A Marbella wedding story: Church wedding with garden venue

Every week at Sunshine Weddings Spain, we bring you closer to the heart of destination weddings, with real love stories and behind-the-scenes peeks at the magical venues across Malaga and Mallorca. Today, we take you to Marbella, where a classic church wedding ceremony was followed by a relaxed garden reception—showing how tradition and simplicity can come together beautifully.

Marbella, nestled along the southern coast of Spain, is known for its sun-drenched beaches, cobbled streets, and Mediterranean glamour. Just a short drive from the airport, this iconic town captures the essence of Andalusian charm, offering a picturesque backdrop that feels both intimate and grand.

In the heart of Marbella’s old town, a centuries-old church stands quietly among whitewashed buildings, its warm stone façade and intricate interior setting a reverent and romantic tone. This is where the celebration began, and from there, continued at a stunning villa just a few minutes away—tucked behind iron gates and framed by lush gardens, shaded terraces, and views that stretch toward the sea.

It was in this perfect pairing of locations that the lovely Liz and Matt, both proud Fulham FC fans, tied the knot in late May. Their love for football was woven into the day in small but meaningful ways, adding personality to every part of the celebration.

From a heartfelt ceremony to a relaxed evening under the Spanish sun, their wedding was thoughtful, fun-filled, and unmistakably them. Join us as we look back at the highlights.

Bridal Morning in Marbella: Liz & Matt’s Elegant Start

The morning of Liz and Matt’s wedding unfolded quietly under the soft Marbella sun, with the kind of peaceful energy that promises something unforgettable ahead. Their day—a traditional Church ceremony followed by a garden reception tucked into the hills—was already in motion, quietly shaped by calm preparations and thoughtful details.

Liz began her morning at a traditional Andalusian villa, surrounded by her girl gang—her mother, her daughters, and her bridal team. With the villa’s doors open to the scent of orange blossoms, hairstylist Flavia and makeup artist Monya arrived early to begin work on five radiant faces, weaving in both calm and excitement. Meanwhile, over at a beachfront Marbella hotel, Matt, together with his groomsmen, also began their preparations.

By mid-morning, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team arrived onsite at the garden venue, making sure everything was coming together. White Chiavari chairs were arranged, parasols were spaced across the different levels, and round tables were covered in crisp linen. Every detail—from table numbers to flowers—was thoughtfully placed, creating a simple, welcoming setup for the celebration ahead.

Back at the villa, local florist Karen from Deseos arrived with the bridal bouquets—elegant, fresh, and full of colour. The room filled with the scent of flowers just as the final touches of hair and makeup were being completed. Meanwhile, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team moved between the villa and the church, making sure everything was in place—from the order of service at the ceremony to the finishing details at the reception venue, ready to welcome guests later in the day.

As early afternoon neared, Liz’s daughters and mother departed in the bridal car, and the energy shifted from getting ready to stepping into the day itself. Photographer Issy from IBimagery had already arrived at the church, capturing early moments with Matt, his groomsmen, and both mums—images full of anticipation and quiet pride.

With music beginning to drift from the church and final guests ushered in, Liz left the villa behind and stepped into the next chapter of her journey. The day had officially begun.

Marbella Church Wedding Ceremony

By early afternoon, a soft stillness had settled over the square outside the church in Marbella’s Old Town. Beneath the warm Spanish sun, guests gathered slowly, taking in the charm of the cobbled streets and sunlit façades. There was a quiet hum of anticipation in the air, underscored by the graceful voice of soprano Laura Elen as her live music filled the space—building gently toward the moment everyone was waiting for.

Inside, the church offered a cool, timeless calm. Its arched stone ceilings, polished wooden pews, and flickering candles created a sacred atmosphere—both grand and intimate. Sunshine Weddings Spain’s team had already placed each order of service carefully on the benches, and every last detail had been checked. All that remained was for the story to unfold.

As the clock neared one, guests took their seats, and the ceremony began. The soft notes of “Here Comes the Bride” welcomed two young flower girls as they led the procession. Then, arm in arm with her father, Liz stepped into the aisle—graceful and composed, her hair in an elegant chignon, veil in place, and wearing a simple A-line satin gown. The emotion was clear but quietly held. At the altar, Matt stood in a sharp beige suit and tie, calm and steady, his expression full of quiet anticipation that matched the stillness of the moment.

The ceremony was heartfelt and sincere. Familiar hymns—I Have Loved You, Ave Maria, Amazing Grace—carried beautifully through the vaulted space. During the signing of the register, “We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters played, lending a gentle, nostalgic note to an already emotional moment.

At the close of the ceremony, “Jerusalem” rang out through the church as the newlyweds walked together down the aisle, greeted with smiles and happy tears. At the doorway, friends and family were waiting—ready with cheers, hugs, and heartfelt congratulations. Liz and Matt paused under the ornate arch, beaming and still soaking in the magnitude of the moment.

Outside, Natalie and Amie handed out petals as guests formed two welcoming lines. With a countdown and a burst of music, petals floated up and around the couple in a cloud of soft colour and rose scent.

After the ceremony, the celebration briefly lingered in the heart of Marbella. The newlyweds, still glowing, took a short walk through the Old Town’s narrow lanes, accompanied by photographer Issy from IBimagery. Along flower-lined balconies and whitewashed walls, Liz and Matt shared quiet laughter and tender glances—simple moments that will live forever in photographs.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team was already ahead of schedule, ensuring a seamless transition to the next part of the day. Transfers were ready, the garden venue was set, and as guests made their way to the reception.

Garden Drinks Reception: Music, Sunshine & Celebration

By mid-afternoon, guests began to arrive at a beautiful private villa nestled in the hills just outside Marbella—a peaceful, sun-drenched estate with sweeping views, whitewashed walls, and shaded terraces. The garden was already alive with the soft clink of glasses and the sound of laughter as the drinks reception gently unfolded beneath the Andalusian sun.

Crisp cava, chilled sangria, and ice-cold beers flowed freely—served from shaded bar areas tucked under swaying palms. The air carried the rhythmic strum of flamenco guitar, as Nano, a local Spanish guitarist, played an uplifting set filled with warmth and energy. His music drifted through the terraced garden and over the pergolas, adding a distinctly local feel to the celebration.

Not long after, the first round of canapés began to circulate—cool, delicate bites followed by hot selections, as guests mingled on the lawn, pausing under parasols and near the villa’s white stone walls, enjoying every flavour and note.

As the atmosphere eased into that golden Marbella rhythm, the children were handed small waving sticks—ready to welcome Liz and Matt with a splash of colour as they entered the garden. Their arrival sparked cheers, smiles, and the unfurling of a personalised Fulham FC flag—a playful, proud nod to the club they both love.

Small touches like this were carefully planned throughout the day, a reflection of who they are as a couple.

Soon after, family gathered on the garden steps and in shaded corners for a few relaxed group photos—some with the Fulham flag in the background—captured effortlessly by Issy as soft afternoon light filtered through the trees.

By mid-afternoon, Nano played his final flamenco notes, the sound drifting gently into the breeze. Guests were then invited to take their seats under the open sky, ready for the next part of the celebration to begin.

Wedding Breakfast – A Rustic BBQ Feast

As the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the villa’s garden, guests were invited down to the lower terrace—a space framed by white parasols, rustic stone, and soft Mediterranean light. The tables were dressed in white linen and surrounded by Chiavari chairs, creating a relaxed and elegant setting. Each table was named after iconic Fulham legends, with the top table fittingly called Craven Cottage.

With cava or water in hand, guests found their seats, while Liz and Matt enjoyed a quiet moment together with a personal plate of canapés, thoughtfully delivered by the Sunshine Weddings Spain team.

At the head of the garden, Phil, Matt’s brother and best man, took the mic to welcome everyone. He shared some helpful housekeeping—shuttle details, hangover kits, a phone to leave voice messages for the couple, a guestbook, and even the local taxi number—setting the tone for a night designed with care and thoughtfulness.

Then, to the sound of “Viva el Fulham” Liz and Matt made their entrance to warm cheers and clinking glasses. As the couple took their seats at the top table, the youngest guests were already being served their meals—another small but meaningful detail to keep the flow just right.

The first speeches began soon after: Liz’s father stood to share a heartfelt welcome, followed by Matt. Phil then rounded out the trio with a lively toast full of humour and heart, prompting both laughter and teary smiles around the garden.

With spirits high and the sun beginning to soften, the scent of grilled meats filled the air. Guests were invited—starting with the top table and those nearest—to the BBQ buffet, table by table. It was a feast of rustic Spanish flavours: tender Iberian presa, chistorra, beef entrecôte, chicken churrasco, juicy wings, and homemade sausages, served with fresh garnishes and a spread of sauces. Glasses were topped with wine and beer, and the hum of happy conversation filled the garden as everyone tucked in.

Behind the scenes, Malcolm from Sunshine Weddings Spain was already preparing the evening’s next chapter—setting the stage for music, dancing, and memories yet to be made. As dinner wound down and the playlist rolled on, the day flowed effortlessly toward celebration, under a Marbella sky that seemed to glow just for Liz and Matt.

Evening Party – A Celebration Under the Marbella Sky

As the sun slipped behind the hills and the warm glow of golden hour faded, the wedding celebration moved effortlessly into its evening chapter. Up on the villa’s upper pergola, the atmosphere shifted—still joyful, but now electric with the promise of a night to remember.

The spirit bar officially opened and guests were welcomed by a generous selection of drinks: crisp gins, icy ciders, and alcohol-free beers, all served with a smile as the evening breeze set in. Conversations flowed easily as the music softened and the sky began to change, painting everything in soft pastels.

Dessert was served next—light and sweet—accompanied by a relaxed tea and coffee station, perfect for a quiet pause before the party truly kicked off. Then came the sound everyone had been waiting for: the first set from Masquerade. Their live performance brought new energy to the garden, filling the space with vibrant sound and got feet tapping all around the pergola.

At sunset, Liz and Matt slipped away for a few final golden-hour portraits, capturing the magic of the day as the light turned soft and cinematic. Shortly after, as the band took a brief break, Linda gathered the guests and invited them to make their way to the upper terrace—where the next chapter was ready to begin.

Masquerade’s second set carried the momentum beautifully, leading right into one of the most unforgettable moments of the night: the first dance. As the opening chords of “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship played, Liz and Matt took to the dance floor, surrounded by smiling faces and a sky just beginning to show stars.

From there, the party truly took off. Masquerade’s final set kept the crowd on their feet. The music baton was then handed over to DJ Altman, whose catchy playlist kept the energy high and the dance floor full well into the night.

Just before midnight, shuttle vans began looping between the villa and Marbella’s Old Town, giving guests an easy ride back without missing a beat of the party.

As the music wound down in the early hours and the last glasses were set aside, Liz and Matt shared a quiet farewell under the stars. With the venue gently closing behind them, a private car waited to take them back to their Marbella hotel—still glowing from a day that had been everything they’d hoped for.

A celebration filled with love, laughter, and memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.

A big thank you to Liz and Matt for letting us be part of their special day. It was great to see your love story come to life in such a beautiful setting, full of good vibes and plenty of smiles. The Fulham FC touches throughout the day made it even more personal and memorable.

A special gracias to Issy from IBimagery for capturing every beautiful moment through her lens—your talent brought the day to life in every frame. And to all the incredible suppliers whose professionalism and hard work helped everything run so smoothly—thank you.

Here’s to Liz and Matt—may your life together be filled with happiness, love, and unforgettable adventures.