Every week, Sunshine Weddings Spain brings you exclusive inspiration from some of the most beautiful wedding venues across the Costa del Sol and Mallorca, from intimate finca celebrations to unforgettable destination weddings surrounded by the landscapes of southern Spain or Balearic Islands.

Today, we’re taking you inside the beautiful wedding day of Imogen and Matt, who celebrated their marriage last May, in a spectacular private villa nestled in the hills between Mijas and Alhaurín El Grande.

Set in a quiet valley, the estate gave Imogen and Matt plenty of privacy while still offering lots of space for their wedding day. With its traditional Spanish feel, large terraces, pool and gardens, there were plenty of areas for guests to enjoy throughout the day, from the ceremony and drinks reception through to dinner and the evening party. The views across the surrounding countryside also made a great backdrop for photographs.

For Imogen and Matt, it was a relaxed and fun celebration with everything they wanted from a Spanish summer wedding – sunshine, good food, music, plenty of time with family and friends, and lots of dancing.

Here’s a look at how their wedding day came together.

Rustic outdoor ceremony setting on the villa’s terraces, with mountains in the background.

Bridal Preparations – Early Morning Buzz

The morning started nice and relaxed, with Imogen and Matt waking up together at the villa before getting ready separately. One of the benefits of having the whole wedding in one place was that there was no travelling between hotels or venues. Everything was happening around them, making the morning feel easy and unhurried.

As the morning got underway, stylist Lucy arrived to start hair and make-up for Imogen and the bridal party. The bridal suite quickly became a busy part of the villa, with everyone getting ready, chatting and enjoying the build-up to the ceremony. Matt himself started getting ready in one of the parents’ rooms, giving him a quieter space to prepare before the best men arrived.

While everyone was getting ready, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team were busy with the final setup around the villa. The ceremony chairs were put into place on either side of the aisle, and the different areas of the venue were prepared for the rest of the day.

The wedding flowers prepared by Deseos then arrived. Imogen’s and the bridesmaids’ beautiful bouquets were taken through to the bridal suite, while the buttonholes were handed over to the Sunshine Weddings Spain team.

Calin from Epic Films had also arrived at the bridal suite early to start capturing the morning. From the flowers and finishing touches to everyone getting ready together, he captured the more natural moments as the excitement started to build.

Once hair and make-up were finished, attention turned towards the ceremony. Matt’s best men arrived, and the group spent some time together before the guests started to arrive. Matt, Josh, Joe, Mark and Wiggy also met with the Sunshine Weddings Spain team for a quick run-through of the final details before everyone took their places.

By this point, the villa had really started to come to life. The morning preparations were coming to an end, the ceremony was ready and guests were beginning to arrive.

Bridal couple hold hands during the ceremony, as guests look on.

Welcome Drinks – A Warm Spanish Arrival

As guests began arriving at the villa, groomsman Josh was on hand to greet them, welcoming friends and family into the beautiful surroundings. The first drinks of the day were refreshing and relaxed, with Bucks Fizz and lemonade served as guests settled into the celebration. Music played in the background while everyone mingled, caught up with one another and took in the spectacular views across the Andalusian landscape.

While guests enjoyed their drinks, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team checked in on Imogen as she shared a special first-look moment with her father, Mark. It was an emotional moment between the two of them, captured by Calin before the ceremony began.

As the playlist continued, the bar closed and guests were asked to make their way towards the ceremony area. Matt, accompanied by his best man, took his place, while Josh and Joe helped guests find their seats. As everyone settled in, the atmosphere became a little quieter and the focus turned to the ceremony ahead.

Newlyweds smile as they exit through a shower of rose petals.

The Ceremony – Villa Terrace Vows

The ceremony took place on one of the villa’s terraces, with the mountains providing a backdrop behind the couple. The setting was kept simple but still felt special, with white chairs for the guests, white lanterns and small floral arrangements lining the aisle. At the centre was a white-draped ceremony arch covered in white flowers and greenery, framing the couple as they stood together. The existing stone fountain behind the arch also became part of the setting, adding to the Spanish feel of the terrace.

Imogen looked beautiful in a fitted lace wedding dress with delicate floral detailing across the back and a long veil. Her hair was styled in a simple updo, keeping the focus on the dress and veil. Matt wore a smart navy blue suit with a white shirt and black shoes, keeping his look classic and understated.

The bridesmaids made their way down the aisle before Imogen entered with Mark. As she walked towards Matt, the guests watched on from either side of the aisle, with the mountain views stretching out behind them. The ceremony itself was relaxed and personal, giving Imogen and Matt the chance to focus on each other and the people who had come to celebrate with them. They exchanged their vows and rings in front of their family and friends,

After the ceremony and signing, Rebecca and Joe got the petals ready for the couple’s exit. As Imogen and Matt walked back down the aisle together, their guests showered them with petals, marking the start of the celebrations as husband and wife.

Guests mingle on the outdoor terrace during the drinks reception.

Drinks Reception – Cava, Canapés and Music

Following the ceremony, guests made their way back outside for the drinks reception. Musician Annya provided an upbeat set while everyone enjoyed a selection of cava, wine, beer, water and soft drinks, meanwhile waiters circulated with canapés, starting with a selection of cold bites before bringing out the hot canapés. Guests had time to relax, catch up with family and friends and enjoy the surroundings.

Calin continued photographing throughout the reception, capturing the hugs, laughter and more natural moments as everyone relaxed after the ceremony. The gardens and terraces also gave plenty of space for guests to move around, while the views across the surrounding countryside provided a great backdrop for photographs.

The family photos followed, with Imogen’s list helping to keep everything organised and Sam and Joe rounding everyone up when needed. With Calin working through the list, the photos were kept relaxed and didn’t take guests away from the celebrations for too long. Once the family photos were finished, attention turned towards dinner and the next part of the day.

Rustic poolside table setting with wooden tables, candles, and flowers.

Wedding Breakfast – Tapas, Paella and Speeches

After the drinks reception, guests were gradually invited through for dinner. Wine and water were poured, while Sunshine Weddings Spain made sure Imogen and Matt had a plate of canapés to enjoy before joining everyone for the meal. Joe then introduced the newlyweds as they made their way into the reception, and everyone settled in for the first part of the meal.

The wedding breakfast started with a selection of Spanish tapas, followed by a paella buffet. It was a relaxed style of dining that gave everyone plenty of opportunity to chat, share the food and enjoy the evening together. Once everyone had eaten, it was time for the speeches. The Father of the Bride spoke first, sharing some memories of Imogen and a few words for the newlyweds. Matt followed with his speech, before Joe rounded things off with his own stories and messages for the couple.

There were plenty of laughs, a few emotional moments and lots of cheers from the guests as each speech came to an end. Dessert followed, and then it was time for another wedding-day tradition as cake-baker Louise brought out the cake.

Then, with dinner finished, Imogen and Matt took the opportunity to step away from their guests for some couple photographs. As the sun started to go down, Calin from Epic Films captured them around the villa and gardens, giving the couple some time together before the evening celebrations got underway.

One of the benefits of having the wedding all in one location is that the couple can easily step away for photographs without having to leave the venue or spend time travelling. With the gardens, terraces and surrounding views all close by, there were plenty of options for photographs while still keeping the couple close to their guests.

When Imogen and Matt returned, the evening started to move into party mode. The cash bar opened, Maxee began her live set and guests got ready for the dancing to begin.

Guests seated and enjoying the al fresco meal.

The First Dance – Party Vibes

As the evening got underway, it was time for Imogen and Matt to cut the wedding cake. With their family and friends gathered around them, they shared the moment before moving on to their first dance.

Once the first dance was over, the dance floor quickly filled up. Maxee continued her live set, bringing plenty of energy to the party as guests joined in and the evening really got going. With the villa being a private setting, there was plenty of freedom for everyone to relax and enjoy the evening without worrying about the party disturbing anyone nearby. The pool and outdoor areas also gave guests plenty of space to move between dancing, chatting and enjoying the night.

As the evening went on, the vibe became more relaxed and the focus was simply on having a good time. The day’s formalities were finished, and Imogen and Matt could enjoy the rest of the evening with their friends and family. Later on, the wedding cake was served, with guests helping themselves to a slice while the music continued.

It had been a full day, starting with Imogen and Matt getting ready together at the villa and ending with everyone dancing and celebrating together in the same place. For the couple, it was exactly the kind of relaxed Spanish wedding they had planned – good food, live music, plenty of time with their guests and a party that carried on into the night.

Elevated view of the terrace, pool, and guests during the wedding speeches.

A Beautiful Costa del Sol Wedding to Remember

There is something undeniably magical about a wedding in the Andalusian hills. The landscape provides the backdrop, the sunshine creates the atmosphere and a private villa gives couples the freedom to make the celebration completely their own. Imogen and Matt embraced all of that. Their wedding wasn’t simply about one beautiful ceremony or one spectacular photograph. It was about the flow of the entire day – from the excitement of getting ready together, through those emotional first-look moments, the ceremony and petal-filled exit, the cava and canapés, family photographs, Spanish feast, heartfelt speeches and golden-hour portraits, all the way through to the first dance and late-night celebrations. It was a wedding that felt relaxed, warm and genuinely personal. Most importantly, it was a day shared with the people who mattered most.

A huge thank you to Imogen and Matt for allowing Sunshine Weddings Spain to share the story of your beautiful celebration, and to all the talented suppliers who helped bring their day together. Special thanks to Calin from Epic Films for capturing the memories, Deseos for the beautiful flowers, Lucy P for the bridal preparations, Annya for the uplifting live music, Maxee for keeping the party going.

If you’re dreaming of your own sunshine-filled wedding in Spain, from an intimate countryside ceremony to a spectacular celebration with dinner, live music and dancing under the stars, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team would love to help bring your vision to life.

Start planning your Spanish wedding with Sunshine Weddings Spain.

First dance under the starry sky and string fairy lights as guests look on.

A sunshine-filled Mijas wedding with mountain views