Looking back at last season, Kim and James’ wedding was one of the celebrations that truly stood out. Held in September 2025, their day took place as summer began to soften into early autumn — a beautiful time of year in the Andalusian countryside, with warm light, comfortable temperatures, and golden tones across the landscape.

Set within a traditional Spanish hacienda in rural Málaga, the venue offered authentic character and complete privacy. Whitewashed buildings, rustic courtyards, wooden details, and wide-open grounds surrounded by olive trees created a setting that felt relaxed yet full of atmosphere. Each space within the estate allowed the day to flow naturally, from the outdoor ceremony to the evening celebrations.

Kim and James’ wedding reflected everything we love about a September celebration in southern Spain — calm surroundings, meaningful moments, and a full day centred on bringing their favourite people together.

Join us as we look back on their wedding, from the morning preparations through to the final dance of the night.

Bride arrives at the garden ceremony area, veil trailing behind, on the arm of her proud father.

Morning Preparations — A Relaxed Start in the Countryside

Kim and James chose to begin their wedding day together, waking up at the hacienda and enjoying a quiet breakfast with their closest family and friends. Set within rolling countryside and surrounded by olive groves, the estate offered complete privacy — allowing the morning to feel calm and unhurried.

While final touches were being made across the grounds, the bridal preparations began inside the main house. Hair and makeup got underway in one of the hacienda’s bright interior rooms, with natural light filtering through traditional windows and rustic wooden shutters. The atmosphere was relaxed and organised, with stylist Lucy leading hair and makeup for Kim and the bridal party.

Meanwhile, James spent the morning with his groomsmen in one of the courtyard rooms. The hacienda’s layout — centred around a traditional internal courtyard with cobbled flooring and whitewashed walls — provided the perfect backdrop for pre-ceremony photographs. Buttonholes were distributed, jackets adjusted, and group photographs captured in the shaded courtyard space before guests began to arrive.

Florist Shona delivered the bouquets directly to the bridal suite, ensuring Kim’s flowers were safely in place ahead of the ceremony. Across the front lawn, the ceremony setup was completed with white Chiavari chairs arranged neatly on either side of the aisle. The floral arch and ceremony table were positioned to frame the open countryside beyond, making full use of the lawn’s expansive views.

The Sunshine Weddings Spain team arrived to oversee final preparations, opening the gates at the front of the property and coordinating suppliers as they checked in. Parasols were set aside for both the welcome drinks and ceremony, ready to keep guests comfortable under the Spanish sun. Cocktail barrels were prepared for later in the day, and the rear main garden was arranged with round dining tables in anticipation of the evening meal.

As filming and photography began in the bridal suite, expertly captured by the talented Calin from Epic Films, final music details were confirmed for each part of the day — from live ceremony music by Nano, a local Spanish guitarist, to the evening party in the courtyard with DJ Altman — ensuring everything was coming together exactly as planned.

With hair and makeup complete and the front lawn ready to welcome guests, Kim and James’ countryside celebration was about to begin.

Vows are exchanged in a rustic setting as warm sunshine filters through.

Welcome — Sunlit Drinks on the Front Lawn

As guests began arriving at the hacienda’s front lawn, they were greeted warmly by groomsmen Liam and Paul, who guided everyone toward the welcome drinks area. There, the sun cast a golden glow over the grounds, creating the perfect setting for the start of the celebrations.

The refreshment spread was ready: chilled water, craft beers, homemade sangria, and trays of fresh fruit — apples, pears, and oranges — all arranged with care. Nano, a local Spanish guitarist, played gentle ambient music, his melodic notes drifting across the olive groves and whitewashed walls, setting a relaxed vibe.

Meanwhile, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team continued the smooth coordination behind the scenes. Parasols were repositioned to shade the ceremony seating, and first-look photos between the bride and her father were captured, preserving an intimate pre-ceremony moment. Guests mingled with drinks in hand, laughter floating across the lawn, as the anticipation for the ceremony began to build.

The welcome was the perfect introduction to the day — giving friends and family time to settle into the beautiful surroundings before the main celebration.

Rustic wooden arbor with floral décor framing the ceremony space, creating an exotic vibe.

Ceremony — A Countryside Celebration

Guests were seated on the front lawn beneath large white parasols, with six white Chiavari chairs arranged neatly on either side of the aisle to create an intimate and balanced setting. The ceremony arch, dressed in soft neutral florals and greenery, framed the couple against open countryside views, with olive trees and rolling hills stretching into the distance.

As family members and close friends made their way down the aisle, Nano began playing “Here Comes the Sun.” The live music added warmth and personality to the moment.

Kim entered to join James at the altar wearing a fitted ivory lace gown with a long veil that fell neatly behind her. Her bouquet followed the same neutral tones as the ceremony florals. James wore a light tailored suit with a white shirt and coordinating boutonnière, a look that worked well for the outdoor setting.

The ceremony was simple and personal, set against open countryside views with the hacienda’s whitewashed walls and terracotta rooflines visible beyond the lawn, a picture-perfect setting for vows to be said and rings exchanged.

During the signing of the register, Nano continued with gentle acoustic music, allowing guests to remain fully present in the moment. The atmosphere was calm, with only the sound of guitar and the soft movement of the breeze through the trees.

As Kim and James were pronounced married, they walked back down the aisle together to applause, sunlight filtering through the parasols as guests rose to follow them toward the side lawn for the drinks reception. It was a simple, yet memorable ceremony — warm, personal, and perfectly suited to a September afternoon in southern Spain.

Newlyweds’ recessional in the sunshine with a celebratory shower of petals.

Drinks Reception — Side Lawn Sips

After the ceremony, Kim and James led their guests across the front lawn to the side lawn for a relaxed drinks reception. Epic Film captured a stunning group photo of everyone, preserving a magical memory of the newly married couple surrounded by their family and friends.

Guests were then treated to a carefully curated selection of refreshments: bottled beer, cava, water, and sangria, served alongside Nano’s uplifting flamenco set. The vibrant melodies floated across the lawn, perfectly complementing the warm Spanish afternoon. Cold canapés were served first, followed by hot bites, allowing everyone to nibble and mingle as the excitement of the day continued.

Family photos followed, with bridesmaids Sinead and Carolyn assisting in gathering each group to keep everything running smoothly and on time. Shortly after, Nano finished his set, naturally signalling the transition into the next part of the celebration.

Al fresco dining in a poolside setting with a Mediterranean vibe.

Dinner — Al Fresco Feast Poolside

The rear main garden was transformed for an elegant al fresco dinner. As guests made their way to their tables, a carefully curated playlist created a relaxed and upbeat vibe, with a first call for dinner inviting guests to the rear main garden. The each guest received a glass of wine or cava, with a thoughtful balance of white, rosé, red, and beers, while Kim and James were presented with a selection of canapés by the Sunshine Weddings Spain team. Paul then introduced the couple to the dinner area, where the feast began with three waves of tapas. Paella followed, served table by table, with decorative barrels enhancing the presentation for an authentic Spanish touch.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the couple stepped away briefly for pre-sunset photos, capturing the warm evening light across the estate. Guests refreshed their cava glasses ahead of speeches from father of the bride Darren, James, and Hodge, with Liam and Paul helping things run smoothly behind the scenes.

Dessert was served soon after, followed by a cava tower in place of a traditional wedding cake, plus two signature cocktails — Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritzes — presented on styled barrels, creating a relaxed focal point for the evening.

Large Spanish paella with guests in the background enjoying the outdoor setting.

Party — Courtyard Dancing

The final chapter of the day took place in the hacienda’s courtyard, divided into three lively sections to keep the celebrations dynamic. As guests entered, the bar opened, with signature cocktails ready to welcome everyone. An uplifting playlist set the tone while guests gathered for a group photo in the lower courtyard, captured with a flash from the upstairs room — a perfect way to bring everyone together before the party began.

DJ Altman took over, spinning a four-hour set that carried the energy through the evening. Guests danced, laughed, and celebrated under the stars, the warm Andalusian night enveloping the courtyard. Later in the evening, late-night snacks were served, keeping everyone fuelled for the final hours of the party. As the night drew to a close, both the bar and music wound down, marking the end of an unforgettable wedding celebration.

Garden setting as dusk settles and all the important speeches take place.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you to Kim and James for trusting Sunshine Weddings Spain to bring your vision to life — it was a true pleasure to be a part of your special day.

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to Epic Film for capturing every smile, every glance, and every fleeting moment with such artistry, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime. A huge thank you to all the suppliers — from Nano’s soulful guitar to DJ Altman’s epic set, the florists, catering team, and all hands behind the scenes — for your dedication, attention to detail, and tireless hard work. Every contribution helped make this day seamless and magical.

If you’re planning a sun-filled wedding in southern Spain, similar to Kim and James’ celebration set among olive groves and countryside views, Sunshine Weddings Spain is here to guide you through every step. Whether you’re considering a smaller gathering or a larger celebration, our team manages the details so you can focus on enjoying the experience with your family and friends.

Venue Overview — A Private Hacienda in Rural Málaga

If you like the sound of this venue for your wedding, here are some more details.

Tucked away in the countryside of southern Spain, in Mijas, this traditional Andalusian hacienda offers couples an exclusive-use setting surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills. Located within easy reach of Málaga Airport and the Costa del Sol, it combines rural tranquillity with practical accessibility for international guests.

The estate is centred around a classic internal courtyard with whitewashed walls and cobbled flooring — a natural hub for evening celebrations. Multiple outdoor areas allow each part of the wedding day to unfold in its own dedicated space. The expansive front lawn is ideal for open-air ceremonies, framed by panoramic countryside views. A separate side lawn works perfectly for drinks receptions, while the rear main garden accommodates al fresco dining with round tables beneath festoon lighting or open skies.

Inside, the hacienda maintains its rustic character with wooden beams, traditional shutters, and spacious rooms suitable for on-site preparations. The layout ensures privacy throughout the day, while still allowing guests to move comfortably between ceremony, reception, and party areas.

What makes this style of venue particularly appealing is its versatility. It suits couples looking for an authentic Spanish setting — relaxed but refined — where the natural landscape does much of the work. With generous outdoor space, clear zoning for each stage of the celebration, and the flexibility to incorporate live music, cocktail stations, or courtyard parties, it provides a balanced blend of countryside charm and well-organised flow.

For couples dreaming of a wedding that feels immersed in the Andalusian landscape, yet remains practical and guest-focused, this type of hacienda offers a timeless and effortlessly elegant backdrop.

Elegant champagne tower to toast the newlyweds, with curtain fairy lights creating a romantic vibe.

A September wedding in the Andalusian countryside