Boutique spring wedding near Nerja

At Sunshine Weddings Spain, every destination wedding tells its own unique story. While each celebration is beautifully different, they all share one thing in common: the magic of bringing family and friends together in one of Europe’s most beautiful settings. Today’s bridal story features the lovely Beth and Billy and their late spring wedding, a celebration filled with sunshine, beautiful surroundings and plenty of time to enjoy the company of those closest to them.

Their wedding took place at a charming country retreat in the hills just inland from Nerja. Surrounded by olive groves, gardens and views across the Andalusian countryside, the venue offered a beautiful setting for an outdoor wedding. Whitewashed buildings, terracotta details, traditional courtyards and spacious terraces gave the day a distinctly Spanish feel, while the on-site accommodation meant Beth, Billy and their guests could enjoy the wedding without having to travel between locations.

From the bridal preparations in the morning through to dinner on the terrace and dancing later in the evening, the whole day took place within the grounds. This made it easy for guests to move between each part of the celebration, while giving Beth and Billy plenty of opportunities to spend time with the people who had travelled to Spain to be with them.

Today we’re delighted to look back on Beth and Billy’s beautiful May wedding—a celebration filled with laughter, emotion, sunshine and unforgettable memories.

Bridal Morning – Getting Ready for the Day

The wedding morning began with sunshine over the hills around Nerja. With the ceremony and reception taking place at the same venue, Beth and Billy were able to take their time getting ready and enjoy the morning with family and friends close by.

Beth spent the morning in her suite, with hair and makeup artist Leonie taking care of the final preparations. The room was soon filled with conversation and laughter as hair and makeup were completed, dresses were prepared, and the finishing touches were put in place. With her bridal party and family around her, Beth had time to enjoy the build-up to the ceremony without feeling rushed. Her dress, shoes and accessories were all ready. Meanwhile, Billy was getting ready with his groomsmen; jackets were put on, ties adjusted and buttonholes pinned into place.

Photographer Talia from Thoroughly Gorgeous Photography and videographer Kevin arrived to capture the preparations and the moments leading up to the ceremony. From the details of the bridal preparations to the interactions between family and friends, they documented the day as it happened. The Sunshine Weddings Spain team were also busy behind the scenes, coordinating the arrival of suppliers, checking the ceremony setup and making sure everything was ready for the guests.

Before the ceremony, Billy shared a first look with his daughter, Grace. It was a lovely father-and-daughter moment before the day’s formalities began. Beth then had her own first look at the bottom of the stairs with her bridesmaids Julie, Leah, Katie and Grace. Seeing their reactions as they saw her fully ready for the first time was a special moment, just before Beth made her way to the ceremony.

With the final preparations complete and guests beginning to take their seats, Beth and Billy were ready to start the next part of their day.

Welcoming Family and Friends Beneath the Spanish Sunshine

As guests travelled from the Costa del Sol by coach, they arrived to glorious spring sunshine and sweeping countryside views stretching towards the mountains.

Stepping into the gardens, guests were welcomed by mature palms, colourful planting, peaceful terraces and views across the surrounding countryside. It was a relaxed start to the afternoon, giving everyone time to arrive, catch up with friends and family, and enjoy the setting before the ceremony.

Refreshing iced lemonade welcomed guests as they gathered near the ceremony area. It was the perfect drink for a warm May afternoon, allowing everyone to cool down while catching up with friends and family before the celebrations officially began. Nano, the Spanish guitarist, provided live acoustic music as guests arrived, adding a Spanish touch to the welcome while giving everyone time to settle in and catch up.

Guests gathered around the gardens and terraces, taking in the views across the Axarquía countryside and finding shaded spots to chat before the ceremony. Family and friends who had travelled from abroad had the chance to catch up, while children made the most of the gardens.

Behind the scenes, the Sunshine Weddings Spain team continued to coordinated the final preparations, working with each supplier and making sure the ceremony area, music and guest arrangements were all ready for the next part of the day.

Wedding Ceremony – Saying “I Do” with Views Across the Andalusian Hills

With the guests seated, it was time for the ceremony to begin. The ceremony area had been set up in the gardens, with the hills and countryside providing the backdrop. White chairs lined the aisle, with flowers in soft pink, white and green placed along the sides. At the end of the aisle, an ornate iron dome stood on white pillars, decorated with floral arrangements and framing the view beyond.

Nano played Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You as the bridal party made their way down the aisle. Grace and Raya led the way, followed by Katie and Leah, then Julie, before Beth made her entrance.

Beth looked beautiful in a fitted lace wedding dress with delicate detailing and a long veil. She carried a bouquet of soft pink and white flowers with greenery, which matched the flowers used throughout the ceremony. Billy was waiting at the front in a light beige three-piece suit, white shirt and dark green tie, with a matching buttonhole. The lighter suit was a great choice for a May wedding in Spain, and the green details tied in with the flowers and surrounding gardens.

Gareth led the ceremony, with family and friends gathered around them. Gina gave a reading, adding a personal touch to the service, before Beth and Billy signed the register with Spanish instrumental music from Nano playing in the background. Family was an important part of the ceremony, with Grace and the other younger members of the bridal party taking part in the procession. It helped give the service a relaxed and personal feel, with plenty of familiar faces close by.

Once the ceremony was complete, Nano switched to Bamboleo by the Gipsy Kings. Beth and Billy walked back down the aisle together to cheers and applause, with guests throwing confetti as they made their way towards the end of the ceremony area. Before everyone moved on to the drinks reception, the guests stayed together for a group photograph with the newlyweds. With the countryside stretching out behind them, it was a great way to capture everyone who had travelled to Spain to be part of Beth and Billy’s wedding day.

Drinks Reception – Cava, Canapés and Countryside Views

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the salon terrace for drinks and canapés. With views across the hills and plenty of space to sit, chat and catch up, it was a good opportunity for everyone to relax after the ceremony. Cava was served alongside other cold drinks, while Nano continued with live music. Guests gathered around the terrace and gardens, enjoying the sunshine and the chance to spend time together before dinner.

Talia used this part of the afternoon to take Beth and Billy around the grounds for photographs. The gardens, stone paths, terraces and views across the countryside gave them plenty of different settings for their couple portraits, while also giving them a few minutes together away from the main group.

The drinks reception was extended, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy the afternoon before dinner. It also meant the day did not feel rushed, with enough time for conversations, photographs and a few quiet moments together.

Wedding Breakfast – An Evening on the Terrace

As the afternoon moved on, guests were invited to take their seats for dinner on the terrace. Tables were set up overlooking the countryside, with the surrounding hills providing the backdrop as the light began to soften.

Before joining everyone, Beth and Billy had a little time together with canapés and cold drinks. After a busy afternoon, it gave them a chance to sit down, catch their breath and take in the day so far.

Leah was the MC for the evening and introduced the couple’s entrance to Kanye West’s Good Life. Beth and Billy made their way onto the terrace to applause from their guests before taking their seats for dinner. The speeches followed, beginning with Julie, then Billy and Zack. Each brought their own stories and memories to the evening, with plenty of laughter as well as some more emotional moments.

Dinner was then served, with guests enjoying their starter, main course and dessert while continuing to chat across the tables. With the meal taking place outside, everyone enjoyed the views as the daylight began to fade and the evening set in.

The cava tower followed, giving everyone another reason to gather together and raise a glass to Beth and Billy before the evening celebrations continued.

Evening Party – First Dance and Dancing

With dinner finished, DJ John Hobbs began the evening set and the bar opened, with guests moving between the terrace, seating areas and dance floor.

Before the first dance, Beth and Billy stepped away with Talia for their pre-sunset photographs. As the light became softer, they took some time together around the gardens and grounds, capturing photographs with the countryside as the backdrop. It was a short break from the celebrations before they returned to their guests.

Back on the terrace, Beth and Billy shared their first dance to Noah Kahan’s Forever. With family and friends gathered around them, it was a lovely moment before everyone joined them on the dance floor and the party really got going.

The party continued outside as guests danced and enjoyed the warm May evening. Later, the DJ moved inside, keeping the music going as the night continued. Late-night snacks were served giving everyone something to eat before the final part of the celebrations.

With guests staying locally and coaches arranged back to their accommodation, everyone could enjoy the party without having to worry about getting home. The coaches arrived at the end of the night, giving guests time to say their goodbyes before heading back to their respective accommodations.

For Beth and Billy, it was the end of a full wedding day spent in one beautiful location—from getting ready in the morning and saying their vows overlooking the hills, through to dinner, sunset photographs and dancing with family and friends. A relaxed May wedding in southern Spain, with plenty of time to enjoy each part of the day.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you, Beth and Billy, for allowing Sunshine Weddings Spain to be part of such a wonderful chapter in your lives. It was an absolute privilege to help bring your vision to life and to watch every carefully planned detail unfold so beautifully.

A huge thank you also goes to the fantastic team of suppliers whose professionalism and creativity made the day so special. From Leonie’s beautiful hair and makeup, Janne’s elegant floral styling, Gareth’s heartfelt ceremony, Nano’s wonderful live music, DJ John Hobbs’ unforgettable party atmosphere, and Talia’s cinematic photography, every contribution helped create an extraordinary celebration.

For couples dreaming of a destination wedding in southern Spain, Beth and Billy’s celebration is a wonderful reminder that your wedding can be so much more than a single day. It can become a shared holiday, an unforgettable experience, and a lifelong memory surrounded by sunshine, spectacular scenery and the people you love most.