Seaside fairy tales

Most people (understandably) believe fairy tales are the stuff of fantasy however, there’s not a bride in the world that will tell you that their wedding is not. It is the one time where people are given free reign to create the day of their dreams, which here in Ibiza, should always include a stunning view. And there is no fairy tale view more stunning as the sweeping 180-degree vistas from the terrace of Cotton Beach Club at Cala Tarida. While it may indeed look like a fantasy, the gorgeous ambience at Cotton Beach Club is strongly rooted in reality – an Ibiza style reality that is – which on top of the magnificent views includes gourmet dishes, bespoke cocktails and an expert wedding planning service. While the bride and groom float through their fairy tale day, behind the scenes the Cotton Beach Club staff are ensuring the big day runs like a dream.

Set above the velvety sands of Cala Tarida beach, Cotton Beach Club is an Ibiza institution. Famous for the magnificent sunsets off the terrace and the pristine Mediterranean shores below, the venue is a fairy tale in itself. Chic and minimal with just a hint of rustic undertones, the restaurant and terrace are the epitome of Ibiza style – one part jet set, one part boho with a whole lot of soul. Your celebration can begin on the golden sands below Cotton Beach Club, allowing for a dramatic start to the day. Arrive by speedboat (or even parasail for the more adventurous types) before ascending to the striking terrace. The Mediterranean flavours of the Cotton Beach Club menu are perfectly matched to its surrounds. Choose between creative canapés and cocktails or go the whole way with a classic sit-down dinner – the choice is yours.

The Cotton Beach Club signature palette of whites is the perfect canvas for creating a masterpiece of wedding décor. Use the pale scheme as a base to add brightness in the form of fresh bouquets, innovative centrepieces and decorative objects. There’s nothing to distract from the beauty of the loved-up couple except perhaps, that incredible view behind them. As the afternoon slowly turns into evening weddings guests will delight in the kaleidoscope of colours that dance across the vistas. The undulating blues of sky and sea absorb the lush reds and pinks of the sunset casting a glow across the happy faces of the bride and groom. Could there be a better backdrop for wedding photos?

There are few places where the beauty of the venue matches the beauty of the surrounding environment. At Cotton Beach Club you get both plus the extensive expertise and calming influence of the team. From the small details to the big picture, the in-house wedding planner at Cotton Beach Club takes you through the event from start to finish so that your wedding day remains all about you. When stars begin to sparkle on the surface of the dark blue sea, the ambience above shifts from daytime laughter to night-time dancing. Your wedding planner can organise your favourite tunes to accompany the journey into night, and while the wedding party boogies away, the moon glittering on the surface of the sea shines its beauty onto all. It may feel like a fantasy but once in a while, love gives us a fairy tale.

Summer wedding highlights

Ibiza wedding stylist and founder of Velvet Circus Ibiza Danielle Hodgson-Lindley spends her summer days and nights creatively dressing some of the island’s most stunning villas, restaurants and hotels as magical wedding venues. Sometimes it’s a subtle transformation, enhancing the venue’s existing style; others, a complete overhaul where it’s like out with the old and in with the new, as Danielle and her team bring in truckloads of furniture and decoration to create a setting that is completely unique to the couple getting hitched. Ask Danielle which event is her favourite however and it’s like asking a mother to name her favourite child. Some events are loved for the ultra-personal details that have been designed for each couple; other weddings are impressive thanks to the overall aesthetic and further still have a special place in her heart due to all the behind the scenes hard work and effort that went into them. Here, she shares some of her summer wedding highlights as an overview of some of the magic Velvet Circus Ibiza can help to create.

Amy and Phil were married at the gorgeous Villa Vista – a property, as the name suggests, that boasts spectacular views over the coast of Portinatx. Working as part of a team with talented wedding planner Lisa Smith of Isla & Smith, Tali Photography and the team from Flores Ibiza, Danielle created an alfresco wonderland drawing on romantic subtle pastel tones, complemented with metallic gold and thousands of flickering fairy lights. “It was a team effort,” she says. “We absolutely loved working on this event.” Most of the event was set on the lush, green lawn area which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, and long communal style tables were set up for the evening feast. “Lisa brought in wooden chairs to create an organic feel,” explains Danielle. “Our client had organised beautiful linens to use on the tables and we accentuated this with gold cutlery, wine glasses, tea lights and tapered candles with wind shields, plus a fairy light canopy overhead.” The styling didn’t stop at the main event – Velvet Circus Ibiza also styled a pool party for the couple the following day, complete with disco balls hanging from all the trees and flamingos in the grass.

The wedding of Jess and Paul took place in a private Ibiza villa called Palacio Solomon, overlooking the iconic rock formation of Es Vedra. The wedding was planned by local expert Kerry-Anne Winton of Ibiza Wedding and Danielle was briefed to create an ambience of whimsical elegance, which she rose to the challenge of. “The bride had the idea to create a Tinkerbelle style grotto,” she says. “We used over 3000 metres of fairy lights, had an 80-disco ball canopy hanging over the dance floor and a floral canopy for the aerialist to swing in her hoop.” Danielle called in a production team to create a large canopy structure over the dining tables, which centred Es Vedra perfectly in view. “It was a three-day build but we achieved it in two days (by the skin of our teeth!) because we couldn’t get access to the villa any earlier,” recalls Danielle of the team effort. “This canopy was wonderful and looked like an extension of the villa which is what we wanted. We all did an amazing job. We hung crystal and floral chandeliers from it and below we had ten tables topped with sandy linens filled with the bride’s favourites: café au lait dahlias, orchids, hydrangeas and garlic, as if it were spilling onto table around the glassware and tableware.”

Planned to perfection by on-island events aficionados Deliciously Sorted, the brief Faye and Richie’s wedding was romantic opulence and there couldn’t have been a better setting. “We transformed Blue Marlin into a romantic world filled with white flowers and gold tones,” says Danielle. “Chandeliers hung from the trees, fairy light canopies were above the tables and hundreds of of hurricane saves filled with water and floating candles filled the venue.” Beautiful stacks of charger plates and gold cutlery were placed on the mix of round tables with one long one and the stunning flower arrangements were created by Aurea Flores. The bride arrived by boat, walking up from the beach to meet her groom and Danielle created staging with with a fabric back drop, chandeliers, double sofa and floral runners for the couple’s ‘lovers’ table’. A bespoke white photo back drop showing a laser cut wooden logo in gold, with soft white fabrics dropped at the side was complemented with white orchids – all in all, a fairytale dream come true.

For the wedding of Hollie and Tom, the bride played a big part in sourcing props and with much of the styling, as she’d opted to plan her wedding – held at hip new Ibiza wedding venue Aiyanna – herself. “The bride was the loveliest girl (and her hubby too!) and great to work with. She knew exactly what she wanted to got really involved in the styling. This wedding was super loving from the very beginning.” Opting for bright tones to complement the venue’s distinctive vibrant style, the idea was to create a bright beach boho wedding. “What I loved about this wedding was the bright colours the tropical feel,” says Danielle. “I love working with Natalia of Aiyanna Ibiza and Amante and their whole team! Tom and Hollie also had their sons do some shell painting for the wedding in bright tones and created a kiddies’ corner. This gave such a personal feel and really made them feel involved.”

READ MORE & CONTACT VELVET CIRCUS IBIZA

Weddings in Ibiza – Vittoria and Reto

Swiss couple Vittoria and Reto had no doubt in their minds that Experimental Beach Ibiza would be the location for their Ibiza wedding – in fact, they made the decision the very night they became engaged. Reto’s proposal reads like something from a Hollywood movie; on a dark and stormy night as Vittoria was returning drenched from a late horse ride, she couldn’t wait to get home, showered and warm. The couple’s dog Lizzie, however, alerted her to someone else’s presence in the stables – and there was Reto, dressed in his business suit amongst the muddy horses, ready to pop the question.

Within hours, the couple had decided to host a civil wedding in St Moritz and knew they wanted somewhere high-end yet relaxed and beautiful for the party and blessing that would follow. “We chose Ibiza because we love spending our summer holidays on this magical island,” explains Vittoria. “In particular at Experimental Beach Ibiza – we think it matches our lifestyle beautifully. It’s easy going but still a little posh, with a focus on good quality and very good food. And of course, the location is breath-taking, right next to the protected area of Cap d’es Falco with the sunset and the view to Es Vedra.”

After locking down the venue and the desired late summer date, the next step was to enlist a wedding photographer, and Vittoria and Reto fell in love with Ana Lui Photography’s signature style of creatively capturing intimate moments. Famed for her work with fine art photography and one of the only island wedding photographers who continues to shoot on film, Ana’s portfolio speaks for itself and after discovering her work on White Ibiza, followed by viewing her beautiful Instagram account and website, the couple were sold.

The day itself was as picture perfect as the venue, and indeed, the bride. As Reto – dressed in a cool, crisp white Pelikamo suit – waited for his bride-to-be on the sandy aisle, Vittoria shone against the turquoise blues as she floated into Experimental Beach Club. With stunning hair and make-up courtesy of Blowout Ibiza, she carried a fresh bouquet from island florist Sa Floristeria and her dress was the work of chic Spanish designer YolanCris, coupled with bohemian cool Gaimo wedges and a delicate floral headpiece.

After an informal blessing officiated by a close family friend, fresh lemonade, sparkling gin fizz and gorgeously flavoured mojitos were served as guests mingled and little Lizzie tried not to steal the limelight. The expert kitchen team at Experimental Beach Ibiza designed a Mediterranean menu including tapas and delicate ceviche to start, followed by the restaurant’s signature fresh fish and grilled meat dishes. Dessert came in the form of a turquoise three-tier wedding cake, created by Eileen Spargo from Ibiza Cakes and topped with a pair of golden seahorses.

Before long, Balearic beats from the in-house DJs called guests onto the dance floor as the stars lit up the sky above. “The best thing about our wedding, besides the fact that we proved our love in front of all our friends and family,was the intimate atmosphere,” says Vittoria. “All in front of the sparkling sun on the water, with very good food and drinks – it was a magic moment.” After honeymooning on the west coast of the USA, the newlyweds are already planning to return to Ibiza this season, to relive that magic moment and make the most of their summer holidays.

Bringing art to life

So when it comes to finally saying ‘I do’, it’s no surprise they want every single detail to be absolutely perfect. That’s especially true in the case of photography. Because what every loved-up couple wants from a photographer is someone who can capture their vision and turn it into a work of art. In cases like this, what you need is a photographer like Masha Kart. Born and raised in Germany, Masha always had a keen eye for shape, light, and form – that’s why she went on to study Fine Art and product design. It was her experience working as a model that eventually led to first picking up a camera – she cites the unique connection that develops between photographer and subject as one of her primary inspirations. In fact, it was this that encouraged her to move away from more classical forms of art into photography. “Using a camera was a new medium for me,” she explains. “But you can still paint with a camera.”

A sojourn around the world followed, with stints serving as an exotic destination photographer in Indonesia, Japan, Cuba, Mexico, Cambodia and Laos among many other far-flung places, before eventually moving to Los Angeles, where she spent time taking portraits for Hollywood agencies. Then she was invited as a guest to a wedding in Greece and a serendipitous turn of events were set in motion. “I ended up shooting photos there and that was the moment for me,” she smiles. “I realised how amazing it was to be surrounded by so much positive energy. It completely changed my vision.” Back in LA and moved by her experience, Masha started working on more and more weddings, progressively laying down foundations for the ethereal style she’s now known for. Using a unique hybrid of both film and digital photography, she merges the two approaches to create an almost otherworldly final image. Add to that combination Masha’s ability to capture the beauty of golden hour, and her knowledge of every nook and cranny of Ibiza’s topography, and you’ve got a pretty magical recipe for success on your hands. “Using light and location you can achieve very dramatic, dreamy, romantic shots,” she muses. “And it’s all completely natural.”

And that’s not hyberbole. Masha has become renowned across Europe – she also travels to Mykonos, Santorini, Mallorca, Formentera and Germany for work – for the kind of ‘wow’ shots that bring an entirely new dimension to your memories of the day. “People want a magical, fairytale shot that they can print and put on their wall, and with my vision and guidance they can achieve that,” she says. “I love to be able to give that to them. It’s such a wonderful feeling.” Masha’s eye for a moment is what really sets her apart – no sparkling ray of sunshine gets past her lens. She prides herself too on long-lasting relationships with her couples. “In my opinion, a photographer’s personality as is important as their style,” she explains. “So I like to connect with people and see what they want, need and laugh to.” She also speaks several languages fluently, and this helps her connect with clients, so much so she goes on to shoot important events throughout their lives. “People who come to Ibiza to get married are very special,” she says. “Often we stay friends and I go on to take photos of their pregnancies and then their children!”

Despite her fine art background and stunning images that look like they’ve swept in from a faraway fantasyland, Masha maintains that the success of the final shot is all about teamwork. “I don’t have one approach for all couples because they’re all unique,” she affirms. “But my shots aren’t forced, so I never command people how to look.” She continues: “I just know how to put them in a special place with the right light, and it unfolds softly from there. It’s created by both of us.” So between you, Masha Kart and all those dreams you’ve been saving up since childhood, your wedding is in safe hands.

Weddings in Ibiza – Alessandra and Michele

That fateful day at Blue Marlin in 2012 led to a sharing of smiles, an opening of hearts and a melding of lives, and remains a memory they cherish as precious today. In 2017, the fairytale continued as the Italian couple returned to Ibiza to exchange vows and declare their love in front of friends and family – creating even more memories to last a lifetime.

After getting engaged in October 2016, the couple instantly knew Ibiza was to be the destination for their nuptials. “We chose Ibiza because this is the island we belong to,” Alessandra explains. They immediately began making the plans and arrangements for an early summer wedding in 2017, which for many couples may seem like an impossible task, but as Ibiza regulars Alessandra and Michele already knew exactly where they wanted the event to be held.

Having been an Ibiza regular for almost 20 years, Alessandra knew the beautiful 19^th century Church of Es Cubells would make the ideal backdrop for the ceremony they wished to be simple and joyful. With its white stone walls and the view of the shimmering blue Mediterranean extending out beyond its grounds, the church also perfectly combined their dream of a rustic, country chic wedding with that of the classic Balearic wedding. The same was true for their wedding reception venue, fine Italian dining restaurant Can Domingo, in the hills of San Jose. “It’s one of our favourite restaurants on the island,” says Alessandra. “After so many return visits, the owners are now our friends, so it was the perfect choice. For us it represents the true spirit of Ibiza and the style of the venue fitted our theme beautifully.” With sweeping views of the wall plus a vibrant organic garden that lends itself perfectly to the contemporary Italian menu, it’s easy to see how this popular island restaurant ticked all the boxes.

As both bride and groom work in the Italian fashion industry, attention to detail on all the finer details was paramount. Fresh flower arrangements from the farmstead of La Granja were custom created to decorate the church, and Michele styled out his nerves in a made-to-measure suit – crafted by his home tailor, Gianni Molaro Napoli – as he waited for his glowing bride to join him at the end of the aisle. Making a truly glamorous entrance in an open topped black Mustang, Alessandra chose a stunning gown by Inbal Dror for the occasion, complemented by made-to-measure (and personally signed) Francesco Russo shoes. The ultimate accessory came in the form of the couple’s pet dog – a cute as a button pug who almost – but not quite – upstaged the bride herself as it trotted down the aisle like a furry flower girl! Capturing all the magic on camera was island-based wedding photographer Sofia Gomez Fonzo for Gyspy Westwood Photography, with no shortage of stunning people and moments in both the idyllic church and the alfresco surrounds of Can Domingo, with the sea and sunset on the horizon.

It’s common knowledge that most Italians believe no one can make finer food than their mama, but the talented kitchen team at Can Domingo – with chef Giuseppe Vivacqua at the helm – dared them to think differently. Guests nibbled on an array of canapés and mingled on the open terrace, before taking their seats overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean garden for speeches and messages of love, followed by a fresh seafood menu. In a nod to their home and heart lands, a Fefiñanes Albariño Spanish white wine and Italy’s challenge to Champagne, Bellavista from Franciacorta were flowing freely.

In true Ibiza style, the party continued onto the early hours, as the stylish Can Domingo interior was transformed into a dance floor, with beats played by Ibiza’s finest, Franco Moiraghi from Sa Trinxa and DJ Mia. Following on from the joyful day, the couple jetted off to the equally glamorous destinations of New York, Los Angeles and Tulum for their honeymoon – but with Ibiza never far from their hearts. “We will be back as soon as possible!”

World class wedding hair

From champagne while you’re hunting for the perfect dress to leisurely spa days taken in the lead up to the event – planning a wedding can be stressful so  there’s always an excuse to gift yourself a well-deserved treat. Good news then, that within the walls of the five-star Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay in Talamanca, you’ll find the exclusive John Frieda Salon open for business again this summer, where pampering is all part of the process in the lead up to the big day. John Frieda Salons have earned a well-held reputation across the globe for their pioneering hairstyles, colourists and blow dries, as well as the unrivalled expertise of their talented staff. They have salons in the most cosmopolitan areas of both London and New York, and as a result can count a slew of the jet-setting, stylish elite among their clients. At the most recent salon in Ibiza, you can expect world-class service and exceptional attention to detail, plus a team dedicated to making you feel extra special in the run up to your wedding.

In fact, highly-trained members of staff – who can effortlessly transform wedding hair dreams into reality – is an integral part of the John Frieda DNA. Unlike many other salons, staff here are really put through their paces before taking the helm on the salon floor. “We train for three to five years to ensure we truly understand how to work with different types of hair and different looks,” explains salon manager, Jeffrey Eli. “Every member of our team is incredibly experienced, and of course, has their finger on the pulse when it comes to wedding trends.” Look no further than Serge Normant, John’s New York salon partner, for confirmation of this – he’s the man responsible for Meghan Markle’s wedding hair. And with millions critiquing Meghan’s style, he choose something effortless and relaxed. Because hair trends come and go, and the last thing you want is to look back on photos from the day in years to come and be disappointed by how dated a style looks. That’s where the John Frieda stylists come in. “Over the years, fashionable styles change,” says Jeffrey. “So with wedding hair today, what you want to be looking for is something loose and natural and textured. Nothing with too much volume, because that can be ageing.” It’s worth bearing in mind that the style of dress is also a huge factor.

“If you’re wearing a dress with lots of detailing then naturally you want to show that off, so you keep the hair simple,” says Jeffrey. “And really, most brides want the dress to do all the talking, so it’s important to have a hairstyle that’s not too fussy.” If you’re unsure about what to choose, then the team is happy to give you some gentle guidance. “I have a conversation with all brides to find out what makes them tick,” he continues. “Then we’ll consider the dress, look at some images together and I can give my opinion on what I think will and won’t work.” Naturally, all of this is done in an environment in which the bride can feel totally relaxed. And let’s not forget, this is a celebration, so you’re made to feel suitably special throughout. “Brides are all given champagne when they’re having their hair done,” says Jeffrey. “And if we’re doing a set of bridesmaids too, we’ll actually do the bride’s hair for free. We want the bride to feel as relaxed as possible – coming to the salon should be like seeking sanctuary before the storm!” Indeed, knowing you’re in good hands means one less thing to worry about on the day.

Confident couples

But this wasn’t the case for Laura Wassink and Taf Verrecchia – a London-dwelling couple who share a long and loving relationship with the white isle – and after Taf proposed in Rome after 12 years of being together, they both knew Ibiza was the obvious choice for their wedding. And Aiyanna Ibiza, the beautiful beach restaurant on the shores of Cala Nova, would be the perfect venue. A few days prior to their wedding at Aiyanna Ibiza, the sun has decided to shine for the first time in what feels like weeks and the couple’s pre-ceremony energy is palpable. It’s easy to understand why Natalia G-Mayoral – Aiyanna Ibiza’s in-house wedding planner extraordinaire – takes so much pleasure in her role when couples are as hyped as this duo. “We’ve always come to Ibiza together on holidays,” Laura explains. “I came here four times in one year once,” she laughs. “We love the people, the music, the beach clubs and the different parts of the island,” adds Taf. “It was the obvious choice for us to get married here.”

It was a stroke of serendipity that led them to Aiyanna Ibiza. When Laura first heard of the venue last year, it hadn’t even opened yet. “Taf and I have always had a reservation at Amante Ibiza that for some reason we’ve never made,” she says. “Then I was coming over last summer on a girls’ holiday and I got an email about the Aiyanna Ibiza opening so I decided to check it out.” That proved a wise decision, with Laura deciding there and then that this was where she’d say her vows to Taf. “I pretty much booked it on the spot,” she laughs. “It was such a good fit for us. Plus, Natalia was here to show us around and she really knew her stuff.” Taf followed a few months later and completely understood Laura’s snap decision as soon as he laid eyes on Aiyanna Ibiza. “I loved it too. And when I met Natalia I got a good vibe from her straightaway.” Natalia takes care of both Amante Ibiza and Aiyanna Ibiza’s weddings. Charismatic, warm and organised, she somehow manages to make planning dream days look easy, when of course, there are myriad things going on behind the scenes. “She’s been so helpful,” says Laura. “She’s not your wedding planner and she tells you that from the start, but she deals with everything related to the restaurant. Every question I’ve had about the venue – and there have been a lot – she replies to instantly. Our decision to book here was all about her.”

Such was the couple’s attachment to Natalia that they actually moved their wedding date to accommodate her busy schedule. “The day we originally wanted to have the wedding, Natalia wasn’t available,” says Laura. “So we decided to change our day. She was our top priority!” While Natalia doesn’t take care of external suppliers and final details on the day, she is responsible for everything that happens at Aiyanna Ibiza – from food to timing to setup to cutlery, it all falls under her remit. And of course, she’s always there to ensure everything runs smoothly as possible. “We have total confidence that if anything goes wrong on the day, Natalia will sort it out,” says Laura. “We’ve just felt so well looked after throughout this entire process. Even though it’s a relatively new venue, they’ve taken us on that journey with them.” Taf agrees. “It’s worth remembering that you’re working with the team from Amante Ibiza too,” he says with total confidence in Aiyanna Ibiza and Natalia. “So you’ve got tried and tested service. The whole process has been the best it could possibly be.” Fast forward a few days and the celebration has been and gone. So did it all go to plan? “The wedding was the best day of our lives,” says Laura. “It ran like clockwork from start to end and the team looking after us were so amazing. Before we knew it the day was over, we just wish we could do it all over again.” Ibiza wedding: mission accomplished. Photography by Dario Sanz

The art of looking natural

A favourite with models, A-listers and international publications, Louise translates her editorial experience into effortlessly beautiful bridal looks. “It’s about making brides feel relaxed, and look naturally radiant,” says Louise. “I love helping them to create their individual style – whether that’s Hollywood glamour or a sun-kissed golden glow. And whatever look they choose, I work with their bone structure to give subtle contour to the face, focusing on flawless skin and eyes that shine.” Producing these naturally beautiful looks requires skill. “Even ‘undone’ styles need to be carefully crafted,” says Louise. “It takes time to achieve these subtle effects, while giving them the necessary refinement for a wedding.” In line with her less-is-more philosophy, she uses expert techniques and high-end products to create polished results that don’t require large amounts of make-up. Each style is also specially adapted for Ibiza’s climate, with products designed to perform in the heat and humidity.

Having spent many years working on photo shoots, where the model has her look touched up between every photo, Louise knows what is needed to keep these styles looking fresh throughout the day. She’s renowned within the industry for her meticulous attention to detail – and now brides can enjoy this same professional treatment, with the option to choose an extended service that includes touch-ups after the ceremony, and also throughout the portraits, should you seek the full red-carpet experience. “Rather than piling on lots of products to try to keep a style in place all day, which can look stiff and unnatural, it’s far better to have your stylist on hand to add product or layers when you need them for photos,” explains Louise. “That way you stay fresh, and can relax knowing that someone is on hand to keep you looking your best.” She will take care of every element, tidying skin, hair and make-up to keep brides looking flawless for the camera, and she can also ensure the groom is perfectly kempt too. Investing in quality styling in this way is an investment in your future – after all, you’ll be looking back at those photos for many years to come.

Louise believes the secret to creating chic wedding styles lies in the preparation. Brides need to spend time researching the looks they like, ensuring their chosen hair and make-up style works with their dress, and then having a trial with their stylist to ensure their look is suitable for their skin type and tone, plus their haircut and colour. As part of this preparation, Louise is passionate about the importance of a good haircut. A two-time winner of the British Hairdressing Awards, she understands that the right cut can make all the difference when it comes to achieving the look you desire on the big day. “I can show people how to bring out their natural curl, or to create waves in the fringe without having to use tools,” she says. “To see how someone’s hair behaves in a trial is so important and the right cut really helps. Sometimes a look you’ve seen on someone else just isn’t going to work on your hair type or face shape, and it’s important to know this before the wedding day.”

Louise is happy to work to any given brief, although many of her clients rely on her honest professional guidance when deciding on their wedding look. Working with leading fashion brands and publications, she can provide expert advice on current trends, which in 2018 includes loose plaits, bohemian waves and long, glamorous locks rather than ‘big’ hair. Bright lipstick is also strong for this year, but excessive highlighting is (finally) out. The extended wedding package with Louise Maxwell includes a trial, hair and make-up for the bride plus four others (bridesmaids or mothers), hair extensions if needed, and a manicure and pedicure, plus the essential after-ceremony touch-ups. For additional members of the bridal party, Louise has an experienced team of assistants, who ensure the entire process runs smoothly – from start to high-quality finish.

Bringing cakes to life

Her ethos is everything is possible with cake, and in the past she has proven this possible by creating edible feasts that range from multi-tier, two-sided weddings cakes that represent the personality of both bride and groom to a scale replica of one of the island’s most famous luxury villas. In 2018, Mitch takes this idea to the next level. This season sees the talented baker and artist expand her repertoire to include video projection onto cakes – an exciting project that combines not only her skills with flavour and architecture with her former career in IT. “It made sense to bring my nerdy background into my creative career,” she laughs. “While working in a corporate IT job definitely isn’t for me anymore, I still find it all quite fascinating. Being able to marry the two is perfect.” In all seriousness, this tasty tech-advancement in cake decorating is truly the next big thing, with mega brands such as Disney already embracing the trend.

Using your cake as a blank canvas, Mitch and her creative technical team – who have been responsible for producing graphics and visuals for some of the islands biggest club nights in the past – design an animation that can be projected onto multiple tiers of the cake for any duration that you like. “The sky’s the limit,” says Mitch. “You really are limited only by your imagination.” Or Mitch’s – should you get stuck for ideas, she has plenty of creativity swirling around in her brain and is all too willing to share. Think sparkling fireworks and celebration banners, scrolling text, photos, videos and whimsical fairytale-esque animations. For weddings, Mitch also envisions video messages or scrolling written messages beaming onto the cake from those that couldn’t be there on the day, bringing a new way of sharing messages of love for the happy couple. The process for designing a video projection cake is not unlike the regular process of designing a wedding cake. An initial consultation with Mitch takes place in order for her to really get inside your head and bring your big ideas to life in a new and exciting way. Then a proposal is sent, concept is agreed on… and then the magic really starts to happen.

Of course, big ideas require a big cake on which to be projected, and while the shape of the cake can vary to accommodate the designs, the height needs to be a minimum of four tiers for Mitch and her team to be able to create something spectacular. “Every facet of the cake can tell a different story,” explains Mitch, “We can work with a different video, photo or animation on every level, so the size of the cake is of great importance.” While the animations work beautifully on a plain white canvas, that’s not to say they are limited solely to this. The design can be projected onto any appropriately shaded topping, and additional decorations and embellishments can also be applied to the cake and incorporated into the final animation and design; “It’s just like a theatrical production,” Mitch says, her eyes gleaming with excitement at the thought of getting started on this concept.

If by now, you still can’t envision it in your head, let’s go back to Disney. Picture the nightly laser spectacular on the castle at any Disneyland or Disneyworld around the globe, as they use the iconic castle shape as a base on which to project Tinkerbelle flittering around, fireworks coming off the towers and cute characters running all around the building. Now… scale it down. Imagine a five-tier white cake. Replace the Disney projections with your own dream animation ideas. Click here to watch a video of one of her latest projects to truly get the picture! Mitch the Cake Lady is here to prove that everything really is possible… ON cake!

Special moments

There’s the nostalgia you feel during heartfelt speeches, and utter delight as you dance till dawn among friends and family, and this is all tied up with elation knowing this is the best day of your life. So what you need is a wedding venue like Aguas de Ibiza Lifestyle & Spa, which is designed to perfectly capture all of these life-affirming moments. With a stunning waterside location in Santa Eulalia on Ibiza’s east coast, Aguas de Ibiza Lifestyle & Spa is a five-star eco-resort offering so much more than just a location to get married. Here, attention to detail is poured into every moment of your special day, and thanks to a wealth of beautifully designed, intimate spaces scattered throughout the hotel – there’s a sense you’re hosting your celebration somewhere far more private, with the flourish you wouldn’t ordinarily expect from such a well-known brand. This is what sets the resort apart, and why so many couples chose to say their vows here. In addition, there’s a 10-percent discount for couples getting married on days other than Saturday – which is ideal, since here in Ibiza, every day is like a weekend day!

The ceremony itself can take place on the hotel’s fabulous rooftop, which boasts panoramic, blue-sky views of the beautiful surrounding scenery and the bustling Marina below. Guests gather on the sun-drenched terrace, and the soon-to-be-wed couple stand in front of them alongside a specially-created white, wooden altar, enclosed by flowing canvases that gently float in the breeze. The sparkling Med forms the backdrop, its constant reach towards infinity a poignant signifier of the moment about to take place between husband and wife. Once promises have been made and rings exchanged, the intensity of this picturesque scene subsides – now it’s time to celebrate. To cater for this change in tempo, you can continue to party on the rooftop, making the most of nature’s kaleidoscope of colours as the sun begins to fade, or you can move the party to Agua de Ibiza’s lush, verdant garden, which transforms into a magical wonderland with the addition of Chinese-style lanterns, fairy lights and lush, multi-coloured flower bouquets. Cocktails and canapés are served to guests, perhaps accompanied by the relaxing, soulful sounds of live music.

Then comes the moment everyone’s been waiting for – the wedding banquet. At this point, the celebration moves inside to a beautifully rustic room that’s been designed according to your specification. From oversized floral centrepieces to delicately ornate floral arrangements – your Aguas de Ibiza wedding planner will transform each table to suit your request. Food too, falls under your guidance. In collaboration with the hotel’s highly trained chefs, you can create an elegant menu for everyone to savour. Think mango gazpacho and marinated salmon to start, roasted monkfish or suckling lamb shoulder for main, and mouth-watering chocolate ganache or tiramisu for dessert. The menu can be shaped entirely according to your tastes, with only the finest wines to accompany. Once the wedding feast is over, it’s time for everyone to really let their hair down, and this of course, requires a new location. So the party moves to the discothèque, where dancing till dawn is considered a non-negotiable requirement for all guests – something that’s easy to achieve thanks to the availability of an open-bar, mixing table, stage and state of the art sound system. Aguas de Ibiza in-house wedding planners also have a bulging book of contacts at their disposal, so it’s simple to organise a DJ or anything other evening requests on your behalf.

From the moment you decide to host a wedding at Aguas de Ibiza Lifestyle & Spa, everything is taken care of – though if you choose to arrange the majority of the day yourself, that’s absolutely fine too. What you’ll find here is a dedication to ‘special moments’ – the team go out of their way to help you create those little intimate flashes throughout the day that really help transform it into something special. And with a different location available for every stage of your celebration, it feels like you’re not in a hotel at all – you’re just surrounded by loved ones, saying I do, finally living out the day you’ve been dreaming of.