Marbella Wedding Story: Old town church ceremony & finca reception

Today’s romantic bridal story takes us to Marbella, where Nicole and Eamon celebrated one of our very first weddings of the spring season on May 26th. Their day began in the heart of the Old Town, with a traditional church ceremony framed by cobbled streets and timeless Spanish charm. From there, guests were welcomed to a stunning finca just outside Marbella, where a relaxed cocktail hour unfolded outdoors in the balmy late-afternoon sunshine before everyone gathered inside for a beautiful wedding breakfast. As the sun set, the party moved back outside beneath the stars, with music, laughter, and the Mediterranean breeze setting the perfect scene. Nicole and Eamon’s wedding captured everything couples dream of when planning in Spain: tradition, elegance, and long evenings filled with joy and celebration. Read on to discover their highlights…

Getting Ready and Pre-Ceremony Moments in Marbella

Nicole and Eamon began their wedding day separately at a nearby four-star hotel, set within expansive gardens and offering stunning views of the neighbouring marina. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, both spent the morning preparing for the celebrations ahead. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the bridesmaids chatted while putting the finishing touches on hair and makeup, while the groom and his groomsmen straightened ties and shared a few laughs. Their photographer, the talented Racheal from Balance Photography, was there to capture it all—the delicate moments of dresses being fastened, the click of cufflinks, and the anticipation that filled the air as the day unfolded.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team were busy making sure every last detail was in place and everything stayed perfectly on track—from coordinating transport to preparing for guests’ arrival in Marbella.

Once ready, Eamon and the guests set off towards the Old Town, with Nicole and her bridal party following shortly after. The spring sunshine lit up Marbella’s cobbled streets, creating the perfect backdrop for a handful of family portraits. Keeping this moment short and sweet meant Nicole and Eamon could capture the charm of the town without delaying their entrance, arriving at the church almost alongside their guests and stepping straight into the heart of the celebration.

A Timeless Ceremony in Marbella’s Old Town

The Old Town of Marbella was buzzing with excitement as guests arrived, its cobbled streets and sunlit façades providing the perfect backdrop for the day ahead. The air carried a gentle hum of anticipation, enhanced by the live music of soprano Laura Elen, whose voice drifted from the church, through the square, hinting at the beautiful moments to come.

Inside the historic church, a sense of quiet focus settled over the space. High stone arches and polished wooden pews framed the aisle, while the Sunshine Weddings Spain team ensured every detail was in place—from programs and fans to perfectly arranged seating—so that the couple could focus solely on the moment.

The bride, Nicole, wore a stunning A-line gown adorned with delicate embroidery of petals, flowers, and leaves. The thin straps and flowing train added an elegant touch, while the intricate detailing caught the light beautifully with each step. Accompanied by her flower girl and two bridesmaids, she stepped from the bridal car, ready to make her entrance. Eamon, looking sharp in a cream suit paired with a navy-blue tie and brown shoes, stood alongside his groomsmen, Sean and Connor, greeting her with a steady smile. His excitement was carefully contained as the ceremony music began. Guests looked on as Nicole made her way down the aisle, her gown gliding gracefully behind her, her expression a perfect mix of anticipation and joy.

The ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, with carefully chosen music enhancing each moment. After exchanging vows, the couple were showered with congratulations and petals from friends and family, creating a joyful, celebratory scene outside the church.

Before heading to the reception, Nicole and Eamon took a short stroll through Marbella’s winding streets. Their photographer, Racheal, captured candid moments among the whitewashed walls and flower-lined balconies, preserving the happiness and intimacy of the day. Meanwhile, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team ensured the next stage of the wedding was ready—guests were guided to the venue, the outdoor spaces were prepared for cocktails, and the indoor dining area was perfectly set for the wedding breakfast.

Garden Drinks Reception: Music, Sunshine & Celebration

After the ceremony, guests were guided to a beautiful Andalusian finca just outside Marbella, where the celebrations continued in style. On arrival, everyone was welcomed into a shaded garden space, a cool retreat from the spring sunshine, with glasses of cava, sangria, wine, beer, and refreshing soft drinks ready to be enjoyed. The atmosphere was relaxed yet vibrant—the perfect transition from the formality of the church to the laid-back charm of the evening ahead.

Adding to the mood, the smooth sounds of local Sax player, Demain, filled the air, his live performance drifting across the garden and bringing an elegant, modern energy to the reception. Guests mingled with drinks in hand, chatting and laughing as trays of canapés—first a selection of refreshing cold bites, followed by warm savoury favourites—circulated around the crowd.

As the golden light of late afternoon settled over the finca’s gardens, family portraits were taken, capturing those first fun-filled moments as newlyweds with loved ones. The setting offered a perfect mix of relaxed elegance and celebration, with music, sunshine, and the clink of glasses all combining to create a truly memorable start to the evening.

By early evening, as the last notes of the saxophone faded, the first call for dinner was made, guiding guests toward the next stage of Nicole and Eamon’s wedding day: a beautifully prepared wedding breakfast indoors, where the celebrations would continue.

Wedding Breakfast – An Elegant Indoor Celebration

As the late-afternoon light softened, guests were invited inside to continue the celebration in the finca’s stylish indoor dining space. With its high ceilings, contemporary design, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens, the room struck a perfect balance of sophistication and warmth. Tables were beautifully set with elegant touches, while soft background music created a welcoming atmosphere as guests took their seats.

Nicole and Eamon made their entrance to a round of applause and smiling faces, setting the tone for the evening ahead. A final toast of cava was poured, and trays of canapés were delivered to the newlyweds as the room settled into a celebratory rhythm.

The speeches soon followed—heartfelt words from Nicole’s father, warm sentiments from Eamon’s father, and a touching thank-you from the groom himself. The best man brought the room to life with wit and laughter, rounding off a sequence of toasts that perfectly captured the spirit of the day. There were tears, smiles, and bursts of applause—moments that will be remembered long after the day itself.

Dinner was served with a relaxed elegance, featuring a feast prepared by the acclaimed Alabardero Catering team. Guests enjoyed a carefully curated menu that began with shared starters before moving on to a delicious BBQ-style main course, with dishes cooked fresh and served straight from the grill. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, with wine and beer flowing freely as conversation and laughter filled the space.

As dessert was served, golden hour bathed the estate’s gardens in warm light. Many guests stepped outside to enjoy the sunset and capture portraits among the subtropical greenery, while others mingled around the outdoor bar, enjoying the evening air. Inside, the tables were cleared, the music shifted, and the dance floor began to take shape—signalling the start of the night’s next chapter: the party.

Sunset and Evening Party

As dinner drew to a close, Nicole and Eamon slipped away for golden-hour photos, taking advantage of the finca’s stunning gardens and the warm spring light. These relaxed, intimate portraits captured the couple at their happiest—newly married, surrounded by their closest family and friends, and ready to celebrate the night ahead.

Back outdoors, the atmosphere shifted from elegant dining to full-on celebration. As twilight settled, a live band struck their first notes, filling the garden with energy and drawing guests to the dance floor. Nicole and Eamon opened the evening with their first dance, a magical moment marked by bursts of pyrotechnics that lit up the night sky and had the crowd cheering.

As the party continued, music flowed effortlessly between live sets from the band and a high-energy DJ, keeping the dance floor full and the mood electric. Guests laughed, sang along, and moved between the bar outside and the finca’s stylish indoor lounge, ensuring the celebration carried on late into the night. With an open bar and music curated by Dave James, the festivities rolled on until the early hours, ending only when the last song faded and glasses were finally set down.

From the heartfelt ceremony to the lively starlit party, Nicole and Eamon’s wedding was a perfect balance of elegance, tradition, and unforgettable fun.

A heartfelt thank you to Nicole and Eamon for trusting Sunshine Weddings Spain with your special day—it was a joy to bring your vision to life. Thank you also to our wonderful suppliers, whose professionalism and dedication helped make the celebration seamless, and to the talented Racheal from Balance Photography for capturing every moment so beautifully.

Marbella Old Town Church & Elegant Finca Reception Overview

Nicole and Eamon began their day in one of Marbella’s most iconic ceremony settings: a traditional Spanish church tucked into the Old Town. The building itself is steeped in history, with whitewashed walls, arched ceilings, and a cool, serene interior that offers couples a sense of timelessness the moment they step inside. Its location in the heart of the Old Town is part of its magic—just outside, cobbled lanes and flower-draped balconies provide a romantic backdrop for photos, while the central square offers guests an authentic Andalusian atmosphere as they gather before the ceremony. For couples looking for tradition and character, this church is one of Marbella’s most beautiful options, combining spiritual elegance with local charm.

The celebration then continued at a private finca just minutes from the town. Purpose-built for weddings and events, this estate offers a seamless flow of spaces designed to carry guests through each stage of the day. On arrival, a shaded garden area sets a relaxed tone, perfect for welcome drinks and mingling. Beyond this, expansive terraces open onto lush subtropical gardens, making an ideal setting for cocktail hour with live music and canapés.

When it comes to dining, the finca offers one of the most versatile spaces on the Costa del Sol. Its large, contemporary indoor lounge can comfortably host hundreds of guests, yet its design—complete with high ceilings, natural light, and elegant finishes—retains a feeling of intimacy. For couples, this means the peace of mind of an indoor dining space that doesn’t compromise on style, while still keeping the outdoor gardens and terraces close at hand.

As the evening unfolds, the finca transforms again. Fairy lights strung across the gardens, subtle indirect lighting, and an outdoor bar all combine to create a magical setting for the first dance beneath the stars. Later, the party can seamlessly move indoors, where a built-in stage, professional lighting, and ample space for dancing keep the celebrations going until the early hours.

Together, the church and finca offer the best of both worlds: the romance and authenticity of Marbella’s Old Town paired with the flexibility and sophistication of a private countryside estate. Nicole and Eamon’s day highlighted how beautifully the two venues complement each other, and for couples considering a destination wedding in Spain, this combination provides tradition, elegance, and the perfect setting for an unforgettable celebration.

If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” in Spain, surrounded by sunshine, Mediterranean views, and unforgettable celebrations, get in touch with our team today. We’d love to help you start planning your perfect wedding in Spain.