Rural finca in Malaga | A magical wedding day
Nestled in the heart of Málaga, Spain, is a captivating rural finca perfect for a dream, rustic wedding. This venue features a magical setting with a 30,000-square-metre garden, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor celebrations. Located just 15 minutes from Málaga’s vibrant centre, it offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquillity.
On the last Thursday of June, Lauren and Ryan exchanged their vows in this idyllic location. With 108 guests in attendance, their wedding day was filled with unforgettable moments. Join us as we highlight the key moments of their special day in today’s bridal story.
Morning Preparations- Early toasts and laughter
Early in the morning, Lauren and her bridesmaids arrived at the rustic finca, where they were ushered into a charming, private suite where they spent the morning preparing for the big day. The makeup artist arrived and worked her magic with her brushes, enhancing the natural beauty of each of the ladies. There were early toasts and laughter as the group enjoyed these special moments together. The soft light filtering through the windows created the perfect atmosphere for hair, makeup, and those pre-wedding moments captured by destination wedding photographer, Calin from Epic Film. One particularly emotional moment was when Calin captured the first look photo between Lauren and her father, a poignant highlight of the morning preparations.
Meanwhile, the florist arrived at the venue to decorate and deliver the buttonholes and bridal bouquets. The arrangements, featuring peach and white roses with blue flowers, added a bright touch to the day with their vibrant blooms.
Welcome Drink – By a Stunning Water Feature
As the bridal party added the final touches and the last details fell into place, guests started to arrive at the venue. Best man Jim stood at the entrance, personally greeting each guest. Upon arrival, the wedding attendees were met by a beautiful water feature and, as they passed through the main gate, they were surrounded by lush vegetation and a stunning fountain, creating a warm and inviting first impression.
Guests enjoyed refreshing lemonade as they mingled and took in the beauty of the surroundings while a playlist curated by the bridal couple played in the background, adding to the festive vibe as everyone awaited the ceremony.
Ceremony – Outdoor Garden Location
The time for the wedding ceremony had arrived. Guests gathered on a lush green lawn surrounded by tropical plants—a favourite spot for many couples due to its romantic and natural setting. Wooden chairs with a rustic touch were set up on the verdant lawn, and the ceremony area featured a simple table with two flower stands on either side. Behind this setup, towering palm trees provided a stunning backdrop, with breathtaking views of the mountains beyond.
As the entrance song, “The One” by Kodaline, played, Lauren made her way to the ceremony area, where Ryan awaited. The minister for the ceremony, Gareth, an English-speaking minister based on the Costa del Sol, led the proceedings. Known for his popularity and experience, Gareth guided the couple through their vows. Readings were delivered by family and special friends, including Eran, Tina, and Ann, adding a personal touch to the ceremony.
After exchanging their vows, the couple signed the marriage register to “In Case You Didn’t Know” and the ceremony concluded with the exit song, “Accidentally in Love” by Counting Crows, as the newlyweds and their guests transitioned to the next part of the celebration.
Cocktail Hour- Toasts and cheers
Following the ceremony, guests moved to the elegant reception area next to the trees. A live singer set the mood, inviting guests to mingle and celebrate in style. Meanwhile, the bridal party remained at the ceremony site for a photo session.
As the sun set over the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, guests enjoyed a selection of delicious appetisers, including hams and cheeses, prawns with garlic, vegetable tempura, tomato and mozzarella skewers, turbo dips with brava sauce, Thai chicken fingers, cheese balls with jalapeños, and Iberian BBQ skewers.
Drinks flowed freely, with options like sangria, rebujitos (white wine and lemonade), tinto de verano (red wine and lemonade), San Francisco cocktails, Aperol spritz, soft drinks, cava, and wine. Guests soaked in the picturesque views while enjoying their food and drinks, creating a relaxed vibe as the evening progressed.
Wedding Breakfast- Alfresco Dining
After the cocktail hour, guests gathered beside the gardens for a group photo, while newlyweds Lauren and Ryan enjoyed a quiet moment with canapés and drinks, savouring beer and Aperol Spritz. As the final call to dinner was made, guests moved to the Algarrobo area, the most significant and versatile space of the finca.
As the bridesmaids and groomsmen made their entrance, water and cava were served to the guests. Lauren and Ryan followed, walking into the tune of “Take It Easy” by The Eagles, greeted by their guests waving napkins. The festive atmosphere set the tone as everyone settled in for the wedding breakfast.
Under the symbolic Algarrobo tree, known as the memory tree or tree of love, guests were seated to enjoy a sumptuous meal. The heart-shaped leaves and intertwining trunks of the tree added a touch of romance to the evening.
The father-of-the bride kicked off the speeches, followed by other important toasts. Dinner began with a selection of five tapas to share: chistorra sausages, Spanish omelette dices, padrón peppers, meatballs with tomato sauce, and calamari. For the main course, guests chose between sea bass fillet over artichoke hearts and wild asparagus with romesco and baby new potatoes, or beef sirloin medallions with a millefeuille of smoked potato and mushrooms, accompanied by crispy vegetable sticks. Dessert was a lemon tart on pineapple carpaccio with pink pepper coulis. Guests then remained seated a while longer as coffee was served at their tables before Lauren and Ryan cut the cake.
As dinner concluded, a mariachi band took the stage, infusing the evening with a lively vibe and setting the perfect tone for the party to come.
Evening Celebration-under the stars
After dinner, the celebration continued on an expansive lawn featuring a charming pergola and a climate-controlled area for dancing. As the bar opened, the live vocalist from the ceremony returned to the stage for an after-dinner set, setting the scene for the couple’s first dance and a special dance with their parents.
After sunset photos with photographer Calin, a DJ took over, kicking off the party. A photo booth was available for three hours, providing guests with a fun icebreaker and a way to create lasting memories. The celebration continued under the stars, with lush greenery and vibrant blooms creating an idyllic atmosphere. The party lasted into the early morning, ending a perfect and magical day and marking the beginning of a new chapter in life for the lovely Lauren and Ryan.
We want to take this opportunity to thank Lauren and Ryan for letting us be part of their special day. We wish them all the best in their new chapter together. A special thanks to Calin from Epic Film for capturing the day’s moments and sharing these fantastic photos with us. A big Gracias also to all our providers for their continuous hard work and professionalism.
Rustic Wedding Venue Overview
Nestled in the picturesque Montes de Málaga mountains, just minutes from the heart of Málaga, this Spanish finca is a dream come true for those seeking a magical and unforgettable rustic wedding. This rural finca epitomises elegance and charm, promising to leave a lasting impression on all who celebrate here.
This exclusive venue is designed to accommodate a variety of celebrations, making every moment truly special. Its prime location offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and accessibility, ensuring an attractive setting for your wedding day in the sunshine.
Diverse Spaces for Your Wedding Day
Let us take you on a journey through the diverse spaces this estate offers for weddings in Málaga. The finca boasts several distinct areas, each with its own unique appeal, meticulously designed to shine during every moment of your wedding day:
Entrance
A lush vegetation and a spectacular fountain are perfect for welcoming guests. This impressive two-level terrace is ideal for receiving attendees with a refreshing welcome cocktail, setting the tone for your celebration.
Altos del Alba
A favourite for wedding ceremonies due to its romantic and natural ambiance. The greenery here is unparalleled, with a grass-covered ground, palm trees, and various other trees surrounding an 11-fountain jet, creating a harmonious and serene atmosphere.
Algarrobo Area
Crossing through the lush vegetation of the estate you come to a historic Algarrobo area. This versatile space is perfect for dinners, cocktails, or civil ceremonies. The symbolic Algarrobo tree, also known as the memory tree or tree of love, stands here with its heart-shaped leaves and intertwining trunks, embodying the estate’s magic and significance.
La Pérgola de Julieta
An extensive lawn area equipped with a pergola. True to the estate’s emphasis on nature, this space will allow your guests to enjoy a seated lunch, dinner, or cocktail in a climate-controlled environment, complete with an enclosed area for a bar or dance floor.
Each area of this rural finca is meticulously designed to create an enchanting and unforgettable experience, ensuring your event is as magical as the surroundings. With the capacity to host up to 350 guests, this traditional Spanish finca not only welcomes your loved ones but also embraces your dreams and aspirations. The expansive venue offers the flexibility to customise and personalise every detail of your wedding, allowing your unique love story to shine through in every aspect of the celebration.
Wedding Games & Icebreakers
As the lovely bridal couple Lauren and Ryan organised a photo booth as an icebreaker, they set the tone for a celebration full of fun and memorable experiences. Beyond the classic photo booth, there are myriad creative ideas to elevate the enjoyment for your guests and make your wedding truly unforgettable. From interactive activities to whimsical touches, incorporating these elements can turn your special day into an fun-filled celebration.
- Lawn Games: Transform your wedding venue’s outdoor space into a playground with lawn games. Classic games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and croquet add a playful touch and encourage guests to mingle. For a unique twist, consider a customised set of lawn games that reflect your interests or the theme of your wedding.
- Garden Games: Similar to lawn games, if your wedding is set in a garden or a spacious outdoor venue, garden games can be a super fun addition. Think of oversized chess, bocce ball, or even a mini golf course. These games not only entertain but also serve as unique decor for your outdoor space.
- Customised Photo Backdrops: While a photo booth is a fantastic option, customised photo backdrops can offer a unique twist. Create a backdrop that aligns with your wedding theme or personal style, and provide fun props for guests to use. This not only creates a space for memorable photos but also enhances the decor of your event.
- Memory Lane Display: Set up a memory lane display featuring photos and mementos from your relationship. This could include snapshots from your first date, engagement photos, and other significant moments. Guests will enjoy reminiscing and seeing your journey as a couple in a visual narrative.
- Signature Cocktails: Add a personal touch to your bar with signature cocktails that represent the bride and groom. You can name these drinks after memorable events or places significant to your relationship. Providing a variety of options ensures there’s something for everyone, and it adds a fun and personal touch to the beverage service.
- Karaoke: Bring out the inner rock star in your guests with a karaoke setup. Karaoke is a fantastic way to break the ice and get everyone involved. Whether your guests are seasoned performers or just love to sing along, it’s a guaranteed way to inject energy and laughter into the celebration.
- Live Entertainment: Consider incorporating live entertainment to keep the atmosphere lively. This could be a band playing your favourite tunes, a magician performing tricks, or even a caricature artist drawing fun portraits of guests. Live entertainment adds an interactive element and keeps the energy high throughout the event.
- Creative Guest Book Alternatives: Instead of a traditional guest book, try creative alternatives like a fingerprint tree, a message-in-a-bottle station, or a video guestbook where guests leave video messages. These alternatives not only capture well-wishes but also create lasting keepsakes that you can cherish for years to come.
Incorporating these fun and unique ideas into your wedding ensures that your celebration is more than just an event—it becomes a memorable experience for everyone involved. By blending interactive activities, personalised touches, and engaging entertainment, you’ll create a wedding day that your guests will remember fondly for years to come.
