Ives & Ivory Events
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Cocktail Hour in the Gardens

Loures, Portugal · Palácio de Queluz

A thoughtfully designed cocktail hour encourages guests to linger, explore, and settle into the celebration. By layering in meaningful details, live illustrations, personalized experiences, and subtle nods to your story, we transform this in-between moment into one of the most memorable parts of the day.

Bistro table with white linen and roses set along the palace balustrade Family wedding photo display board with blue and white floral arrangement Stone cherub statue atop the garden balustrade Live sketch artists drawing guest portraits at a café table Live watercolor sketch of a guest in a tuxedo and bow tie Live sketch portraits of guests in gowns clipped to a gold display rack Bride and bridal party raising bouquets in front of the palace Groom and groomsmen gathered around the garden fountain Bride and groom walking hand in hand past a garden statue Bride and groom walking toward the boxwood hedge maze, bride looking back Bride and groom embracing in front of the palace fountain Guests relaxing in a lounge seating area amid the boxwood garden Guests gathered at the terrace bar beneath mint green umbrellas Guests in evening gowns chatting in front of the palace facade Portuguese cheese display with grapes, dried fruit, and honey Rows of finished live sketch portraits clipped to a gold rack Wide view of guests mingling on the terrace above the boxwood maze Passed hors d'oeuvres cones on a black serving tray Extended family group portrait in black tie in front of the palace Guests taking mini savory pies from a grass-lined serving tray Wide view of the terrace with waiters serving guests under mint umbrellas Guests in a green dress and blazer smiling with cocktails on the palace steps Close-up of passed savory cones on a black serving board Guests gathered around a buffet table along the palace facade Wide view of the palace and boxwood parterre garden Boxwood parterre garden with central fountain and lounge seating Guests gathered on the terrace steps beside the palace Close-up of a stone cherub statue with the garden below Aerial view of the palace and boxwood parterre garden Aerial view of guests gathered near the garden fountain Vintage lounge sofa and armchairs with blue toile pillows in the garden Aerial view of guests gathered at the bar beneath mint umbrellas Two champagne coupes on a plate with a white rose and delphinium Group portrait of guests in evening wear on the terrace Saxophonist performing on the terrace during cocktail hour Aerial overview of the palace, gardens, and surrounding town Top-down aerial view of the boxwood maze garden pattern Top-down aerial view of guests gathered around the terrace bar Aerial view of guests scattered across the boxwood garden terraces Passed croquetas with aioli on a black serving board Three guests smiling together at the palace balustrade with drinks Group of guests toasting together at the palace balustrade The Garden Bar menu signage with a bartender mixing drinks behind Close-up of the Garden Bar and signature drinks menu cards Guests walking past the garden fountain in front of the palace Our Favorite People seating chart sign with white bouquets Close-up of the Forever Looks Like family wedding photo display Bridesmaids laughing while carrying the bride between them Bridal party cheering with arms raised beside garden urns