The first event of the 2024 Spanish wedding season was always going to be special. The soft spring sunshine of the Costa Blanca is always enchanting at this time of year. A welcome warmth as the coolness of winter lifts. The brightness of the skies and the eternal azure sparkle of the Mediterranean seas. It’s simply a magical time for a destination wedding in Spain.
A WEDDING IN SPAIN WITH FAMILY AT ITS HEART
The couple A & M escaping the persistent greys of UK skies for an Alicante wedding, were delighted at the beauty of their chosen location and indeed the weather that was putting on its best show it seemed just for them.
We’d first met back in October to mark a blank page with ideas for the ceremony. Colours, tone and ideas were added to a mood board. Family was to be central. Bringing together the North East of England and the heart of Lithuania into one Spanish celebration. Not certain what to include in their ceremony or indeed the options for personalising the ceremony experience to make it unique for them, Ideas were discussed and suggestions exchanged. They were super easy to connect with, invested in creating a meaningful ceremony, excited and in love.
From then we’d worked together on calls on cold winter afternoons, exchanging emails and messages to refine the details. The preparation complete I’d put pen to paper to create their script built around their unique story. In the early days of March the Bride & Groom happily confirmed that they loved the script and plan for the ceremony .. we were all set!
It was to be a customised ceremony which would combine classical wedding elements with their story, their history and some of the moments that had transpired to ultimately bring them to this day.. the wedding!
On a glorious April afternoon … the wedding Eve the wedding party gathered to rehearse the entrances and exits, familiarise themselves with the music and share much excited laughter as we all anticipated the joyful day that would be.
A SPANISH STYLED WEDDING VENUE WITH STUNNING COAST AND MOUNTAIN VISTAS
The wedding venue was the glorious Occidental Pueblo Acantilado, imperiously perched on a clifftop overlooking an expanse of vibrant sea.
The intimate resort a charming collection of small traditional Spanish styled buildings with cobbled terraces and courtyards, a unique amphitheatre space and curving paths etched into the cliffside.
As you approach down a road with a spattering of residential villas you are immediately struck by the blue tiled dome of a traditional styled building similar to that of the church high on the hill in Altea. A curved courtyard of small restaurants surrounded by lush greenery with a view to the left of the sea.
The large wrought iron gates mark the entrance to this Costa Blanca wedding and the resort slowly revealing itself through of a series of manicured cobbled pathways that lead you upwards and deeper into this unique village in the cliffs.
Trees, palms and flowers abound the brightly coloured facades of the cute terrace style buildings with iron balustrades and balconies that house the guests. There is no doubting that you are in the Mediterranean, it all feels well, decidedly Spanish.
An inviting swimming pool suggestively glimmering from behind an old stone wall. Festoon lighting meeting at a central point in an opening resemblant of old town squares. The detailing in this wedding venue is extensive and it creates a calm authentic Spanish feeling and vibe that makes you want to explore more and see what lies behind the pretty coloured buildings.
The rooms with balconies onto a sea of blue. Extravagant views down the coast and to the mountains from all around that will entertain you for hours.
Surprisingly this hidden gem of a wedding venue is conveniently located around 10 minute’s drive outside of the small town of El Campello and only some 25 minutes north of Alicante city with its international airport.
Pueblo Acantilado is in my view up there with the best Alicante Wedding Venues and perfect for those couples seeking a Spanish feel to their Costa Blanca wedding which can also accommodate their guests in Spanish style.
SPAIN WEDDING PLANNING TO PERFECTION
Expert Costa Blanca wedding planners GIDO WEDDINGS had meticulously covered every fine detail that was to shape this joyous Alicante wedding celebration. Their relaxed approach providing calm and reassurance to all. No fuss no drama … it was simply … all in hand. The fine details and depth of thought of their wedding planning evident everywhere. All the little extras and special touches that take the experience up a notch for both couple and guests.
These two quite lovely wedding professionals appear to effortlessly make things happen and happily move seamlessly creating wedding magic and memories for their clients nothing short of wedding planning perfection!
BEAUTIFUL WEDDING CEREMONY STYLING ON THE COSTA BLANCA, SPAIN
The late afternoon wedding ceremony would take place on a magnificent courtyard terrace surrounded by tall stone arches overlooking the sea. The views that would be the backdrop from the terrace were truly remarkable, drawing guests in to stare with delight. The mellowed yellows of the cliffs and greens of the pines with the expanse of blue.
Off-white vintage chairs in neat rows dotted with white gypsophila flowers and delicate white ribbons would comfortably seat the 20 guests of this small Spanish wedding.
Dominating the vista, two absolutely glorious floral pillars, positioned front and centre framing the spot the couple would say their vows and make their promises to each other. The delicately arched pillars dotted with the soft peaches and creams of traditional roses contrasted with subtle greenery were simply divine, real statement pieces, skilfully crafted and created by local Alicante master florists. Their scent amongst, pine and sea created a wonderful perfume.
At the guest entrance a welcome table dotted with delicate flower vases on a vintage table, outside the imposing Spanish wooden doors arched and bolted in traditional Spanish style through which the guest would pass into the cool darkness of the stone walls before emerging into the dazzling sunshine shimmering off the sea below as they stepped onto the terrace.
Gentle, pretty and elegant the ceremony venue was complete and I awaited the Bride and Groom along with their guests with an excited anticipation.
FIRST LOOKS IN AN ALICANTE WEDDING
First Looks came early allowing the couple to be whisked off in a limo to create magical memories of their day with nearby Alicante Castle their chosen backdrop.
The Castillo de Santa Barbara perched high on an imposing rock above the cosmopolitan city of Alicante affords stunning views of the marina, coast and cityscape. The images captured were stylish infused with elegance as our couple shared this special time alone together ahead of the ceremony and day that they would be shared with their family and friends.
The first looks ensuring that any nerves were lightened and creating space, alleviating any pressure after the ceremony for our couple to capture the magic images they would long treasure.
Renowned international photographers MONTEMELLI were on hand to capture the magic of the day. MONTEMELLIi draws on years of experience in the weddings and editorial photography industry, for photographs that are graceful, honest and boldly natural while completely captivating.
THE GUESTS EXCITEDLY GATHER FOR THE SPANISH WEDDING A & M
The international guests gathered colourful, smart and stylishly attired. Everyone delighted to be in the light of the sun with the opportunity to bring out a splash of colour in their wardrobe and discard their dark winter clothes. Excited chatter, hellos and kisses filled the air. Everyone so genuinely happy for the wonderful couple on a very special day.
The 20 guests gathered in perfect time. The scene was set. It was to be an intimate wedding involving those that meant so much to the couple all their nearest and dearest gathered in this fabulous place together.
It was time to check in with the groom. A ritual I always enjoy, checking how they feel, last minute advice a friendly face they know to calm any last minute nerves.
Our Groom was in great form! Excited and happy after his photoshoot tour into Alicante with his Bride. Now, enjoying his moment as the guests excitedly hugged him and wished him well. By his side, his Dad, his best Man. The extended team of groomsmen bedecked in co-ordinating stylish beige suits perfectly smart yet wonderfully appropriate for the sunny setting.
A WARM PERSONALISED WEDDING CEREMONY IN SPAIN
The signal received from the wedding planners, the bride was ready …it was time! The music gently faded and I walked to the front to start the ceremony and formally welcome the eager guests.
This time my welcome was new for me. An introduction especially prepared for the Lithuanian guests present. It’s always a wonderfully personal touch to create a welcome in other languages to acknowledge the journeys people have made and a nod to home, to truly make guests feel welcome.
I had worked with the bride in the preceding weeks to prepare a welcome in her native Lithuanian for her family that had travelled to be with her. After practice and rehearsal, I confidently added this personal touch. Guests later told me how much this gesture had been much appreciated and they were surprised by the clarity of my Lithuanian message.
Taking this a step further we had also prepared a ceremony order of service that was translated to assist guests to follow what was happening and to feel included in the event even if English wasn’t their first language.
The ceremony was to be unplugged. The couple wanted everyone there with them in the moment without distractions. Everyone could see that there were true professionals in the room that would carefully capture each moment.
LET’S DO THIS!
The signal given, the Bride’s chosen entrance music began the delicate sounds of “Young & Beautiful” by Stringspace.
The signal given, the Bride’s chosen entrance music began the delicate sounds of “Young & Beautiful” by Stringspace.
First the entrance of the bridesmaids amongst them sisters, nieces and friends in individual dress designs in the same fawn colour.
Then the Bride. Glowing with serenity and happiness in a breathtaking dress with stunningly embroidered full veil. Her hair in long curls and cascading softly. A simple bouquet of roses, gypsophila and contrasting eucalyptus leaves.
Their love story that began at a Manchester party is told with softness and care. Their shared values and humour, their support for each other, the importance of family all are central to what makes them who they are today. Then a endearingly charming tale about a proposal in Prague that very nearly never was.
There was laughter and happy tears, emotions evident as they shared their secret vows written for each other and shared for the very first time on the day. Promises and commitments for their future together, values that they share and admire in each other. Written with real care and attention. Speaking in that moment uniquely to each other oblivious to the others close by hanging onto every word.
The sun continued to shine on them as they added their names to the ceremony certificate before the pronouncement and ….. the kiss! The cheers of the crowd reverberated around the terrace as the couple made their exit to their favourite song “Signed Sealed Delivered” by Stevie Wonder and a cascade of confetti.
FAREWELLS
After an hour I bid everyone farewell, it’s my time to leave them all to their merriment. Departing is always tinged with a little sadness for I know that our journey together has concluded our destination reached. The connection we’ve shared and enjoyed will soon scale back once the confetti has settled and the official photos are released.
My walk out of a wedding venue is always a happy one, a smile on my face that will take hours to dissipate as the joy and buzz of the wedding leave me happy, and content. I am always so delighted for the couple it went as they wanted, they had their moment their life moment successfully delivered to their plans their vision their dream. I love my job as a celebrant in Spain I am blessed to play a small part in the life moments of my wonderful clients.
WEDDING CELEBRANT SPAIN
I am a teller of love stories and creator of moments. Let me tell your love story in one of your big life moments. Elegant weddings with a personalised touch are my speciality.
I’m a professional, experienced celebrant working with couples from all around the world to create classical weddings in Spain with a contemporary twist.
Based near Alicante telling love stories in ceremonies all across Spain and sometimes in France.
ALICANTE WEDDING VENUES - WEDDING CEREMONY COSTA BLANCA - EL CAMPELLO WEDDING - COSTA BLANCA WEDDING - CELEBRANT SPAIN - WEDDING CELEBRANT SPAIN - WEDDING ALICANTE WEDDING VENUES ALICANTE SPAIN
Comentarios