Destination wedding in Spain: Andalusian wedding venue inspiration
Sunshine Weddings Spain’s weekly bridal stories and exclusive features, invite you behind the scenes of unforgettable love stories, where we share real couple journeys, insider interviews, and breathtaking venue showcases to spark inspiration for your own wedding dreams.
This week, we take you to an Andalusian estate near Sotogrande, where Lea and Tadhg recently got married. Their ceremony took place under a jasmine-covered pergola surrounded by gardens, rolling hills, and orange trees. The venue, a former 17th-century monastery, combines traditional Spanish architecture with modern comforts like luxury suites, cozy courtyards, and an orangery pavilion that turns into a dance space for the evening.
Imagine an intimate garden ceremony kissed by golden sunlight, a relaxed cocktail hour in a fragrant orange-tree courtyard, and an alfresco dinner under twinkling fairy lights—followed by dancing deep into the night in a French-style pavilion. It’s effortless elegance wrapped in rustic romance, and everything you’d expect from a beautiful destination wedding in southern Spain.
In this bridal story, we’ll guide you through every step of the day—from the moment the first guest arrives until the sparkler exit—revealing how this enchanting estate comes alive in its exclusive, private celebration.
Ready to fall in love with your own Spanish wedding fantasy? Let’s begin.
The Wedding Morning – A Calm Start in the Spanish Sun
Lea and Tadhg’s wedding day began just as they had hoped — together, in the peaceful stillness of the estate’s early morning. Waking up in one of the venue’s charming suites, they stepped onto their private balcony to share a relaxed breakfast for two, pre-ordered the night before through the reception. With birdsong in the air, and the scent of nearby citrus groves drifting in on a warm breeze, it was a quiet, grounding start to a day filled with celebration.
As the late morning turned to early afternoon, the bridal suite began to buzz with soft energy. Hair and makeup artists Kirsten and Lea’s aunt arrived to begin preparations — a mix of laughter, mascara, and carefully pinned curls. Lea, calm and glowing, was surrounded by a small circle of loved ones as they got ready in the light-filled suite overlooking the gardens.
Shortly after, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team arrived to begin overseeing the setup, ensuring everything was unfolding perfectly behind the scenes. Photographer Jaime Porrúa joined soon after, capturing quiet, beautiful moments as Lea slipped into her dress — from delicate close-ups to wide shots that showed off the suite’s rustic beams and elegant Spanish finishes.
Outside, the ceremony space beneath the jasmine-covered pergola began to take shape. A scattering of vibrant floral décor was added to the lush greenery already winding through the pergola’s iron frame, while rows of six chairs on either side of the aisle were carefully positioned, ready for an intimate and heartfelt gathering.
Meanwhile, across the estate in one of the guest rooms, Tadhg and his groomsman Cillian were getting ready, sharing quiet conversation and helping each other with final details. As the afternoon unfolded, the rest of the groomsmen joined them in Cillian’s room for a few relaxed pre-ceremony portraits. Final checks were made, reserved seating cards handed out, and the last touches of hair and makeup were completed.
With preparations complete and anticipation building, the scene was fully set for Lea and Tadhg to step into the next chapter of their lives.
Welcome Drinks – Courtyard Conversations & Quiet Moments
As the late afternoon sun cast a soft golden glow across the estate, guests arrived and were warmly welcomed into the elegant courtyard. Surrounded by the scent of orange blossoms, shaded by ancient trees, and framed by rustic stone walls and ivy-covered archways, the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. Drinks were available from the bar, setting a light and cheerful tone as friends and family mingled beneath terracotta arches and along cobblestone paths.
While laughter and conversation filled the air, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team worked quietly behind the scenes, ensuring every detail was perfectly in place. Upstairs, Lea shared a tender first look with her father — a private, emotional moment just before the formalities began. Meanwhile, Cillian and Tadhg were guided to the ceremony space tucked beneath the pergola, draped in jasmine and climbing greenery.
Guests were then invited to take their seats, and the mood shifting to quiet anticipation. Moments before the ceremony, Tadhg shared a touching moment with his mother in the entrance doorway. Maya, from the Sunshine Weddings Spain team, then stepped forward with a gentle reminder for everyone to be fully present and to refrain from using mobile phones or cameras during the ceremony.
Lea and her parents waited just around the corner, unseen but deeply felt, as the garden filled with fragrant air and the stage was set for the next chapter in their journey together.
The Wedding Ceremony – Under the Pergola
Bathed in the soft afternoon light, guests settled beneath the pergola, its lush greenery and jasmine creating a simple yet elegant setting, enhanced by bright floral accents. Lea looked radiant in her romantic, body-hugging dress adorned with soft frills and delicate lace embroidery, while Tadhg was impeccably dressed in a dark navy suit with a crisp white shirt and tie — a perfect match for the relaxed elegance of the surroundings.
As the ceremony began, Tadhg shared a quiet moment with his mother just inside the pergola, before Lea, accompanied by her parents, walked down the aisle lined with rows of six seats on either side.
Surrounded by their closest family, Lea and Tadhg exchanged heartfelt vows, sealing their promises with the slipping of rings. The ceremony concluded with applause and a shower of rose petals, as the newlyweds led their guests towards the next part of the celebration—the drinks reception.
Drinks Reception – Courtyard Cheers & Golden Hour Moments
As Lea and Tadhg made their happy exit from the ceremony, their guests followed them through the grounds into a charming courtyard tucked within the estate — a hidden oasis framed by terracotta walls, shady palms, and the gentle sound of fountains echoing through stone archways. The warm Andalusian air carried the hum of celebration as the drinks reception began in earnest.
Under Sunshine Weddings Spain’s careful coordination, bar staff were ready and waiting, greeting guests with glasses of crisp white, rosé, or red wine, ice-cold beers, soft drinks, and refreshing water — ensuring everyone had something in hand as they settled into the relaxed rhythm of the evening. Background music floated in the air, soft and inviting, setting a mellow mood as conversations bloomed and laughter began to ripple through the crowd.
Shortly after, a tempting selection of cold and hot canapés began to circulate — a true taste of Spain, artfully presented and bursting with flavour. It was the perfect pairing to the setting: elegant yet effortless, refined yet relaxed.
As guests mingled in the fading afternoon light, Lea produced her carefully prepared family photo list. With the help of Aunty Emmi and Domhnall, loved ones were gently gathered for portraits — a mix of formal group shots and candid moments captured in the rich, warm tones of golden hour.
As the final notes of music faded and the last canapés were passed, a soft call invited everyone toward the dining terrace. The next chapter of the celebration was about to begin — under the open sky, with good food, great wine, and even better company.
Dinner – A Garden Celebration Under the Lights
As the ceremony gave way to evening, guests were welcomed into the garden for the wedding breakfast — a beautiful outdoor space set just beyond the ceremony area. Long banquet tables were arranged across the grass, encircling a rustic central wooden post strung with crystal chandeliers and strands of fairy lights that would later glow against the night sky.
The setting struck the perfect balance between elegance and ease. Surrounded by tall trees and the soft hum of the countryside, the open-air layout allowed guests to relax into the moment. Wine was poured — a choice of white, rosé, or red — and cool water filled glasses as everyone settled in for the meal.
Shortly after, Cillian stepped forward to announce the couple’s entrance. With Ruben playing a special entrance song (chosen just for this moment), Lea and Tadhg made their way through the garden to cheers and applause, visibly moved by the energy of their guests.
Before dinner was served, one of the guests, Eddie Ngo SJ, offered a thoughtful blessing — a quiet moment of gratitude shared by all. Then came the food: a seated service of starters followed by mains, each dish carefully selected and beautifully presented, blending local flavours with classic favourites.
As plates were cleared and glasses refilled, Lea and Tadhg slipped away briefly for pre-sunset photos — a quiet walk through the grounds to capture the light at its most golden. Meanwhile, back in the garden, the final preparations were made for the evening toasts.
With everyone gathered once again, the speeches began. Lea’s dad opened with a warm toast, followed by a line-up of heartfelt words and well-timed humour from Laura, Owen, Caitlin, Cillian, and Mara Chin Loy. The personal stories and tributes added depth and laughter to the already buzzing atmosphere.
Dessert followed just as the fairy lights began to glow brighter overhead, gently signalling the shift from dinner to dancefloor. The celebration was only just beginning.
The Party – From Garden Glow to Nightclub Beats
As twilight settled across the garden and the last plates were cleared, all eyes turned to the open space near the dining area, where something special was about to unfold. At Lea and Tadhg’s request, the evening began with a captivating flamenco performance by Nano and his sister — a bold, emotional display of rhythm and movement that had everyone completely still, soaking in every beat.
Just as the final note landed, a new energy filled the air. The first few chords of The Cranberries’ “Linger” played out softly — a personal favourite of the couple’s — echoing beautifully into the night.
Then came the signal: Cillian gathered the crowd and invited everyone into the venue’s onsite nightclub. Tucked behind traditional stone walls and hidden away until this moment, the transformation was striking — from serene garden to vibrant club in just moments.
The open bar kicked off as DJ Ruben took over the decks, mixing the perfect blend of feel-good classics and party tracks that had the dance floor packed from the start. The first two hours of the bar were fully hosted — glasses of cava, gin & tonics, and cocktails flowed easily — followed by a seamless transition to a cash bar, keeping the vibe going strong into the early hours.
Under moody lights and a pulsing soundtrack, the party hit full throttle. From barefoot dancing to spontaneous group singalongs, the atmosphere was electric — pure celebration, unfiltered and unforgettable.
As the final track faded out at 1:30am, the energy still buzzed softly in the air. For guests staying off-site, the Sunshine Weddings team was on hand, arranging taxis — a final thoughtful touch to ensure everyone’s evening ended smoothly and safely.
It was the kind of evening that didn’t need embellishment. Just good people, great music, and a setting that made every moment feel a little more magical.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A huge thank you to Lea and Tadhg for letting us be part of such a meaningful and fun-filled celebration, we wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, and unforgettable moments together.
To the incredible photographer Jaime Porrúa, thank you for capturing every moment with honesty and elegance — from quiet glances to big dance floor energy, each image is a chapter in a story we won’t forget.
And of course, a sincere thank you to all the suppliers who helped bring this day to life. From the florals and music to the coordination and cuisine, your professionalism and creativity helped create an experience that felt effortless, elevated, and full of heart.
Thinking of planning your own destination wedding in Spain? Whether you’re dreaming of a lush garden ceremony or a party that carries on into the night, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
Reach out to the Sunshine Weddings Spain team — we’re ready when you are.
