Romantic Mijas hacienda wedding in Spain
Step into the sun-soaked world of Sunshine Weddings Spain, where every celebration tells a story as unique as the couple at its heart. From intimate garden ceremonies surrounded by fragrant blooms to lively summer evenings under the Andalusian sky, our weddings capture the warmth, colour, and effortless charm of marrying in southern Spain. Each moment — from quiet laughter over morning coffee to the first dance beneath the stars — is thoughtfully planned to reflect the couple’s style, personality, and the experience of a true destination wedding in Spain.
Today’s bridal story features the lovely Aimee and Declan, who celebrated their marriage on 6th July 2025 at a stunning private garden estate in Mijas. Set in the picturesque foothills of the Costa del Sol with panoramic views stretching across rolling countryside and glimpses of the shimmering Mediterranean beyond, their wedding day was a perfect combination of relaxed charm, lush outdoor spaces, and vibrant summer energy.
Just minutes from the beaches and village streets of Mijas Costa, the wedding venue featured in today’s bridal story offers a truly versatile setting for every part of the celebration — from shaded welcome drinks in tropical gardens, to a heartfelt outdoor ceremony on wide open lawns, and relaxed al fresco dancing as the warm Spanish evening settled in.
With tucked-away courtyards, fruit trees, gentle water features, and colourful floral corners throughout, Aimee and Declan’s wedding perfectly reflected the feel of a destination celebration in Spain — vibrant, welcoming, and filled with sun-lit moments to remember.
Read on to find out more about Aimee and Declan’s wedding day in the sunshine — and perhaps find inspiration for your own dream celebration in Spain.
Morning Prep – Sunshine and Calm Beginnings
Aimee and Declan began their wedding day together at their private villa near the hills of Mijas, the warm morning light spilling through the windows as the couple shared a quiet moment before the excitement of the day fully unfolded.
Suppliers soon arrived to begin transforming the spaces. Ella Megan brought her hair and makeup expertise for Aimee, while the villa’s sunlit kitchen became a cozy spot for a hearty breakfast, bacon butties, lovingly prepared by Tony and Carey, the dads. Laughter, conversation, and the gentle buzz of activity created an upbeat and intimate start to the day.
As the morning unfolded, the bridal suite became a calm and organised space for preparations. Aimee’s hair and makeup were completed while soft music played in the background and conversation flowed easily between her bridal party. Once she stepped into her gown, the atmosphere shifted — excitement building as the reality of the day began to sink in.
Meanwhile, Declan and his groomsmen turned their attention to the outdoor spaces of the hacienda. Sunbeds were neatly repositioned, and a short coordination meeting with the Sunshine Weddings Spain team ensured that everyone — including friends and family helping on the day — understood their roles for the ceremony.
The florist arrived to dress the wooden ceremony arch and style the ceremony table, which would later be repurposed for the dinner setting alongside the guest book. The table plan, thoughtfully created by Aimee and Declan and displayed on ropes suspended from a tree, was checked and adjusted to make sure everything was exactly as planned.
Sound checks were carried out, while celebrant Gareth finalised his setup to ensure everything was in place for the ceremony atmosphere. Throughout the morning, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team oversaw timings and final details, while photographer Talia from Thoroughly Gorgeous captured natural behind-the-scenes moments — from finishing touches to quiet smiles between friends.
By late morning, Aimee was ready, hair and makeup complete, and Declan and the groomsmen were in place. Everything was set for a beautiful, sun-filled wedding day in the hills of Mijas, with each element carefully coordinated and the anticipation clearly building.
Welcome Drinks – Relaxed Arrival on the Lower Lawn
Guests arrived at the hacienda by taxi, where they were welcomed by the groomsmen. The lower lawn — an open garden space surrounded by tropical planting with views towards the Mijas Mountains and the coastline of the Costa del Sol — created a relaxed setting for the start of the celebrations.
Chilled cava and beer were served as guests gathered in the sunshine. Acoustic guitar from Sam, the couple’s music director, provided a simple, laid-back soundtrack while friends and family chatted and took in the surroundings. With plenty of space across the lawns and shaded seating areas, guests could move around comfortably and settle into the atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, the team from Sunshine Weddings Spain checked final details and timings. Once everyone had arrived, the lower gates were closed, marking the shift from welcome drinks to the formal ceremony proceedings. Around this time, Aimee shared a quiet first look with her parents and bridal party — a private moment before the ceremony began.
Guests were then guided to their seats on the upper lawn. White Chiavari chairs were arranged to create an intimate but open ceremony layout, making the most of the views towards the mountains and the distant Mediterranean. Aimee’s brother-in-law escorted her mum to her seat, ensuring close family members were comfortably in place as the ceremony was about to start.
The Ceremony – Between Countryside and Coast
The ceremony took place on the upper lawn, a terrace with wide views across the Andalusian countryside and out towards the coast. Surrounded by tropical flowers and well-kept greenery, the setting balanced rustic hacienda character with a clean, elegant setup — ideal for an outdoor Spanish wedding.
As the music began, the bridal party entered one by one — Bianca, Amy, Chantelle, Nat, Casey, and Jess — walking down the lawn to live Spanish melodies performed by Sam. Aimee followed with her father to Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, creating a personal and emotional entrance. She wore a silky, heart-shaped gown with an embroidered bodice and a slit along the left leg, finished with a lace veil that fell softly behind her. The look suited the relaxed, sunlit setting perfectly.
Declan waited at the front wearing a light beige suit with a white linen shirt — a Mediterranean-inspired style that felt smart but comfortable in the warm weather. Together, they exchanged vows in front of their family and friends, with the open views and quiet surroundings adding to the intimate feel of the ceremony.
During the signing of the register, Jess, the maid of honour, gave a reading while Always Remember Us This Way played softly in the background. A member from the Sunshine Weddings Spain team handed out confetti along the aisle in preparation for the exit. As Aimee and Declan walked back down the aisle as newlyweds, guests showered them with petals to If I Ain’t Got You, marking the moment with celebration against the backdrop of hills and distant sea views.
Before moving to the drinks reception, the couple stayed on the ceremony lawn for group photographs with their bridal party and parents, as well as a few portraits together. From there, guests made their way down to the lower lawn, where the drinks reception began and the celebrations continued in the Andalusian sunshine.
Drinks Reception – Sun-Kissed Celebration on the Lower Lawn
As the ceremony concluded, Aimee and Declan stepped onto the lower lawn, greeted with two glasses of chilled cava to toast the start of their new life together. Guests flowed into the reception area, a sun-drenched terrace bordered by tropical flowers, manicured lawns, and glimpses of the rolling Mijas mountains and sparkling Mediterranean beyond.
The atmosphere was immediately relaxed and celebratory. Sam moved the music device to the drinks reception, while the couple took time to greet their friends and family. Paula Riguelo, the live singer for the evening, arrived and prepared to add her own touch of Spanish elegance to the proceedings. The lower lawn, with its expansive greenery and shaded seating areas, offered a perfect mix of intimacy and openness — guests could mingle beneath the sun, sip sangria or cava, and take in the panoramic views that make this Andalucian hacienda so special.
Meanwhile, Talia, the photographer, led a series of photos at the ceremony area, with Casey and Amy acting as photo runners to ensure everyone moved seamlessly between sessions. Aimee and Declan later joined their guests for drinks, sharing laughter and quiet moments together, while Paula’s soundcheck filled the air with soft, soulful melodies that blended effortlessly with the surroundings. A group photo on the front lawn captured the first real sense of community among friends and family, before guests were guided toward dinner.
Even during these transitions, the Hacienda’s unique features — shaded terraces, lush lawns, and panoramic vistas — allowed every moment to feel unhurried, luxurious, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of southern Spain.
Wedding Breakfast – Tapas, Paella & Toasts Under the Sun
Dinner took place on the lawn behind the Hacienda, where round tables draped in crisp white linens and matched with elegant white Chiavari chairs were set to create a cohesive yet airy dining space. The top table allowed Aimee and Declan to remain at the heart of the celebration while enjoying a clear view of their guests and the surrounding gardens. Table plans, photos, and seating assignments were thoughtfully displayed, with personal touches brought by the couple themselves — creating a truly bespoke setting.
As guests were seated, glasses of cava and water were poured, while the Sunshine Weddings Spain team completed the final touches on the lower courtyard dancefloor and ensured everything flowed smoothly. The couple entered to a wave of napkins and cheering — a playful, fun-filled moment marking the start of the meal.
Speeches were delivered in heartfelt succession: first Casey, joined by Chantelle, Bianca, and Amy; then Tony; followed by Sam S; and finally Declan himself. Each speech added a mix of humour, sentiment, and warmth, perfectly complementing the intimate yet grand setting of the Hacienda gardens.
Dinner followed — a vibrant tapas and paella menu celebrating Spanish flavours, served al fresco beneath the fading evening light. Guests lingered over every bite, enjoying conversation against the backdrop of gently swaying palms, flowering bougainvillea, and sweeping views of the Costa del Sol coastline.
Paula Riguelo’s live performances punctuated the meal, with a 35-minute set to accompany early courses, followed by a 50-minute set after a short interlude — her voice weaving a golden thread through the evening and perfectly blending with the rustic elegance of the venue. The bar opened alongside dessert service, keeping cava, wine, and soft drinks flowing freely as the sun dipped behind the mountains.
Evening Party – Dancing Beneath the Stars and Into the Night
As darkness fell, the party moved smoothly from the dinner lawn to the upper terrace, where Aimee and Declan shared their first dance to John Legend’s All of Me. The terrace, perched above the landscaped gardens and offering breathtaking 360º views of the surrounding hills and coast, provided a dramatic yet intimate setting for this magical moment. Twinkling lights and the warm Spanish evening air added a romantic glow to the couple’s first steps together as newlyweds.
Once the first dance concluded, DJ Lady Jade, accompanied by Joe Sax, took over, filling the night with energy and rhythm. Guests danced beneath the stars, the Hacienda’s blend of rustic charm and modern amenities allowing everyone to move freely between outdoor and indoor spaces.
Later in the evening, the celebration transitioned indoors to the lower courtyard, maintaining the electric atmosphere while offering a cozy, intimate space for the final hours. Late-night snacks were served, drinks continued to flow, and laughter, music, and dancing carried on until the very last moments of the day.
From sun-drenched lawns to candlelit terraces, Aimee and Declan’s evening perfectly captured the essence of a Spanish destination wedding: relaxed, fun-filled, and unforgettable.
A Heartfelt Thank You – Aimee & Declan
A huge thank you to Aimee and Declan for trusting Sunshine Weddings Spain to plan and coordinate such a beautiful and meaningful day. It was an absolute pleasure to bring your vision to life in the stunning Spanish countryside.
We’re also deeply grateful to the incredible team of suppliers who made the day run so seamlessly, a shout out also to Talia from Thoroughly Gorgeous for capturing every moment and emotion with such care and artistry.
For couples dreaming of a destination wedding in Spain — from sun-soaked garden ceremonies to elegant evening receptions with breathtaking sea views — this Hacienda-style venue offers the perfect canvas for creating your own magical day. And for Aimee and Declan, it was more than a venue: it was the perfect place to gather loved ones, celebrate their story, and begin the next chapter of their lives together.
For more information or to start planning your own Spanish destination wedding, reach out to the Sunshine Weddings Spain team today and let us help make your dream celebration a reality.
