Countryside wedding celebration in the Andalusian hills
Tucked away in the sun-soaked hills of southern Spain, surrounded by mango trees, palms, and sweeping views of the Mediterranean countryside, lies a boutique farmhouse that blends rustic charm with understated elegance. Just a short drive inland from the coast, this tranquil hideaway set the stage for Chrystia and David’s wedding — a day full of natural beauty, personal touches, and relaxed celebration.
In today’s bridal story, we step into the heart of their wedding journey, exploring not just the stunning location but the thoughtful details that made the day so special. From a terrace ceremony framed by distant mountain views to an elegant, indoor dining space, Chrystia and David’s celebration was the perfect balance of simplicity and style.
We’ll take you through the venue’s quiet charm — its manicured gardens, peaceful terraces, and panoramic bar — while sharing moments from the couple’s day that brought everything to life. Join us as we relive their unforgettable celebration in one of Andalusia’s most effortlessly beautiful wedding settings.
Bridal Preparations – A morning filled with pampering and excitement
Chrystia and David’s wedding day in the peaceful surrounds of a luxury hotel nestled close to the countryside venue. The morning was a beautiful balance of calm focus and bubbling excitement, with family and close friends gathered nearby to share in the quiet magic of the hours before the ceremony.
Chrystia’s bridal suite was a bright, airy sanctuary. Sunlight streamed through large windows, casting soft patterns across the wooden floors. Surrounded by her bridesmaids—close friends who had been with her through every twist of wedding planning—she laughed and chatted, the nerves gradually shifting into excitement. The smell of fresh flowers mixed with the warm scent of coffee, pastries, and a few glasses of morning cava—setting a relaxed, upbeat tone for the day ahead.
When the florist from Marie Florista arrived with Chrystia’s bouquet, it felt like the final piece of a carefully crafted puzzle. The bouquet was a delicate harmony of cream and blush tones, soft greenery, and subtle blooms that echoed the natural beauty of the day ahead—a perfect reflection of the countryside setting where the wedding was going to take place.
Meanwhile, David was with his groomsmen in a nearby room, sharing stories, banter, and a few early beers. His best man, Andrew, helped him into his classic navy suit, white shirt, and light cream tie as they went over the final details and the energy started to build.
One of the most meaningful moments of the morning was the couple’s private first look. Chrystia, wearing a satin A-line dress with a subtle ballroom silhouette and heart-shaped neckline, came down the hotel stairs to meet David for the first time that day. Away from the crowd, their quiet smiles and a few tears said everything—bringing the focus back to what the day was really about: their connection.
Shortly after, Chrystia and David gathered with a small group of loved ones in the hotel lounge for a traditional Ukrainian blessing ceremony, adding a meaningful cultural touch to their day. Chrystia carried korovai—a round, braided ceremonial bread decorated with symbolic motifs. In Ukrainian tradition, the korovai represents community, unity, and the joining of two families. Sharing it is a gesture of goodwill, prosperity, and support for the couple’s life ahead. It was a quiet, powerful moment that grounded the celebration in heritage and family connection.
As guests began arriving, greeted warmly by Andrew and accompanied by the soft, soulful melodies of flamenco guitarist Nano, Chrystia took a few quiet moments in her room to collect herself. The morning was more than just preparation—it was a beautiful reflection of everything Chrystia and David wanted their wedding to embody: authenticity, love, and happiness.
Welcome – Surrounded by Southern Spanish Countryside
Tucked quietly among the hills and surrounded by subtropical gardens, the venue provided the perfect setting to welcome guests to the wedding day. Palms, rich greenery, and bursts of seasonal flowers created a relaxed, natural backdrop. Guests found shaded spots to sit, reconnect with familiar faces, and soak in the peaceful surroundings as refreshing welcome drinks were served—glasses of tinto de verano, wine, and beer.
The warm afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting soft light across the stone paths. In the background, Nano’s Spanish guitar added a gentle rhythm—simple, uplifting, and distinctly Andalusian.
The terrace was set up for guests to unwind and connect, with tables and seating arranged for easy conversation. Simple touches—flowers, candles, and soft details—added to the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team stayed focused on every detail, making sure Chrystia had everything she needed and the schedule ran smoothly. Before long, guests were guided up the stone path to the ceremony space, where Andrew welcomed them and helped everyone find their seats.
The Ceremony – Love beneath the open sky
The ceremony took place in a peaceful garden nook framed by tropical foliage and distant mountain peaks. This space, chosen for its natural beauty and tranquillity, was as much a part of the wedding as the vows themselves. There, the earthy scent of pine and fresh grass mixed with the warmth of the sun on everyone’s skin.
Guests took their seats on simple wooden chairs, turning their attention to the aisle as the ceremony was about to begin. There was a quiet sense of anticipation in the air.
The wedding party entered first, smiling as they walked, followed by Chrystia. She walked alone, steady and composed, as David waited ahead, surrounded by family and friends. Nano’s guitar played softly in the background, adding to the stillness of the moment.
The ceremony itself was simple and sincere. The couple exchanged vows that reflected their values—mutual respect, love, and commitment to the future. When it ended, they walked back down the aisle smiling, with guests cheering, clapping, and tossing petals in celebration.
Afterward, guests made their way to the reception terrace for drinks and conversation. Chrystia and David stayed behind briefly with close family to take some relaxed portraits with their destination wedding photographers Pedro Bellido.
Drinks Reception – Toasts and cheers
The drinks reception took place on a terrace just below the ceremony garden—where guests enjoyed the warm Spanish light and breathtaking views of the hills beyond.
The terrace was filled with clusters of friends and family sharing stories and laughter. Nano’s guitar continued to provide a soothing, melodic backdrop, the flamenco notes blending smoothly with the gentle clinking of glasses. There, guests were also treated to an array of traditional Spanish canapés—cool bites bursting with fresh flavours followed by warm bites, that brought a true taste of Andalusia to the celebration.
During this drinks reception moment, Chrystia and David stole away briefly for a private photo session during the soft light of pre-sunset. These golden hour images captured the quiet joy of the moment—the gentle smiles, the tender glances, and the serene beauty of the countryside that surrounded them.
As the sun dipped lower, casting deep orange hues across the terrace, the first call for dinner was made, inviting the guests to move from the light-hearted mingling of the afternoon to the indoor dining area.
The Wedding Breakfast – Tradition, connection, and celebration
The wedding breakfast took place inside an elegant, light-filled dining room where floor-to-ceiling windows offered sweeping views of the countryside. This bright, airy space perfectly complemented the celebratory and elegant spirit of the day.
As guests settled in, a curated playlist set the perfect mood—a blend of soft melodies that felt both contemporary and timeless. There, wine and beer flowed freely, shared with laughter and toasts.
Before joining the rest of the celebration, Chrystia and David took a quiet moment together to enjoy a few canapés and take in everything so far. It was a brief pause to reset before heading into the next part of the day.
When they were ready, the wedding MC, Yuri, welcomed them back and introduced the traditional Ukrainian Pryvit ceremony. The offering of bread, salt, honey, and wine carried clear meaning—symbolising the basics of life, prosperity, and the hope for a sweet future together. Their first toast as a married couple followed, simple and heartfelt, met with warm cheers from their guests.
Throughout the meal, the all-important speeches brought waves of laughter and tears. From Terry’s opening words to the touching tributes by Lubomyr, Lynette and Robert, and later David, Chrystia, and Andrew, each story added a layer of warmth and connection to the evening.
Between courses, Chrystia and David slipped away once again for more golden-hour portraits, capturing the glowing light of sunset and the deep happiness that radiated from them.
Dessert was greeted with applause, followed by a sparkling cava toast—complete with non-alcoholic options to include all guests. The dramatic unveiling of the cava tower was a festive highlight, signalling the joyful transition from formalities to celebration.
The Party – Dancing and laughter late into the night
As night settled in, the dining room transformed into a lively party space. Chrystia and David’s first dance was a tender, emotional moment, setting the tone for a night filled with music, movement, and pure joy.
With the DJ spinning tracks that kept the dance floor alive, guests laughed, danced, and savoured the sense of community that had been woven throughout the day. A photobooth offered fun snapshots, while late-night snack platters ensured no one went hungry as the party carried on into the early hours.
When the music finally faded and goodbyes were said, it was clear this had been a day to remember—a celebration filled with love, tradition, laughter, and connection.
A heartfelt thank you to Chrystia and David for trusting us with your special day — it was an absolute pleasure to be part of your journey and help bring your vision to life.
A huge thank you to photographer Pedro Bellido, whose beautiful images captured every smile, every tear, and every joyful moment with incredible warmth and artistry. And to all our trusted suppliers whose care and expertise helped bring Chrystia and David’s vision to life, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
About the venue
Nestled in the gentle hills just outside Nerja, this countryside venue is a haven of tranquillity and natural beauty. Its lush tropical gardens, stone terraces, and panoramic viewpoints provide an inspiring backdrop for weddings filled with heartfelt moments and effortless elegance.
If Chrystia and David’s story has sparked your imagination and you dream of saying “I do” surrounded by this serene Spanish landscape, we’d love to help make your vision a reality. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or a lively celebration under the Andalusian sky, contact Sunshine Weddings Spain today to start planning your unforgettable day in paradise.
Your perfect wedding awaits. Let’s create it together.