Dream Wedding in Marbella | Tying the Knot on the Costa del Sol
Nestled in the rolling hills just outside Marbella, Emma and Andy discovered a slice of Andalusian paradise for their big day. The couple chose a charming Spanish villa surrounded by sprawling gardens, panoramic views, and the warm, rustic elegance only southern Spain can offer. With 14,000 square meters of serene beauty, the venue was the perfect backdrop for an effortlessly stylish outdoor celebration. On May 17th, with their nearest and dearest gathered under the Andalusian sun, Emma and Andy shared a day brimming with laughter, love, and lasting memories.
Join us as we weave through the magic of this early wedding season celebration.
The Morning Unfolds – A Stylish Start to a Spanish Wedding
Emma and Andy’s wedding day began with a peaceful sense of anticipation. Staying separately the night before, they each woke in their own hotel rooms—savouring a few quiet moments before the day’s celebrations began to unfold.
Over in the bridal prep room, the atmosphere was soon filled with the soft hum of excitement and the steady rhythm of wedding day routines. Emma’s hair styling started early, her glam team—longtime stylists Kerstin and Flavia—worked their magic on the bride and bridal party, creating a relaxed yet polished atmosphere as they moved from one person to the next.
Emma’s bridesmaids, her mother, and close friends shared the space with her, enjoying the pampering and soaking in the moment. Makeup artist Lorraine focused on the mums and aunties, bringing a gentle, reassuring energy to the room. Between sips of coffee and bursts of laughter, the day was taking shape beautifully.
As the final curls were pinned and lipstick touches perfected, Lemonface, a deco company based in Marbella, arrived with the florals—elegantly styled bouquets and buttonholes that tied seamlessly into the overall look of the day. Not long after, photographer Krista stepped in, capturing the quiet details of the morning.
Meanwhile, back at the venue, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team was already in motion. Rows of white Chiavari chairs lined the ceremony space, while Lemonface worked on a dreamy floral arch and a delicate ceremony table arrangement that blended effortlessly with the villa’s natural surroundings. Nearby, rustic round tables and the top table were being styled beneath the trees, and a Magic Mirror found its spot under the tipi—set to spark fun later in the evening.
At the hotel, Andy began getting ready in his room, soon joined by his groomsmen. The vibe was light and full of banter as they suited up, with plenty of laughs (and photos) before they headed toward the venue. Around the same time, Emma and her mum made their way into Andy’s suite, where Emma slipped into her dress just as the final touches of hair and makeup came together. The day was officially in motion—and the walk down the aisle was just around the corner.
Welcome Drinks – Under the Pergola
As the afternoon sun settled gently over the hills, guests began arriving at the villa, where they were greeted by Andy’s brothers, Mike and Andrew, along with the rest of the groomsmen. Everyone was guided up to the pergola area—an open, shaded terrace nestled within the villa’s expansive 14,000 square meters of gardens. The relaxed setup immediately put guests at ease, offering a perfect mix of rustic charm and comfort.
A well-stocked welcome table invited guests to enjoy a chilled glass of Mia Cava or refresh themselves with infused waters—flavoured with citrus fruits and served alongside pure spring water. Nano, a talented musician, provided soft ambient music, creating an easy-going vibe as guests mingled and enjoyed the scenery. The calm start gave friends and family a chance to soak in the atmosphere and excitement building around the day ahead.
The Ceremony – A Serene Setting for a Special Moment
As the time for the ceremony drew near, subtle changes signalled the shift. Nano wrapped up his welcome performance, and the bar quietly closed. Andy and his best man, Jacob, made their way to the front of the ceremony area—a beautiful spot in the far-right garden of the villa, carefully chosen for its views and shade.
Guests were gently ushered from the pergola to the ceremony space by the groomsmen, with Andrew pausing to escort the mother of the bride to her seat. Everyone settled into their places on white Chiavari chairs, arranged on the soft grass with a clear view of the floral ceremony arch created by Lemonface. Behind it stood a simple ceremony table, also by Lemonface, ready for the signing later.
As the final guests were seated, celebrant Gareth welcomed everyone and made a brief announcement kindly asking that the ceremony remain phone- and camera-free. This created a beautifully focused atmosphere just as the music shifted to Emma’s entrance song—Can’t Help Falling in Love performed instrumentally by Nano.
One by one, the bridal procession began. Emma’s mum was first to walk in, accompanied by Andrew. Moments later, bridesmaids Beth and Sophie, followed by Emma’s father Nigel walking proudly beside his daughter, made their way down the aisle. The ceremony unfolded in the dappled light of the garden, under a semi round arch adorned in bright pink, peach roses and carnations.
Gareth led the couple through their vows with warmth and sincerity, followed by the official signing of the marriage certificate as Nano played a soft instrumental piece. Once complete, Beth and Sophie discreetly handed out rose petals—prepared in advance for 70 guests—to those seated closest to the aisle.
Then came the big moment: the announcement of Emma and Andy as husband and wife. The Gypsy Kings’ upbeat music kicked in, and the newlyweds began their walk back up the aisle, met by a joyful shower of white petals from their guests. It was a perfect ending to the ceremony and a stunning beginning to the rest of the day.
Cocktail Hour – Drinks and Canapés Under the Marbella Sunshine
With the ceremony complete and the celebration in full swing, guests made their way back to the upper pergola—an open-air terrace offering panoramic views of the Andalusian countryside. This was the perfect spot to unwind, raise a glass, and soak in the early evening warmth.
The drinks reception began with guests being served their choice of cava, sangria, beer, white or red wine, and a selection of soft drinks. The relaxed and sociable atmosphere was complemented by uplifting flamenco music, setting a vibrant but refined tone as everyone mingled, toasted the newlyweds, and settled into the festive spirit of the day.
Soon after, a delicious selection of canapés began making its way through the crowd—starting with fresh, chilled bites and followed by a variety of warm options. The menu was curated to offer something for every palate and perfectly timed to keep energy high between sips and conversation.
During this time, photographer Krista worked closely with Emma, Jacob, and Beth to begin the family photo session. Emma’s carefully prepared list helped guide the process, ensuring that all the important group shots were captured efficiently without pulling guests away from the fun for too long.
As the flamenco set came to a close, Nano wrapped up his live performance and the background playlist transitioned in to carry the mood forward. The atmosphere remained light and fun-filled as the sun began its slow descent behind the hills.
At around this point, the first call for dinner was made, gently guiding guests toward the next chapter of the evening—the alfresco dining experience awaiting them in the villa’s beautiful garden.
Wedding Dinner – An Alfresco Feast in the Garden
As the late afternoon light mellowed into early evening, guests were invited down to the lower garden where dinner was set to begin. Round tables, dressed simply and tastefully, were spaced across the lawn beneath open skies and surrounded by olive trees and sea-facing views—a calm, scenic setting for the next chapter of Emma and Andy’s celebration.
With everyone seated, glasses were filled with cava and water to toast the newlyweds, while the couple themselves were treated to a private plate of canapés by the Sunshine Weddings Spain team—a quiet moment for them to catch their breath and take it all in.
At around this time, Jacob stepped forward to officially welcome everyone to dinner, inviting the bridal couple to make their entrance to warm applause and smiles. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, perfectly suited to the natural charm of the venue.
The speeches began soon after. First up was Emma’s father, who delivered a heartfelt tribute that set the tone. As he finished, Malcolm arrived to begin setting up the dancefloor nearby—quietly and efficiently preparing the space for the evening ahead. Next came a touching speech from maid of honour Sophie, followed by groom Andy’s words of gratitude and love. Wrapping up the toasts with a good dose of humour and camaraderie, Jacob delivered a light-hearted best man speech that had the whole garden laughing.
Once the final words were shared, dinner service began in earnest. A relaxed BBQ menu was served in rounds, with the first guests helping themselves to an array of freshly grilled dishes shortly after the final speech. As the meal got underway, the open bar also opened for the evening—adding to the celebratory atmosphere as conversations continued and glasses were topped up.
As the sky began to shift to golden tones, dessert was served, marking a sweet close to the wedding breakfast—and a natural lead-in to the evening’s party under the stars.
Evening Celebration – Dancing, Cocktails & Sunset Vibes
As the evening deepened and the sky shifted through golden tones into twilight, the celebration picked up once again at the upper pergola. A catchy playlist of uplifting tracks set the tone, creating a fun and festive atmosphere as guests returned to find the cocktail bar in full swing. Serving up a classic selection—mojitos, piña coladas, caipirinhas, and Aperol spritzes—the bar quickly became a central hub of laughter and conversation.
As golden hour arrived, Emma and Andy slipped away briefly for their sunset photo session—an intimate moment captured in the soft light, with the rolling hills and distant sea offering a cinematic backdrop. At the same time, the photo booth on the upper level opened, giving guests a chance to snap playful memories throughout the night.
Just after sunset, DJ Maxee took over and officially opened the dancefloor with the couple’s first dance—a romantic moment that signalled the start of the evening’s party. Guests quickly joined in, filling the dancefloor and keeping the energy high as the night unfolded under the stars.
Then came a surprise twist: at around 10:20 PM, Demian stepped in for an unforgettable live saxophone set, weaving his melodies into the DJ’s tracks and taking the celebration up another notch. It was a standout moment of the night—unexpected, high-energy, and completely captivating.
As the evening rolled on, the open bar kept everyone refreshed, while the dancefloor stayed packed with guests enjoying every beat. At midnight, the photographer wrapped up, and midnight snacks were served—an extra treat to keep partygoers fuelled well into the early hours.
Demian’s final notes rang out just after midnight, and DJ Maxee carried the vibe through until the bar closed at 2:20 AM. As the night began to wind down, final songs played and the last drinks were poured, with the venue gradually closing by 3:00 AM.
It was a night to remember—full of joy, music, and unforgettable moments under the Spanish sky. A huge thank you to Emma and Andy for letting us be part of such a special day. Here’s to a lifetime of adventure, laughter, and love.
A special shoutout to Krista, for the use of the photos of the magical day.
If you’re dreaming of your own destination wedding in Spain—whether it’s an elegant villa in Marbella, a beachfront celebration, or something totally unique—Sunshine Weddings Spain is here to help make it happen. With years of experience and a passion for creating unforgettable days, our team is ready to bring your vision to life.
Get in touch today and let’s start planning your perfect day under the Spanish sun.
