Winter in the Algarve is something truly magical: amazing sunsets on deserted beaches and long romantic nights filled with stars. Destination weddings are so often associated with getaways to hot, sunny climates in spring or summer, but not many realise just how exquisite the very same places can be during the off season. From November to February there are a few showers here and there in the Algarve, yet sunny, warm days for the most part prevail. Also (because of the occasional showers) beautiful pink almond blossoms appear in January and February.

The inspiration for this shoot was winter in the Algarve, with a simple cliff top picnic amidst the natural beauty of the beach landscape and the season itself. Simplicity is always elegant and everything was kept as pared back as possible. The setting was Alvor beach in the western Algarve over late December and early January. Portuguese pastries and cheeses from a local shop filled the picnic baskets, and the model's make up was kept natural looking with her hair swept up into an elegant braid wreath . Winter sunlight glints off water-covered sand in Matt + Lena's luminous images and we love the combination of textures: soft cotton, flowing tulle, feathery clouds, delicate petals and craggy beach rock. Heaven!

Photography: Matt + Lena Photography | Model & Makeup: Katya Goncharova | Hair: Lena Roganovic | Location: Tres Irmaos Beach, Alvor | Camisole Top & Sweater: Stradivarius | Scarf: Parfois | Tulle Skirt: Lena's own | Wooden Table Boxes, Glass Jars & Sweet Basket: Casa | Pastries & Cheeses: Continente Supermarket