecture.
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
Distance: 15 minutes from Penha Longa to access point. Has the ancient fortress walls with panoramic views over Sintra and the Atlantic.
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
Distance: 15 minutes from Penha Longa. Portugal’s oldest palace with stunning tilework and twin chimneys.
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
Option A | Classic Sintra Highlights (Easy & Iconic): Pena Palace - Moorish Castle - Coffee in Old Town - Return to Penha Longa
Option B | Mystical Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira - Sintra National Palace - Gelato at Santini - Stroll Old Town
Distance: 15-20 minutes from the Penha Longa, depending on the beach. Golden beaches, seaside cafés, and a relaxed coastal vibe.
Trade the palace gardens for an afternoon on the coast: a walk beside the water, lunch overlooking the bay, and time to wander.
Stroll beside the sea between Cascais and Estoril, stopping for coffee or an ice cream along the way.
A dramatic rocky opening on the coast near Cascais, where the Atlantic meets the cliffs.
A broad, windswept beach backed by the Sintra hills. Enjoy the scenery and make time for a seafood lunch nearby.
We also recommend Praia da Ursa near Cabo da Roca for its dramatic rock formations. Access is via a steep footpath.
Option C | Coastal Escape: Drive to Cascais - Walk the promenade - Lunch by the sea - Optional: Boca do Inferno cliffs
A few favorite stops for before or after the celebrations.
Europe’s second-oldest capital, Lisbon invites you to enjoy fado, try Pastéis de Belém, sail to Ponto Final, and take an iconic tram ride.
Take the three-hour train up from Lisbon to the home of port wine ~ very European, romantic, and perfect for wine tastings in the Douro Valley.
Comporta is the perfect destination that is undoubtedly a hot spot, but not totally discovered and overcrowded. It’s full of design, good food, and sunshine beach clubs. Best with an extra day or two.
Azenhas do Mar — whitewashed houses above the Atlantic and a beautiful coastal viewpoint.
Ericeira — a fishing village with surf beaches and an easy afternoon by the sea.
Mafra — a grand palace and monastery; pair it with a visit to Ericeira.
Óbidos — medieval walls and cobbled lanes, a little farther north.
