The Directory Gigi's Journal Real Bride

Real Bride | Laura in Lagos

Claudia Judd July 1, 2026 7 Min Read

1. Tell us a little about you, how you and your fiancé met and where you're getting married.

Me and Alex actually went to the same college when we were 16, but we never properly crossed paths until years later at a friend’s 21st birthday party. It’s funny because we technically knew of each other for years before we actually met properly.

We’re getting married at Xalet del Nin in Sitges, which is just south of one of our favourite cities, Barcelona. We instantly fell in love with the venue, it’s right by the sea, so relaxed and beautiful, and it just felt very “us”.

2. Tell us about your hen do. Where did you go, and how many of you were there?

I went to Lagos in the Algarve with 20 girls, including my mum and future mother-in-law, which made it even more special. We stayed in this gorgeous villa called 'the tiny whale' - there was nothing tiny about it and spent five days soaking up the sun (and storms), eating amazing food and just having the best time together.

3. It was a surprise trip. Did you have any inkling of where you were going or what was being planned? How did you find out?

I genuinely had no idea. The girls surprised me at the airport with a scratch card revealing the destination and when I saw “Lagos” underneath I was so shocked. I had convinced myself it would be Spain or Majorca somewhere as the hens were all arriving on different flights, so Portugal never even crossed my mind. It made the whole thing feel even more exciting because I had absolutely no expectations.

4. Who organised the weekend, and what was it like arriving not knowing everything that had been planned?

My maid of honour organised the whole thing and honestly, she absolutely smashed it. Usually I’m the planner out of the two of us (and the whole group to be fair!), so it was so fun watching her completely come to life organising every tiny detail. She thought of everything — personalised cameras, towels, hangover kits, themed outfits, restaurant bookings, literally personalising things I wouldn’t even have considered.

It was actually so nice arriving and just being able to switch off because normally I’d want to know every detail and control everything. This time I could just enjoy it.

5. Did the weekend have a theme or aesthetic? What was the overall vibe?

The theme was “Laura in Lagos” with full girls’ holiday mode activated. The whole vibe was very chic but relaxed — less 'get up and at em' activities and more sunshine, cocktails, more cocktails and TONNES of rose alongside, long lunches, beach clubs and beautiful dinners. Every day had its own colour palette or theme which made it feel really curated without being too over the top.

We had themes like “golden hour glitz” with sequins and metallics, “something blue before she says I do” for boat day, "daylight noir" for the beach club and “sunset state of mind” for our final dinner.

6. Walk us through the itinerary. What did the days (and nights!) look like?

The itinerary was honestly perfection because it felt full without being exhausting.

Day one was mainly arrivals into Faro, checking into the villa and settling in with welcome drinks and pizzas which immediately set the tone for the weekend.

Day two started with yoga by the pool followed by brunch cooked by our villa chef. Then we spent the afternoon having cocktails and a pool party before getting dressed up for a gorgeous three-course dinner at the villa. Everyone wore sequins and metallics for the “golden hour glitz” theme which looked unreal at sunset.

Day three was probably the most iconic day. We did a morning hike, brunch in Lagos town and then headed out for a boat day around the Algarve coast. The theme was “something blue before she says I do”, so everyone wore blue bikinis and swimwear. We finished the day with a BBQ back at the villa followed by a villa party.

Day four was more chilled during the morning before heading to NoSoloAgua beach club in Portimão for the afternoon. The weather wasn't as good so we just had lunch there and couldn't lay on the loungers but we still made the most of it. That night we went for sunset dinner at Zazu Beach Club and everyone dressed in sunset colours — pinks, reds, oranges and yellows. It honestly felt like a Pinterest board come to life.

7. Was there a standout moment or activity that you'll never forget?Definitely the boat day. Seeing everyone together in matching blue looks out on the water with the Algarve coastline around us was such a surreal moment. It was one of those times where you look around and think, “I can’t believe all my closest friends are here together.” Boat days on every holiday are always by far my favourite day and this one didn't disappoint. No storm was going to rain on my parade.

Also finding out the destination at the airport is something I’ll never forget because I was genuinely so shocked.

8. What did you wear across the weekend/ for each theme, and which was your favourite look?

I leaned into every theme because the girls had planned them so perfectly. During the day it was lots of white crochet and blue swimwear, then the evenings were much more glam. I wore white mini dresses every evening that were very bridal from revolve and sydney lane.

My favourite look was probably the sydney lane white mini dress with a matching neck scarf. I also loved the “daylight noir" because it felt so bridal without doing the typical all-white everything as I wore a blue bikini and a gorgeous white crochet two piece.

9. Tell us about your Gigi & Olive pieces. Which did you choose, and how did you style them?

I chose the 'Get the Bride a Martini' and 'Put it on my Husband's Tab' fans. They were the perfect accessory for every outfit, and always look so fun in a photo.

I had the personalised blue sarong for the 'something blue' boat day, with 'Mrs Jordan' embroidered on.

The Marriage Material and Bride caps were also perfect for the boat day and lounging by the pool.

10. Is there something your girls did that completely surprised you?

Having an onsite chef! It just made the weekend incredible with brunches lunches and dinners being catered for. Also a decorator came in and made the house so nice for my arrvial with bridal balloons, pool floats and a really nice dinner setting.

11. How did the hen make you feel about the wedding itself? Did it change anything about what you're looking forward to on the day?

It honestly just made me even more excited for the wedding. Seeing all my favourite people together in one place made everything suddenly feel really real. It reminded me that the best part of the wedding is just having everyone you love together celebrating.

I think it also made me appreciate slowing down and actually enjoying the moments rather than trying to control every detail.

12. One piece of advice for a Bride about to experience her hen do. What would you tell her to do, feel, or not overthink?

Don’t try to control everything — just let yourself enjoy it. I think as brides it’s so easy to want to know every plan and make sure everything is perfect, but the best part is actually letting your friends celebrate you.