Impressionist coastal landscape

The Marriage of

Beatriz & Austin

November 8, 2026

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Our Story

What started as a chance encounter became the greatest adventure of our lives. From our first conversation, we knew there was something extraordinary between us — a connection that transcended borders, languages, and time zones.

Austin, from the mountains of the American West, and Beatriz, from the vibrant heart of Brazil, found in each other a partner for every journey. Through late-night video calls, surprise visits, and countless stamps in their passports, they built a love that only grew stronger with every mile between them.

Now, we're bringing our two worlds together in the city where so much of our story unfolded — Rio de Janeiro. We can't wait to share this celebration with the people who mean the most to us.

Couple Photo 1
Couple Photo 2

Travel & Logistics

Everything you need to know about getting to Rio

GIG
Galeão International Airport (Tom Jobim)

Rio's main international airport, located about 20km from the South Zone (Copacabana/Ipanema). Most international flights arrive here.

Pros

  • +Direct flights from major US cities (Miami, Houston, New York)
  • +Modern terminal with duty-free shopping
  • +Easy taxi/rideshare access to South Zone hotels

Cons

  • −30–60 minute drive to South Zone depending on traffic
  • −Can be congested during rush hours
SDU
Santos Dumont Airport

Rio's domestic airport, beautifully located right in the city center with views of Sugarloaf Mountain. Primarily serves domestic flights.

Pros

  • +Only 15 minutes from Copacabana/Ipanema
  • +Stunning approach over Guanabara Bay
  • +Convenient for domestic connections from São Paulo (GRU/CGH)

Cons

  • −No direct international flights
  • −Requires a connection through São Paulo or Brasília

Flight Tips

Book Early

Flights to Rio in November are popular. Book at least 3–4 months in advance for the best fares. Consider flying into São Paulo (GRU) and taking a short domestic flight to SDU for more options.

Consider a Stopover

If flying from the US, Miami (MIA) and Houston (IAH) offer the most direct routes. Flight time is approximately 9–10 hours. LATAM and American Airlines operate the most frequent service.

Arrive a Day Early

We recommend arriving by November 4th or 5th to adjust to the time zone and enjoy Rio before the festivities begin. The time difference from US Eastern is typically +2 hours.

Getting Around

Uber/99

Rideshare apps work perfectly in Rio and are the most convenient option. Uber and 99 (a Brazilian app) are widely used. A ride from GIG to Copacabana costs roughly R$80–120 (~$15–25 USD).

Hotel Transfer

Most hotels offer airport transfer services. Ask your hotel when booking — it's often the most stress-free option, especially for late arrivals.

Taxi

Official yellow taxis are available at the airport. Use the prepaid taxi booth inside the terminal to avoid overcharging. Agree on the fare before departure.

Where to Stay

We've arranged special rates at these recommended hotels

Hotel Photo
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro
★★★★★

10 minutes by car from venue

Iconic beachfront luxury on Ipanema. Philippe Starck–designed interiors with sweeping ocean views. The rooftop pool overlooking the beach is unforgettable. Our top recommendation for guests who want a world-class experience.

BeachfrontRooftop PoolSpaRestaurantOcean View

15% Discount Code

BIAAUSTIN2026

$$$$ · ~$400–600/night

Book Now
Hotel Photo
Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – MGallery
★★★★★

15 minutes by car from venue

A charming boutique hotel nestled in the hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa, surrounded by tropical gardens and art galleries. Colonial architecture meets contemporary comfort with stunning city views.

PoolGardenSpaRestaurantCity View

12% Discount Code

BIAAUSTIN2026

$$$ · ~$250–400/night

Book Now
Hotel Photo
Hilton Copacabana
★★★★

12 minutes by car from venue

Modern comfort right on Copacabana Beach with excellent amenities and reliable service. A great mid-range option with all the conveniences you'd expect, walking distance to restaurants and nightlife.

BeachfrontPoolFitness CenterRestaurantBusiness Center

10% Discount Code

WILLMAN2026

$$ · ~$150–250/night

Book Now

Use the discount code when booking directly with the hotel. Codes are valid for stays between November 3–12, 2026. Book early — November is peak season in Rio!

Wedding Week

A week of celebration in Rio de Janeiro

Arrival DayWednesday, November 4

All Day

Arrivals & Settling In

Your hotel

Arrive at your own pace. Take the day to rest, explore the neighborhood, and get acclimated. We recommend a walk along the beach at sunset.

Welcome DrinksThursday, November 5

7:00 PM

Welcome Drinks & Appetizers

Bar do Arnaudo, Santa Teresa

Join us for an informal evening of caipirinhas, petiscos, and catching up with fellow guests. A chance to meet everyone before the main events.

Smart casual — think linen and light fabrics

Excursion DayFriday, November 6

9:00 AM

Group Excursion: Sugarloaf Mountain

Meet at hotel lobby

Optional group outing to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) for breathtaking panoramic views of Rio. Cable car ride included. Lunch at a nearby restaurant afterward.

Comfortable walking shoes, casual wear

Evening

Free Evening

Explore Rio

Enjoy Rio on your own! We'll share our favorite restaurant recommendations.

Rehearsal DinnerSaturday, November 7

12:00 PM

Beach Day (Optional)

Ipanema Beach

Soak up the sun at Ipanema Beach. We'll have chairs and umbrellas reserved near Posto 9.

Beachwear

7:30 PM

Rehearsal Dinner

Aprazível Restaurant, Santa Teresa

An intimate dinner in one of Rio's most beautiful settings — a treehouse-style restaurant nestled in the Atlantic Forest with panoramic city views.

Cocktail attire — elegant but not formal

The WeddingSunday, November 8

4:00 PM

Wedding Ceremony

Venue TBA, Rio de Janeiro

The main event. Please arrive by 3:45 PM. The ceremony will begin promptly at 4:00 PM with a sunset backdrop.

Black tie optional — see Dress Code section

5:30 PM

Cocktail Hour

Venue Gardens

Champagne, canapés, and live music in the garden while the newlyweds take photos.

7:00 PM

Reception & Dinner

Venue Main Hall

Dinner, toasts, and dancing under the stars. Brazilian live music transitions to DJ as the night unfolds.

11:00 PM

After-Party

Venue Lounge

For those still dancing! The party continues with drinks and music into the early hours.

FarewellMonday, November 9

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Farewell Brunch

TBA

A relaxed morning-after brunch to share stories from the night before, say goodbye, and nurse any caipirinhas-induced headaches. Come as you are.

Very casual

What to Wear

A guide to dressing for each event

Brazilians dress up for weddings — think glamorous, polished, and celebratory. This is not the occasion for khakis and loafers. Embrace color, elegance, and a touch of Rio flair. When in doubt, overdress.

Welcome Drinks
Smart Casual

Think relaxed elegance. Linen shirts, flowing dresses, stylish sandals. The venue is casual but you'll want to look put-together.

  • •Light fabrics — November in Rio is warm (25–30°C / 77–86°F)
  • •Linen or cotton shirts for men
  • •Flowy dresses or chic separates for women
  • •Comfortable shoes — Santa Teresa has cobblestone streets
Rehearsal Dinner
Cocktail Attire

Elegant but not stuffy. Think of a sophisticated dinner party in a tropical garden setting.

  • •Cocktail dresses or dressy jumpsuits for women
  • •Blazer with dress pants (no tie needed) for men
  • •Bold colors and prints are encouraged
  • •Low heels or wedges recommended — the venue has garden paths
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Black Tie Optional

This is the main event — dress to celebrate! Black tie optional means you can go full formal or one step below. Either way, bring your A-game.

  • •Floor-length or midi dresses, elegant jumpsuits for women
  • •Suits or tuxedos for men — dark colors or midnight blue
  • •Brazilian guests will be dressed to the nines — match their energy
  • •No white, cream, or ivory (reserved for the bride)
  • •Bring a light wrap — evenings can cool down near the coast
After-Party
Whatever You're Still Wearing

By this point, jackets are off and dance shoes are on. No judgment, just joy.

  • •Comfortable dancing shoes (or bare feet)
  • •You may want to bring a change of shoes
Farewell Brunch
Very Casual

Roll out of bed and join us. Sunglasses are your best accessory.

  • •Casual and comfortable
  • •Sunglasses strongly recommended
  • •Flip-flops are perfectly acceptable

Brazilian Culture Guide

What to know before you go

Wedding Traditions

The Party Never Ends Early

Brazilian weddings are marathons, not sprints. The reception typically goes until 3–4 AM. Pace yourself — the best moments often happen after midnight.

Dancing Is Not Optional

At some point, you will be pulled onto the dance floor. Resistance is futile. Don't worry about knowing the steps — enthusiasm counts more than technique.

Toasts & Speeches

Brazilian weddings tend to have fewer formal speeches than American ones. When toasts happen, they're heartfelt and often emotional. Have tissues ready.

Bem-Casados

You'll receive "bem-casados" (literally "well-married") — small, elegant boxes with a soft cake. It's a traditional wedding favor symbolizing good luck for the couple.

Social Customs

Greetings

Brazilians greet with kisses on the cheek — one kiss in Rio (two in São Paulo). For men meeting men, a firm handshake with a pat on the back. Don't be surprised by warm, enthusiastic hugs from people you've just met.

Time

"Brazilian time" is a real thing — social events often start 30–60 minutes late. However, the wedding ceremony will start on time. For other events, relax and enjoy the pace.

Physical Affection

Brazilians are physically expressive. Expect lots of hugging, arm-touching, and close conversation. This is normal and a sign of warmth, not intrusion.

Food & Drink

Caipirinha

Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça (sugarcane spirit), lime, and sugar. It's deceptively strong. Start with one and see how you feel.

Churrasco

Brazilian barbecue is an art form. Expect perfectly seasoned, slow-grilled meats brought to your table on skewers. Say "sim" (yes) to everything at least once.

Açaí

In Rio, açaí is served as a thick frozen bowl topped with granola and banana — very different from the watery smoothie versions abroad. A must-try for breakfast.

Pão de Queijo

Chewy cheese bread balls made from cassava flour. Served warm, they're addictive. You'll find them at every bakery and restaurant.

Safety Tips

Stay Aware

Rio is a big city — use the same street smarts you'd use in any major city. Stick to well-traveled areas, especially at night. Use Uber instead of walking alone after dark.

Valuables

Leave expensive jewelry and watches at the hotel safe. Carry a copy of your passport, not the original. Use a crossbody bag instead of a backpack on the beach.

Beach Safety

Don't bring valuables to the beach. Rent a chair from a barraca (beach vendor) — they'll watch your things while you swim. Swim between the flags where lifeguards are watching.

Water & Sun

The sun in Rio is intense — wear high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated. Tap water in hotels is generally safe, but bottled water is recommended.

Currency & Money

Navigating Brazilian Reais (BRL)

Brazil's currency is the Real (R$), plural Reais. As of 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 5.0–5.5 BRL. This can vary — check current rates before your trip.

Best Way to Exchange: Wise (formerly TransferWise)

We strongly recommend the Wise app. Load your card before the trip and use it for payments in Brazil. You'll get the mid-market exchange rate with minimal fees — far better than airport exchange counters or hotel rates.

ATMs (Caixas Eletrônicos)

Use ATMs at major banks (Bradesco, Itaú, Banco do Brasil) for cash withdrawals. Stick to ATMs inside bank branches or shopping malls for safety. Your bank may charge international ATM fees — check before you go.

Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Rio's restaurants, hotels, and shops. American Express is less common. Always pay in BRL when the terminal asks — choosing USD triggers unfavorable dynamic currency conversion.

Exchange Houses (Casas de Câmbio)

If you need cash, exchange houses in tourist areas (Copacabana, Ipanema) offer reasonable rates. Compare a few before exchanging. Avoid exchanging money at the airport — rates are significantly worse.

Tipping Culture

Restaurants typically include a 10% service charge (gorjeta) on the bill. This is optional but customary to pay. For exceptional service, you can add more. Tip hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides R$5–20 depending on the service.

How Much to Budget

For reference: a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs R$50–100 ($10–20), a caipirinha R$20–35 ($4–7), Uber rides R$15–40 ($3–8), and a beach chair rental R$10–20 ($2–4) per day.

Visa Information

Check if you need a visa to enter Brazil

Brazil reinstated visa requirements for several countries in 2024. Please verify your specific situation with the Brazilian consulate in your country, as requirements can change. We recommend starting the visa process at least 3 months before travel.

United States
Visa Required

US citizens need a visa to enter Brazil. Apply for an e-Visa (VIVIS system) online. Processing takes 5–10 business days. The visa is valid for up to 5 years with 90-day stays. Cost: approximately $80 USD.

Apply Here →
Canada
Visa Required

Canadian citizens need a visa. Apply through the e-Visa system. Similar process and costs as US citizens. Processing: 5–10 business days.

Apply Here →
Australia
Visa Required

Australian citizens need a visa. Apply through the Brazilian consulate or e-Visa portal. Processing: 10–15 business days.

Apply Here →
United Kingdom
No Visa

UK citizens do not currently need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. You will need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and proof of onward travel.

European Union
No Visa

EU citizens generally do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date.

Argentina / Mercosul
No Visa

Citizens of Mercosul countries (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, etc.) can enter with a national ID card. No visa required.

Required Documents

  • •Valid passport (6+ months validity from entry date)
  • •Completed e-Visa application (for countries requiring visas)
  • •Passport-sized photo (digital, for e-Visa)
  • •Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)
  • •Return or onward flight ticket
  • •Proof of sufficient funds for your stay

Start your visa application at least 3 months before November 2026. While processing is usually 5–15 business days, delays can happen. Don't leave it to the last minute.

Gift Registry

Your presence is our greatest gift

Honestly, having you travel to Rio de Janeiro to celebrate with us is the greatest gift we could ask for. But if you'd like to contribute to our next chapter together, we've put together a small registry.

View Our Registry

For those who prefer, we also welcome contributions to our honeymoon fund. Details are available on the registry page.

Join the Group

Stay connected with fellow guests

We've created a WhatsApp group for all wedding guests. It's the best way to coordinate plans, share rides from the airport, get real-time updates about events, and connect with other guests traveling to Rio.

QR Code

Scan the QR code or tap the link below on your mobile device

Join WhatsApp Group

RSVP

Let us know if you can make it