Elegant Marbella countryside wedding

Welcome back to another Sunshine Weddings Spain bridal story — a glimpse into the beautiful destination celebrations we have the privilege of planning across southern Spain and Mallorca. Each wedding we design is shaped by the couple at its heart: their personalities, their story, and the experience they want to share with their closest friends and family.

Today we’re sharing Simone and Josh’s wedding, who gathered their loved ones last September for an unforgettable celebration in the Andalusian countryside just outside Marbella. Set within a historic estate surrounded by rolling hills, Mediterranean views, and tranquil gardens, the setting provided a breathtaking backdrop for a relaxed yet elegant day in the Spanish sunshine.

From the quiet excitement of the morning preparations to an unforgettable evening of celebration beneath the stars, their wedding unfolded as a truly magical destination experience. Read on to discover more from this beautiful day — and perhaps find a little inspiration for your own wedding celebration in Spain.

Morning Preparations — Bridal Buzz

The day began with a relaxed and excited vibe as Simone and her bridesmaids gathered at a nearby villa to start getting ready together. With music playing softly in the background and plenty of laughter in the room, the morning felt calm but full of anticipation. Hair and makeup artists arrived early to begin styling the bridal party, working through the bridesmaids while Simone enjoyed the moment with her closest friends and family.

Champagne glasses were passed around as everyone settled into the rhythm of the morning, bridesmaids chatting, sharing stories and helping each other get ready while the talented destination wedding photographer, Pedro Bellido, arrived onsite and began quietly capturing the little moments that make this part of the day so special.

As the preparations continued, the Sunshine Weddings team were at the venue overseeing the final setup and ensuring everything was falling perfectly into place for the celebrations ahead. Bouquets and buttonholes were delivered, the band began their sound checks, and the ceremony space was prepared ready for guests to arrive later in the afternoon.

Shortly after, Simone and her bridesmaids made their way to the venue together by minibus, arriving to continue the final stages of hair and makeup on site. Meanwhile Josh headed to his room to begin getting ready with his groomsmen, the excitement building as the morning gradually turned into afternoon.

With the final touches underway, Pedro Bellido captured some relaxed bridal party photos, while Josh and his groomsmen gathered nearby for their first pictures together ahead of the ceremony. As hair and makeup wrapped up and everyone stepped into their wedding attire, the atmosphere began to shift — the preparations were complete, and the moment for Simone and Josh to begin their celebration was almost here.

Welcome Drinks —With Mountain and Sea Views

As guests began arriving in the late afternoon, they were welcomed at the entrance terrace of the estate, a charming arrival area framed by stone features and shaded spaces where everyone could gather comfortably. With sweeping views of both the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean in the distance, the setting immediately gave guests a sense of the spectacular landscape they would enjoy throughout the celebration. The venue itself sits within a historic valley estate that was once an ancient wheat farm, now transformed into a beautiful private events space with terraces, gardens and dramatic architectural features built into the hillside.

A relaxed welcome reception awaited guests on the lower terrace where chilled drinks were served as everyone arrived and settled in. Soft ambient music played in the background while friends and family greeted one another, the atmosphere already full of excitement for the celebration ahead.

Josh’s groomsmen James, Jake and Raffi helped welcome guests as they arrived, while Ashley and Johnny guided everyone at the base of the steps, ensuring the flow into the reception area was smooth and relaxed. With drinks in hand and the warm Marbella sunshine still high in the sky, guests took a moment to mingle, enjoy the views and soak in the atmosphere before the ceremony.

As the welcome reception gently drew to a close, the music faded and guests were invited to make their way up to the ceremony space. Ushers guided everyone into the impressive amphitheatre carved into the mountainside — a striking open-air setting with panoramic views across the surrounding countryside — where they took their seats ready for Simone and Josh’s ceremony to begin.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the bridal party gathered nearby making their final preparations, with the Sunshine Weddings team ensuring everything was perfectly in place as the moment for the ceremony approached.

The Wedding Ceremony — Open-air Amphitheatre

Guests took their seats within the estate’s remarkable open-air amphitheatre, a unique circular ceremony space built into the hillside that once served as the property’s traditional wheat-threshing floor. Surrounded by rustic stone columns and panoramic views stretching across the Andalusian countryside, it created an atmospheric and intimate setting for Simone and Josh to exchange their vows.

At the centre of the ceremony space stood a beautifully styled chuppah. The structure was draped with soft white fabric and framed with abundant floral arrangements in shades of ivory and cream, including roses and hydrangeas, combined with fresh greenery that added a natural texture to the design. The flowers cascaded across the top and down one side of the structure, creating an elegant focal point that stood out against the bright blue sky and countryside backdrop.

As the ceremony began, soft keyboard music played as Josh made his entrance, accompanied by Serge performing Meheira followed by Bo’i BeShalom. The music echoed beautifully through the amphitheatre as family and friends looked on, creating a moment that felt both intimate and incredibly special.

Josh wore a light blue suit paired with a white shirt and a traditional tallit draped over his shoulders, reflecting the Jewish traditions woven into the ceremony. Simone looked elegant in a strapless ivory gown with a fitted silhouette and long veil, carrying a bouquet of classic white roses that complemented the ceremony florals perfectly.

With the bridal party ready and the final preparations complete behind the scenes, Simone made her entrance to join Josh beneath the chuppah where the couple were finally able to share this long-awaited moment together, surrounded by the people who meant the most to them.

Their ceremony was heartfelt and joyful, filled with smiles, emotion and plenty of laughter. When the moment came for Simone and Josh to be announced as newlyweds, the atmosphere lifted instantly as Serge played Mazel Tov on the keyboard, marking their joyful walk back down the aisle as husband and wife while guests applauded and celebrated around them.

Drinks Reception — Lower Terrace

Following the ceremony, Simone and Josh slipped away briefly into an indoor venue space for a quiet moment together before rejoining their guests. With refreshing drinks and a few canapés waiting for them, it was the perfect opportunity for the couple to pause, take everything in, and enjoy their first few minutes as newlyweds.

Meanwhile guests were guided down from the amphitheatre to the lower terrace and circular garden area where the drinks reception began. With views across the surrounding hills and gardens, this relaxed open-air space created the perfect setting for everyone to mingle while the celebrations continued.

A wide selection of drinks was served including red, white and rosé wines, beers, sangria, kosher cava, soft drinks and sparkling water, alongside a cocktail bar offering favourites such as spicy margaritas, mojitos and lychee martinis. Delicious canapés circulated among guests while a curated playlist chosen by Simone played softly in the background, keeping the atmosphere lively and relaxed.

After their short break, Simone and Josh rejoined the celebration and headed off with their photographer for group photos in a quiet area behind the main ceremony space, followed by some beautiful pre-sunset portraits as the golden evening light began to settle across the landscape.

Back at the terrace, guests continued enjoying drinks, conversation and the warm Andalusian evening, the relaxed reception gradually building anticipation for the next part of the celebrations still to come.

Wedding Breakfast — Al fresco Dining

As the drinks reception drew to a close, guests were invited to make their way to the main dinner terrace where the wedding breakfast would take place. Set beneath the open evening sky and surrounded by the rustic architecture of the estate, the space had been beautifully arranged with long tables, candlelight and elegant details that created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the evening ahead.

As everyone settled into their seats, the band began playing and the energy quickly lifted as Simone and Josh made their entrance to Let Me Entertain You by Robbie Williams, greeted by cheers and applause from their guests. It was a fun-filled and lively start to the evening celebrations, with music and dancing setting the tone before dinner began.

Once everyone returned to their tables, the atmosphere softened as the band moved into relaxed background music while the first courses were served. Guests enjoyed a delicious menu throughout the evening, paired with wines and drinks flowing freely from the open bar.

Between courses, the evening was punctuated by speeches from family and friends, bringing a mix of humour, emotion and heartfelt moments that had the whole terrace laughing one moment and wiping away tears the next. As the sun dipped below the hills and the sky turned deep shades of evening blue, the celebration continued at a wonderfully relaxed pace with great food, great company and plenty of memorable moments shared around the tables.

The Party — Under Marbella Evening Sky

As dinner drew to a close, guests were invited to gather around the dancefloor for one of the most anticipated moments of the evening — Simone and Josh’s first dance as a married couple. Taking to the floor together, they shared a beautiful dance to Stargazing by Myles Smith, surrounded by their family and friends.

From that moment on, the party truly began. The band kicked off an energetic set that quickly filled the dancefloor, with guests joining the newlyweds to celebrate late into the night beneath the warm Marbella evening sky.

As the night unfolded, the music continued with a mix of live performances and DJ sets, keeping the energy high while guests moved between the dancefloor, the bar and the surrounding terrace spaces. Later in the evening, late-night bites were served to keep everyone fueled for the celebrations, while coaches began gradually transferring guests back to their hotels after an unforgettable night.

It was the perfect ending to a spectacular destination wedding — a day filled with laughter, music, incredible scenery and, most importantly, the joy of bringing everyone together to celebrate Simone and Josh’s marriage in southern Spain.

Thank You – Simone & Josh

A heartfelt thank you to Simone and Josh for trusting Sunshine Weddings Spain with such an important chapter of your lives. It was an absolute pleasure to plan and bring together your beautiful wedding.

We would also like to extend a big thank you to the wonderful team of suppliers who helped make the day run so smoothly — from the musicians who created such an incredible atmosphere throughout the celebrations, to the catering team who delivered a fantastic dining experience, and of course to Pedro Bellido for capturing every special moment so perfectly.

Simone and Josh, we wish you both a lifetime filled with happiness, laughter and wonderful adventures ahead. Thank you for allowing Sunshine Weddings Spain to be part of such a special moment in your story.

Planning Your Own Destination Wedding in Spain?

If you’re dreaming of your own destination wedding in Marbella, or anywhere along the Costa del Sol, Sunshine Weddings Spain would love to help bring your vision to life. From relaxed countryside celebrations to elegant multi-day weddings with family and friends, our team specialises in creating unforgettable wedding experiences in the Spanish sunshine.

Get in touch to start planning your own Sunshine Weddings Spain bridal story.