Discover a beautiful garden destination wedding venue in Marbella, Spain
Join us as we look back on one of our early season’s memorable destination weddings on the Costa del Sol. Each week, we share real wedding stories from Marbella and surrounding areas, giving you a closer look at how couples create their perfect day. These stories highlight not only the love between two people but also provide inspiration for couples planning their own celebrations.
This week, we revisit Fiona and Josh’s wedding, which took place last May at a beautiful Spanish villa just outside Marbella. The couple wanted a venue that offered privacy, charm, and stunning natural surroundings — and they found the perfect spot. With spacious gardens, terraces bathed in sunlight, and views of the Mediterranean, the location provided a relaxed yet elegant setting for their ceremony and reception.
Fiona and Josh gathered their closest family and friends for an outdoor celebration that balanced warmth and simplicity. From the heartfelt vows to the laughter-filled moments shared throughout the day, their wedding was a genuine reflection of their relationship and personalities. This was a day marked by meaningful details, good company, and the joy of coming together in one of Spain’s most beautiful regions.
We’re excited to share their story and the highlights from their special day, offering a glimpse into what makes a destination wedding in Marbella truly unique.
Wedding Morning Buzz and Final Touches
Fiona and Josh began their wedding day waking up together, ready to embrace the exciting hours ahead. The morning was a blend of calm preparation and purposeful activity, with hair and makeup kicking off promptly at 8:30 am under the expert hands of Lucy. The bridal party was fully immersed in the day’s start, moving through their routines filled with anticipation for the day to come.
By early afternoon, the wedding team was in full swing across multiple locations. Josh began getting ready at the boys’ apartment nearby, while Fiona was joined by their chosen photography team, Calin from Epic Film, at her accommodation, lens in hand to capture the early moments of the day. At the same time, the Sunshine Weddings team arrived at the villa to begin setting up the ceremony and reception areas.
Groomsmen photos were scheduled for mid-afternoon at an apartment near the bridal suite, allowing ample time before everyone departed for the venue. Once the shots of the gentlemen were captured, looking sharp and impeccably dressed, the groom and his party left Marbella’s city center. They travelled to the villa in an 8-seater vehicle, followed shortly after by guest coaches.
Behind the scenes, the meticulous planning of Sunshine Weddings Spain was evident in every detail. From the flower arrangements and ceremony décor—crafted by the planning team in collaboration with local suppliers—to the careful placement of parasols, white Chiavari chairs, and table settings, every element was thoughtfully arranged. The team worked in close coordination to ensure a seamless flow throughout the afternoon.
As the day moved forward, the focus was clear—bringing Fiona and Josh’s vision to life and making sure every moment unfolded smoothly, ready for a beautiful celebration under the Andalusian sun.
Welcome Drinks Station with Infused Water
As the afternoon sun bathed the gardens in golden light, guests began to arrive at the villa, greeted warmly by groomsmen John and Gearoid at the entrance to the upper pergola. There, a welcoming drinks station offered a refreshing start to the celebrations, with chilled infused waters in orange, lemon, and natural varieties—perfect for the warm Andalusian weather.
The atmosphere was instantly relaxed and inviting, with the gentle strumming of Spanish guitarist Nano providing a melodic backdrop as friends and family mingled beneath the shade. Conversations flowed easily, laughter filled the air, and the sense of anticipation quietly built.
Once everyone had settled in, the groomsmen began guiding guests toward the ceremony area, ensuring a smooth transition. Reserved seating was organised, the bar was closed, and Nano made his way to join Josh at the front alongside his best man, Keith. With everyone in place and the setting picture-perfect, it was time for the ceremony to begin.
Wedding Ceremony with Spanish Guitar and Scenic Views
The ceremony unfolded in the villa’s sunlit gardens, with Spanish guitarist Nano setting the tone through a soulful rendition of “Better Together” by Jack Johnson. Guests were guided to their seats by the groomsmen, with Keith assisting at the reserved rows to ensure family and close friends had the perfect view. The atmosphere was warm, intimate, and full of anticipation as the last few conversations gave way to stillness.
Before the bridal party’s arrival, Liam welcomed everyone and kindly asked that they refrain from taking photos during the ceremony, allowing the couple’s chosen photographer and videographer to capture each moment without distraction. Then, the bridal car arrived, and excitement rippled through the crowd.
The procession began with Ava leading the way, followed by Moire and Freya, then Audrey, Ciara, Stephen, and Rosemary. Fiona made her entrance down the outdoor aisle arm-in-arm with Fergal, a beloved companion she had chosen to walk alongside her. Her radiant smile glowing against the vibrant garden backdrop. She wore a silk A-line dress with an embroidered bodice and a mid-length veil. Her hair was tied back in a soft bun, held in place by pearl pins, with gentle strands framing her face.
The ceremony space was simple yet elegant—white Chiavari chairs lined the aisle, and a beautifully dressed arch with white draping and seasonal flowers from Alabardero framed the ceremony table. Josh stood confidently at the front, looking sharp in a beige jacket paired with navy blue trousers and a matching waistcoat. Beside him, his best man Keith watched as Fiona walked down the aisle. Their celebrant guided them through the vows, ring exchange, and signing, all set to the soft instrumental music played by Nano.
When the ceremony concluded, Nano transitioned seamlessly into Bamboléo by the Gipsy Kings as the newlyweds walked back up the aisle to cheers and applause. Guests followed them toward the drinks reception, ready to continue the celebration.
Garden Cocktails on a sunlit lawn
Following the ceremony, guests followed Fiona and Josh from the garden aisle to the villa’s sunlit lawn, where the drinks reception awaited. Trays of cava, wines, beers, sangria, and soft drinks circulated quickly, offering something for everyone as the afternoon celebrations began.
Nano kept the energy high with an uplifting flamenco set, his music filling the open air as guests mingled, chatted, and congratulated the newlyweds. Service began with a round of cold canapés, followed by a selection of hot bites, giving everyone a chance to enjoy both the flavours and the atmosphere.
While guests relaxed and enjoyed the music, Fiona and Josh were guided through the villa’s grounds by their photographer for a series of intimate couple portraits. Soon after, Steve gathered the bridal party and family members for formal group shots, working from a list created by Fiona to ensure no moment or loved one was missed.
As Nano wrapped up his final song of the day, the mood shifted seamlessly to the evening ahead. A carefully selected playlist began playing in the dinner area, and the first call for dinner was made. Guests began making their way toward the reception space, still chatting and laughing, as the celebrations moved naturally into the next stage of the wedding.
Alfresco Wedding Reception in the Heart of The Costa del Sol
As the drinks reception came to a close, guests made their way down to the villa’s lower garden, where round tables and a long top table were set beneath the open sky. The setting struck the perfect balance between elegance and ease—white Chiavari chairs surrounded tables dressed simply, allowing the beauty of the natural surroundings to take centre stage.
Before the guests took their seats, Sunshine brought a plate of canapés to Fiona and Josh, giving them a quiet moment together before joining the party. Glasses of chilled cava were served all around, while younger guests enjoyed their specially prepared children’s meals.
The evening formally began with the bridal couple’s introduction by the best man, followed by a series of heartfelt speeches. Stephen spoke first, setting a warm and personal tone, with Johny, Josh, and Keith following in turn. The speeches brought a mix of humour, sentiment, and shared memories, drawing smiles, laughter, and a few tears from those gathered.
Once the toasts were complete, the tapas service began, with five vibrant dishes arriving at the tables in true Spanish style. Guests lingered over each plate, enjoying both the flavours and the company, as the spirit bar opened for the evening. Behind the scenes, the dancefloor—a sleek white LED design—was being fitted, ready for the night ahead.
The main course followed, offering a satisfying continuation of the feast, and was rounded off with indulgent desserts. As the meal wound down, a self-serve coffee and tea station appeared, accompanied by small sweet treats for those with room left to indulge.
As golden hour approached, Fiona and Josh stepped away with their photographer, Calin, for a series of pre-sunset photos in the gardens, captured in the soft, warm light. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed a relaxed hour upstairs, where an uplifting playlist created the perfect atmosphere, smoothly transitioning the celebration from dinner to dancing.
Dancing Under the Stars at a Marbella Villa Wedding
As the sun set and the lower garden dinner came to an end, the celebrations shifted back up to the villa’s upper pergola. The atmosphere instantly lifted, with an open-air dance space, cool evening air, and the first beats of DJ Jade’s set signalling that it was time to party. Fiona and Josh took to the floor for their first dance, sharing a special moment together as their chosen song played, surrounded by smiling friends and family.
Once the floor opened, the energy surged. Guests filled the space, dancing and laughing under the glow of the villa’s evening lights. DJ Jade kept the tempo lively, blending crowd favourites and upbeat tracks that kept everyone moving. At the same time, the villa’s cocktail bar served up refreshing drinks, keeping spirits high well into the night.
Later in the evening, the party gained an extra burst of energy as Joe took to the stage with his saxophone, adding a vibrant, live element to the soundtrack. His performance kept the momentum going, ensuring the dance floor stayed full. Just after midnight, late-night snacks were served—fuel for guests who weren’t ready to leave the floor.
As the final songs played, the celebrations gradually wound down. DJ Jade brought the night to a close, and by the early hours, the last guests said their goodbyes, leaving with smiles and memories of an unforgettable day.
A huge thank you to Fiona and Josh for trusting us to be part of such a special occasion—here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventures together. We also extend our gratitude to photographer Calin for capturing every beautiful moment, and to our dedicated supplier team whose hard work made the day seamless. If you’d like to learn more about planning your dream Marbella wedding, contact the team at Sunshine Weddings Spain today.
