A relaxed spring Marbella wedding celebration
At Sunshine Weddings Spain, we love sharing a look behind the scenes of the incredible weddings we help bring to life across southern Spain and Mallorca. Each one is unique — shaped by the couple, their story, and the moments that make their day unforgettable.
This week, we’re excited to feature Liz and Sam, who celebrated their wedding early this season, on Thursday 29th May 2025 at a beautiful private estate in the hills near Marbella. Surrounded by mountain views and golden evening light, their day perfectly combined relaxed elegance, Andalusian charm, and the warmth of family and friends coming together.
The Setting – Where Rustic Romance Meets Modern Luxury
Tucked away just a short drive from Marbella’s coastline lies one of the area’s most exclusive private estates — a peaceful hideaway surrounded by rolling hills and Mediterranean greenery. Once a traditional Spanish finca, this beautiful property — featured in today’s bridal story — has been thoughtfully transformed into a luxury wedding venue, perfect for both intimate ceremonies and larger celebrations.
Every element of the venue reflects a sense of Andalusian authenticity — terracotta walls, whitewashed stone, and winding garden paths framed by bougainvillaea and olive trees. From the moment guests arrive, they’re greeted with an unmistakable sense of calm and privacy.
The property is spread across multiple levels, offering dedicated areas for each part of the celebration. The upper pergola, framed by soft greenery and rustic beams, provides a perfect setting for relaxed drinks under the afternoon sun. To one side, the ceremony garden opens out to panoramic views of the surrounding hills, while the lower terrace transforms into a starlit dining space, perfect for long, laughter-filled dinners and dancing under the open sky.
With its natural beauty, versatility, and timeless Spanish charm, it’s easy to see why this setting has become one of Marbella’s most sought-after destinations for weddings abroad — just as it was for the lovely Liz and Sam. Read on to discover how their day unfolded and what a wedding at this stunning venue can look like.
Bridal Preparations – A Morning Full of Excitement
The wedding morning began early, with Flavia arriving bright and cheerful to start hairstyling in the bridal suite. It wasn’t long before the suite became a hive of laughter and excitement as curls, pins, and champagne glasses filled the air. Kerstin, the makeup artist, arrived soon after to create a soft, glowing look for Liz and her bridal party — effortlessly elegant, perfectly suited to a spring wedding under the Andalusian sun.
At the same time, Coco Steam Services carefully prepared the wedding dress and groom’s suits, ensuring every detail looked flawless.
The morning was calm yet full of anticipation. Liz’s bridal suite overlooked the gardens, and as the morning light streamed in through the windows, she took a quiet moment to read a note from Sam — a heartfelt message that set the tone for the day ahead.
Meanwhile, Sam was nearby, getting ready with his groomsmen. The atmosphere there was equally upbeat — laughter, a few friendly toasts, and that infectious sense of “it’s finally happening.” Gifts were exchanged, ties were adjusted, and a few nervous jokes filled the room.
By midday, the Sunshine Weddings team had arrived to begin overseeing the transforming the venue. Floral arrangements from Camy at Lemonface were placed throughout the ceremony and reception areas — a palette of soft neutrals and greenery that perfectly complemented the venue’s natural tones. Marbella Party Central arrived to set up the children’s activity tables, complete with gold trays of stationery, bingo cards, and sketchbooks to keep the little ones entertained.
At 2pm, Calin from Epic Film began capturing behind-the-scenes footage in the bridal suite, while the groomsmen gathered for portraits and prep shots in another part of the hotel. Every moment — from final lipstick touches to cufflink adjustments — was beautifully documented, ensuring nothing was missed.
As the finishing touches were made, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team coordinated the final ceremony setup — white Chiavari chairs, delicate floral baskets for the flower girls, and soft acoustic music playing in the background. The day was coming together beautifully.
The Welcome – Sunshine, Smiles & Sax
Guests arrived in the mid-afternoon, greeted warmly by groomsmen Luke, Martin, and Reggie, and welcomed with chilled infused waters of lemon, orange, and natural spring. A relaxed playlist set the tone as friends and family mingled beneath the pergola, enjoying the sunshine and the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.
Live music from Demian, a talented Marbella-based saxophonist, added an uplifting touch to the atmosphere. His freestyle performance created the perfect balance of energy and calm — a gentle build-up to the moments that were soon to unfold. Laughter, conversation, and the sound of sax drifted through the air as everyone settled in, ready to witness Liz and Sam’s special day.
The Ceremony – A Love-Filled Moment in the Spanish Sun
As guests began to take their seats, the music shifted to Jess Glynne’s “My Love” in an acoustic rendition played live by Demian, marking the start of the ceremony. The bridal procession began with Claire, the Mother of the Bride, followed by Luke, Reggie, Cisne, the Mother of the Groom, and the bridesmaids — Holli, Hannah, Con, Rachael, and Phoebe — each glowing with excitement as they made their way down the aisle.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. Liz appeared at the top of the steps, arm in arm with her father, Andrew, as Leon Bridges’ “River” filled the air. She looked effortlessly elegant in a silky gown with a chic slit on the right leg and a soft train that moved gracefully as she walked. Her dark hair was styled in a high bun with a few soft strands framing her face — timeless and understated.
Sam, looking every bit the classic groom in a black suit, crisp white shirt, and bow tie, couldn’t hide his emotion as he saw her for the first time. The moment was intimate and real — the kind that makes everyone pause and smile.
The ceremony was personal and heartfelt. Libby and Lola, who also served as witnesses, shared a touching reading that brought both laughter and a few tears. Demian’s soulful sax accompanied the signing of the register, adding a smooth, romantic soundtrack to the moment.
When the officiant finally pronounced them husband and wife, the first notes of “Adore U” by Fred Again began to play, with Demian improvising joyfully on the sax. The couple shared their first kiss as guests erupted into applause. Connie and Phoebe handed out petals for a confetti toss, showering Liz and Sam in colour and celebration as they walked hand in hand down the aisle — the perfect start to their new chapter together.
The Drinks Reception – Sunshine, Sax, and Celebration
After the ceremony, guests moved to the upper pergola for the drinks reception. The warm Spanish air was filled with music as Demian performed an uplifting sax set, blending effortlessly with the relaxed energy of the afternoon.
Trays of chilled cava, sangria, beers, and soft drinks circulated, while the catering team served a delicious mix of cold and hot canapés. Guests gathered in the shade of parasols, chatting, laughing, and clinking glasses as the Sunshine Weddings Spain team ensured everything ran smoothly behind the scenes.
Family photos began shortly after, coordinated by Hannah and Llanto, while photographer Calin moved quietly among the crowd, capturing candid moments — the laughter, the hugs, the spontaneous dance moves.
As the sun began to soften, the atmosphere was pure happiness. The playlist continued, setting a mellow tone as guests took their seats for dinner.
Dinner & Speeches – Laughter Beneath the Spanish Sky
Guests were led down to the lower garden, where long wooden banquet tables had been laid out in two elegant rows. The setup was stunning — white Chiavari chairs, gold cutlery, glass plates with gold rims, and soft candlelight beginning to flicker as dusk approached.
Parasols provided shade as guests settled into their seats, and the Sunshine Weddings team brought a plate of canapés to the couple before they joined the group. With everyone in place, Holli took the microphone to announce the newlyweds. As “Higher Love” by Kygo and Whitney Houston began to play, Liz and Sam entered to cheers and applause, their faces glowing with happiness.
Dinner began with a buffet feast curated by Alabardero Catering, featuring vibrant Mediterranean dishes and plenty of local flavour. Guests helped themselves to salads, grilled meats, and Spanish favourites, while glasses were filled with chilled wine and beer.
The speeches followed — each one heartfelt and full of emotion. Liz’s father opened with words that captured both pride and affection. Rob, the Best Man, delivered a perfect mix of humour and sincerity, while Liz’s own speech brought a tear to many eyes. Finally, Sam took the mic, expressing gratitude to their families, friends, and everyone who made the day possible.
As the black LED dance floor lit up nearby, dessert was served, and guests began to drift between laughter, music, and the warm glow of string lights overhead.
Evening & Party – Music, Magic, and Marbella Nights
As night fell, the celebration moved back to the upper pergola. A candy bar opened, filled with carefully chosen treats (nut-free for the little ones), while a coffee and tea station offered a cosy touch for those wanting a brief pause before the party began.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: the first dance. DJ Fuller began playing “Simply the Best” (Noah Reid version) — slow, romantic, and filled with emotion. Liz and Sam swayed together beneath the twinkling lights, surrounded by their family and friends. Halfway through, the tempo lifted, and guests were invited to join — the perfect transition into a night of pure fun.
From there, DJ Fuller and Demian on sax took over, transforming the pergola into a full-on dance floor. The music pulsed with energy — a mix of classic hits, dance anthems, and sax improvisations that kept everyone on their feet.
Laughter filled the air, shoes came off, and even the grandparents were spotted dancing under the stars. Calin from Epic Film captured every moment — the twirls, the toasts, and the spontaneous conga line that wound through the garden.
Later in the night, slices of the symbolic Mangoa cake were served — doubling as a sweet birthday celebration — and the children, now sleepy but happy, gathered with their sketchbooks and treats as the grown-ups danced on.
As midnight approached, the party moved inside for the final hour. The open bar stayed lively until 1am, when DJ Fuller gave one last shout-out before the guest coaches arrived to take everyone safely back to their hotels.
It was the perfect ending to a perfect day — joyful, seamless, and full of love.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A huge thank you to Liz and Sam for letting the Sunshine Weddings Spain team be part of their incredible celebration. Your warmth, laughter, and vision made every detail a pleasure to bring to life.
Our gratitude also goes to the incredible suppliers who helped make the day so special — from Demian’s unforgettable live sax, to DJ Fuller’s high-energy set, Calin from Epic Film, Flavia and Kerstin for their stunning bridal looks, Camy Lemonface for the beautiful florals, and the entire catering and setup teams who made the day flawless from start to finish.
Liz and Sam’s wedding was the kind of day we’ll always remember — vibrant, heartfelt, and filled with everything that makes a wedding in southern Spain so magical.
If you’d like to know more about this venue, or explore other stunning wedding locations in Marbella, Málaga, or Mallorca, get in touch with the Sunshine Weddings Spain team — we’d love to help you start planning your own unforgettable day in the sunshine.
