Let’s talk April in Alicante for a simple yet super elegant wedding filled with authentic Spanish charm.
C & J chose to marry in the heart of the cosmopolitan city of Alicante. They planned a luxury wedding with a relaxed vibe in a historic hotel and celebrated till the early hours, their guests delighting in the uniqueness and joy of the day.
IMAGES : IVAN LADEJO
WHY I LOVE URBAN WEDDINGS IN SPAIN
City weddings in Spain are absolutely amongst my favourites. There’s something about an urban Mediterranean setting that excites. The blending of the beautiful architecture of historic buildings that over the years have seen it all. To the gentle swaying of palm trees and the buzz of activity. People going places and getting stuff done. Then in that moment, moving at another speed and tempo, a couple feeling vibrations unique to them. Seeing and feeling the city around them to a depth beyond the reach of everyone else around them.
It’s the contrast of fast and slow, action and stillness, purpose and joy that combine to create unforgettable magical moments. It kind of heightens emotions and feelings as they contrast with the city life moving apace around them. The well-dressed couple contrasting with the urban landscape creating magnificent images with a rawness and a kind of documentary feel to them.
Fundamentally, city weddings always feel so cool. The city streets and monuments providing an epic backdrop to the wedding day. And the bonus in Alicante is that they sprinkle in a little sunshine, a sea glimmer, there’s a warmth in the air and the echoes of Spanish language, all combine to just amp it up a few notches more!
PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN SPAIN
When I first met C & J on a sunny afternoon in Cornwall their relaxed style and approach was discernible. A super handsome couple leading successful, busy professional lives. Their dream was to escape their surroundings to create space to make their commitments to each other in front of a small intimate group in Alicante. It was to be simple, with no fuss but at the same time with personal touches to be just a little more ….them.
The Costa Blanca region had strong family ties for the Groom and on visits together the couple had enjoyed the amazing luxury cuisine of their chosen wedding venue on several occasions. It seemed so naturally obvious that this would be the perfect place for their wedding.
The couple made their Initial plans for how they imagined their wedding right there in that very place in the bustling old quarter of the beautiful Mediterranean city.
Based near Alicante and with a true love of the city I was delighted to be asked to help to make their dream wedding in Spain materialise.
Small weddings whilst simpler to organise still require decisions and choices to be made which has its challenges when you’re thousands of kilometres away in another country. The right people need to be found that can help with the additional touches that make a wedding special. I had just the right contacts in my little black book. And so it was that Alicante’s finest wedding professionals, skilled in effortlessly creating high-end luxury weddings with a relaxed elegance came on board to create some magic.
A HISTORIC ALICANTE WEDDING VENUE
For this special Alicante Wedding the venue was the HOSPES AMERIGO HOTEL. A remarkable 5-star luxury property steps away from the brightly coloured tiles of the iconic Passeig Esplanada d'Espanya
Bordering the bustling narrow old town streets which form a web underneath the watchful eye of the Castillo de Santa Barbara sitting majestically atop her rock looking out over the harbour, the seas and for miles up and down the rugged coastline.
The beautiful 15th Century building, originally a convent is a unique blend of the monastic and the contemporary. It successfully marries the original architectural features of wrought-iron Juliet balconies and arched neo-gothic windows with stunning splashes of marble and glass perfect to create a luxury wedding Spain
The dramatic atrium at its heart was to be the location for our wedding ceremony framed by the imposing iron gates. Afterwards cocktails on the rooftop where the sounds of the city reverberate with a clear line of sight across the undulating rooftops to the castle. At dusk it’s a magical place to be, this was going to be an epic day.
SOPHISTICATED CEREMONY STYLING
This wedding was all about effortless sophistication and understated luxury. The beautiful gothic architecture of the atrium creating a courtyard flanked on both ends by stunning intricately weaved metal of the gates and to the side by the stone of the original façade were to speak for themselves. The atrium lends itself naturally to gatherings and a meeting point requiring little adornment.
The space more than able to speak for itself was styled subtly with chairs in a pale blue either side of a small aisle. The focal point a stunning arc of splendid blooms in pale creams and whites intertwined with greens. The scent was delicious and the overall effect extraordinary.
Similarly spectacular blooms in subtle floor arrangements also adorning the marvellous original staircase that would lead guests up towards the rooftop for a cocktail reception and to dine in a gothic featured suite where the blooms were again centre stage adding refined detailing to the table arrangements alongside tall elegant silver candles.
THE STYLISH GUESTS GATHER FOR THE WEDDING
The guests began to gather, enjoying the flavour of their refined surroundings and the ambiance of this sublime Spanish wedding venue. The spring tones of their stylish attire layering cheery colour to the ceremony space. Their excited chatter filling the air.
Then, excitement with the arrival of the groom amplifying the vibe and anticipation amongst his guests. Classically attired and effortlessly stylish in navy, the Groom, his manner relaxed enjoying jovial exchanges with old friends as he awaited eagerly the arrival of his bride.
Into the afternoon hustle and bustle of the congregation the strings of an acoustic guitar begin to sing a mellow Spanish melody. Slow and graceful the guitar’s refrain making the most of the amplifying acoustics of the atrium.
The flow of movement of people in the adjacent streets and the buzz of the city adding a melodic background to the space as everyone eagerly awaited the Bride’s arrival.
Then in a moment … it was time.
A GRACEFUL CEREMONY WITH AN AUTHENTIC SPANISH FEEL
A simple ceremony was at the heart of what the couple chose for their wedding day. They valued the traditional ceremony elements including the exchanging of their vows and wedding rings. Additionally, they chose to add depth with personal and meaningful touches including acknowledging precious people, unique readings and special poignant song choices.
The Bride exquisitely dressed in a stunning gown with subtle delicate lace train and beautiful footwear by Jimmy Choo carried a simple elegant bouquet of long-stemmed white roses. A Bridesmaid in the softest dusky pink tulle with contemporary sneakers and a miniature matching bouquet.
As the Bride made her way towards her Groom there were soft tears in many eyes struck by the joy of this precious moment.
Their promises and commitments shared as they stepped forwards and were pronounced Husband and Wife the cheer from the elated guests was echoed by the people of Alicante as they passed by and sent their hearty congratulations to the stunning couple. The joy was palpable within the atrium and it seemed throughout the heart of old town Alicante.
THE CELEBRATION
The bustling spring afternoon slowly ebbed towards dusk with a pleasant warmth in the air. The elated guests welcomed the cocktails on the rooftop. Mingling to the laid-back music, extending congratulations and reconnecting with old friends. Before a more formal dinner in one of the stunning hotel suites and the speeches so eagerly anticipated by all.
The fun-loving crowd venturing out into the warm spring evening to extend the celebrations at a chic marina hostelry underneath the twinkling lights of the city until the early hours.
A wonderfully relaxed end to the most elegantly simple Alicante spring wedding
ALICANTE CITY. AN UNKNOWN GEM IN SOUTH-EAST SPAIN
Wondering what makes Alicante special? Well, it’s not overrun and crazy busy which in today’s world is a big plus point. It’s very laid back, with just a nice Mediterranean vibe. There’s palm trees, lots of palm trees which you so need if your arriving from colder climbs. It’s blessed with sand, marinas, old town architecture and mountains, it’s kind of got the whole package. There's pretty streets, wide shopping boulevards, luxury boats in the marina, a sprinkling of museums, a castle and it’s all pretty compact in terms of area.
The gastronomy is fabulous and covers all points of the spectrum from casual street food, to authentic tapas then also to fine dining. Full of interesting bars restaurants and terraces there’s always a cool place to go. The native Alacantina’s are a super friendly people and then, there’s the climate. Warmer than most and definitely sunnier than most for a lot of the year. It really is a gem in the med.
GETTING MARRIED IN ALICANTE SPAIN
The city of Alicante delivers big in all departments for couples seeking something a little different from their wedding location and are planning a City wedding in Spain. If you’re looking for a coastal city venue, that carefully balances the traditional with bustling and vibrant then it should be on the list. If regular wedding venues just aren’t hitting the mark, then it could be just what you’re dreaming of. It’s fun and a bit different. It’s got an urban edge with a Mediterranean context it’s a setting that will be remembered and enjoyed by all.
It’s location on the coast yet with a stunning mountain backdrop make it a truly attractive place for year-round weddings. The temperate climate providing warm sunny winters and brightness throughout the year.
There’s great transport links with its own international airport and getting around the city when you arrive is pretty straightforward. Except in heels, but then nowhere is straightforward in heels right?
There is an impressive range of hotels both in the old town section, to beyond and stretching into nearby Playa de San Juan. The city is also underpinned by a great short-term rental market which should mean that you have all your bases covered in terms of places for you and your guests to stay.
With regards to venues surprisingly the Castle is an option as well as rooftops, chiringuitos, restaurants and some museums even have events space.
As far as wedding hotels in Spain go the Amerigo our wedding venues for this particular day has a lot offer. From its central Alicante location to fine dining in the Fondillon restaurant, the luxury rooftop spa and pool, traditional Spanish architecture, luxury modern interior design and outstanding service.
WEDDING PROFESSIONALS CREATING MAGIC IN THIS ALICANTE WEDDING WERE:
CELEBRANT COSTA BLANCA
Imagine crafting your ceremony in the same way you have planned the rest of your day. Entirely personal, bespoke and tailored to who you both are as individuals and as a couple. That’s where this Alicante Wedding Celebrant steps forward. Professional and experienced she captures the essence of your story and crafts personalised ceremonies for couples from all around the world. The experience of working with her is reassuringly simple yet she manages to create a bespoke ceremony that is authentic and memorable for you and your guests.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER ALICANTE
Photographer Ivan Ladejo is renowned in Spain for his documentary style authentic images. A wedding photographer with character and exquisite flair for his craft creating images of weddings that speak on so many levels. The detailing and lighting telling stories and tales that are simply too good to idle in photo albums but will adorn the walls of homes of couples for the future and retain their elegance without aging or passing with fads.
SPANISH WEDDING GUITARIST
Local Alicante professional musician Angel Rhodes creates atmosphere and sets the tone for ceremonies and cocktail hour with contemporary relaxed Spanish melodies with a laid-back feel.
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