Private finca wedding in Marbella hills
Welcome to another of our Sunshine Weddings Spain bridal stories, where we take you behind the scenes of some of the most beautiful celebrations we’ve had the honour of planning across southern Spain and Mallorca. From sun-kissed coastal hideaways to rustic countryside estates, every wedding we create is completely unique — always infused with warmth, style, and heartfelt moments shared with loved ones.
Today’s bridal story features the wonderful Frankie and Matt, who celebrated their marriage at a stunning private estate in the hills near Marbella last wedding season. Surrounded by rolling mountains, sweeping sea views, and bathed in golden evening light, their wedding day perfectly blended relaxed elegance with authentic Andalusian charm.
Set within 14,000 metres of lush gardens, hidden walkways, cascading waterfalls and peaceful countryside, this rustic Marbella finca provided a magical backdrop for their summer celebration. From sun-drenched moments to a starlit evening beneath the Spanish sky, Frankie and Matt’s day was filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories — read on to discover more from this truly special wedding…
Morning Buzz – Bridal Preparations in the Marbella Hills
The morning of Frankie and Matt’s wedding began in the most relaxed and intimate way — waking up together at their villa, soaking in a few quiet moments before the excitement of the day truly unfolded. After breakfast and some shared anticipation, Matt headed off to begin his own preparations, leaving Frankie to enjoy the buzz of the bridal morning ahead.
Before long, the villa filled with energy as Frankie’s bridesmaids arrived, ready for a morning of pampering, music, and laughter. Hair and makeup artists soon got to work, carefully creating looks that felt effortless and natural. With seven bridesmaids and close family around her, the atmosphere was fun-filled yet calm — the kind of morning every bride hopes for.
Photographer Talia from Thoroughly Gorgeous joined Frankie in the bridal suite, capturing the beautiful in-between moments — happy nerves, final touches, and those quiet reflections before stepping into the day. Every smile, hug, and detail was documented with her signature unobtrusive style.
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team arrived onsite to oversee every element of the day, ensuring the venue and logistics were perfectly aligned behind the scenes. From coordinating arrivals to managing timings and final details, everything was carefully taken care of so the couple could focus purely on enjoying the experience.
Flowers were delivered mid-afternoon, including Frankie’s bouquet, buttonholes, wrist corsages, and the flower girl’s basket — all adding the finishing touches to the wedding party’s look. One buttonhole stayed with Frankie, while the rest were passed to Matt and the groomsmen.
Matt spent his morning calmly with his groomsmen and family, sharing a few laughs, pinning buttonholes, and posing for relaxed photos with Talia. A special first look followed back at the villa — first with the bridesmaids, then with Frankie’s father — emotional moments filled with pride, excitement, and happy tears.
As guests and family were smoothly transported to the venue, and the final preparations came together, the tone for the day was perfectly set. Thoughtfully planned, beautifully coordinated, and full of heart, Frankie and Matt’s wedding morning flowed smoothly into the celebrations that awaited them.
Welcome Drinks – A Warm Arrival in the Marbella Hills
As the afternoon sun softened, guests began to arrive at the private estate, welcomed by sweeping mountain views and that unmistakable golden glow Marbella does so well. Pete and Steve were on hand to greet everyone with big smiles, helping set a relaxed and friendly tone from the very first moment.
A chilled playlist floated through the gardens as guests were offered refreshing welcome drinks — infused waters with lemon, orange, or natural — perfect for cooling off while mingling and taking in the beautiful surroundings. The atmosphere felt effortless and unhurried, with laughter, reunions, and quiet anticipation filling the air as friends and family gathered.
Behind the scenes, everything moved seamlessly. The Sunshine Weddings Spain team ensured the flow of arrivals ran smoothly, while Matt and his groomsmen made the most of this time for relaxed photos, soaking in the excitement before heading towards the ceremony area. As the moment drew closer, the music gently faded, the bar closed, and guests were invited to make their way to take their seats.
Frankie arrived shortly after in her bridal car with her father, while her bridesmaids and close family followed, all perfectly timed. With everyone in place, the gardens fell into a hush — the perfect lead-in to the ceremony.
The Ceremony — Saying “I Do” Beneath the Spanish Sky
The ceremony took place outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery, winding pathways, and open views stretching across the hills and out to the sea. Guests were seated with care, assisted by the groomsmen, creating an intimate and beautifully framed setting that felt both effortless and refined.
As the ceremony music began, the atmosphere shifted into something truly special. One by one, the wedding party made their way forward, building anticipation before Frankie’s entrance with her father. She wore a stunning Art Deco–inspired A-line gown, adorned with elegant beaded embroidery that caught the light with every step. Her look was finished with a veil delicately attached to a chic chignon bun, striking the perfect balance between timeless glamour and modern sophistication. The timing of the music allowed her walk to feel unhurried and deeply emotional, with all eyes drawn to the aisle.
Matt waited at the front, calm and smiling, dressed in a debonair white dinner jacket paired with classic black trousers — a look that felt effortlessly stylish and perfectly suited to the sun-drenched Mediterranean setting. As Frankie joined him, the ceremony unfolded with heartfelt sincerity, each word carrying weight beneath the warm afternoon light. Guests remained fully present, sharing in the laughter, emotion, and quiet pauses that made the moment feel genuinely personal.
As the ceremony came to a close, Gareth invited guests to celebrate in true Spanish style, showering Frankie and Matt with petals as they made their joyful exit together. The music lifted, smiles widened, and applause echoed through the gardens — a beautiful, love-filled ending to a ceremony that reflected their style, their connection, and the magic of the day.
Drinks Reception – Golden Hour Celebrations in the Marbella Hills
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to move into the gardens for the drinks reception, where the celebration continued against a backdrop of rolling hills, manicured lawns, and far-reaching sea views. Bathed in warm late-afternoon light, the setting felt effortlessly elegant — rustic, relaxed, and unmistakably Andalusian.
At the bar, guests were treated to unlimited cava, sangria, beer, and red and white wine, creating a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere as everyone raised a glass to the newlyweds. A saxophonist set the tone with a lively, feel-good set, filling the gardens with music and encouraging guests to mingle, smile, and soak up the moment.
While guests settled into the rhythm of the reception, family photos began straight away, with Frankie and Matt joined by their closest family, groomsmen, and bridesmaids. Guided through the venue’s beautiful outdoor spaces — from shaded pathways to open viewpoints overlooking the countryside and sea — the portraits felt natural and unforced, perfectly capturing the joy of the afternoon.
After the emotion of the ceremony, Frankie and Matt also took a short moment of quiet time together, allowing them to pause, reflect, and truly take in the fact that they were now married — a small but meaningful breather before rejoining their guests.
Cold canapés were served first, followed by warm selections, giving guests plenty to enjoy as conversations flowed and the music carried on. Children were well cared for throughout the evening, allowing parents to relax and fully enjoy the celebrations.
As the saxophonist brought his set to a close, the gardens buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses. With the first call for dinner soon announced, guests were gently guided toward the next part of the day, marking a smooth transition from sun-drenched afternoon celebrations into the evening festivities at this truly magical Marbella venue.
Wedding Breakfast – Dinner, Speeches & Sunset Glow
As the afternoon softened into early evening, guests were invited to make their way to dinner, where tables were beautifully set beneath the open sky, surrounded by nature and warm Andalucían evening light. Each guest was welcomed with a glass of cava, setting a celebratory tone as everyone took their seats.
Frankie and Matt were looked after straight away, with Sunshine Weddings Spain bringing a plate of canapés to the couple so they could enjoy a quiet moment together before the evening unfolded. Shortly after, they were warmly introduced to dinner, greeted with applause and big smiles from their guests as they joined the tables.
Dinner was served tapas-style, encouraging a relaxed, sociable atmosphere as dishes were shared and passed along the tables. Wine, beer, and water flowed freely once the bar opened, and conversation filled the space as the sky gradually deepened in colour.
The speeches followed in a beautifully timed sequence — heartfelt, funny, and full of personality. Frankie’s father spoke first, followed by Matt, then the best men, each adding their own stories and sentiments. Laughter rippled through the tables, with a few emotional moments sprinkled in, creating the perfect balance of warmth and celebration.
As mains were served and dessert followed, the atmosphere remained unhurried and joyful. The cake arrived quietly in the background, ready for its moment later in the evening, while final dinner touches were completed and the dancefloor was carefully installed — perfectly timed to keep the evening flowing.
Evening Party – Music, Dancing & Celebration Under the Stars
After dinner, the energy naturally shifted toward the dancefloor. A short playlist carried guests from their tables to the party space, building anticipation for what came next. Frankie and Matt took to the floor to cut their cake, before sharing their first dance together — a magical moment surrounded by family, friends, and the soft glow of evening lights.
The live band then took over, launching straight into an incredible set featuring drums, saxophone, and violin. The atmosphere instantly lifted, with guests filling the dancefloor and celebrating well into the night. The combination of live music, open-air surroundings, and pure joy made for an unforgettable party under the stars.
Late-night snacks were served just after midnight, giving everyone a welcome energy boost as the celebrations continued. Photographer Talia and videographer Kevin stayed on to capture those final golden moments — the laughter, the dancing, and the quiet end-of-night hugs that so often become favourites.
As the early hours approached, music and the bar gently came to a close, wrapping up a day that had flowed effortlessly from start to finish — full of love, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank You – Frankie & Matt
A heartfelt thank you to Frankie and Matt for trusting Sunshine Weddings Spain with such an important chapter of your lives. It was an absolute joy to plan and deliver a wedding day that reflected your relaxed style, your love for one another, and the importance you place on sharing meaningful moments with the people closest to you.
Thank you also to the incredible team of suppliers who brought this day together so seamlessly — from the musicians who kept the atmosphere alive, to the catering team, and to Talia and Kevin for capturing every emotion so beautifully. Every detail came together to create something truly special.
To your family and friends, thank you for bringing so much warmth, energy, and love to the day. It was a pleasure to witness such a wonderful group come together in celebration.
We wish you a lifetime filled with happiness, laughter, and adventure — thank you for letting us be part of your story.
Planning Your Own Destination Wedding in Spain?
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Marbella, Mallorca, 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 full-day weddings with family and friends, we create unforgettable days in the sun — just like Frankie and Matt’s.
Get in touch to start planning your own Spanish wedding story.
