Magic within the walls

Consider the stunning location for a start – clear, deep blue skies, pretty much permanent sunshine, quaint little towns and beaches to die for – you’d be hard pressed to think of somewhere more perfect in terms of setting. Then there are places like Las Dos Lunas, a luxurious restaurant dripping in romance that’s long been a locals’ favourite. A little known secret is that the fine dining destination has now opened its doors to would-be newlyweds, offering its ancient walls as the backdrop for their big day.

Set back just off the road between San Rafael and Ibiza town, this much-loved institution has been open since 1981 – the heady days prior to Ibiza’s renowned ‘Summer of Love’. Back then it was a meeting point for the bohemian up-all-nighters who made the island famous throughout the world. These days, Las Dos Lunas is a more sedate, and extremely sophisticated affair, used primarily for cosy, candlelight dinners and rambunctious rendezvous with family and friends. An air of mischief still hangs in the air however, making it a must visit among the clued up celebrity A-List and a dream destination for those looking to plan an Ibiza wedding with a difference.

The iconic appeal of Las dos Lunas coupled with the fact that its eclectic and gorgeous decor is simply primed to host a celebration makes it an intriguing wedding location. Tall, rustic walls encircle the restaurant, lush palm trees sway in the garden breeze and brightly-coloured bougainvillea tumbles from balconies like petals falling from heaven – a bona fide feast for all the senses. The interior embodies classy but quirky chic, with mosaic harlequin floors, grapevine-sheltered rustic tables and softly-lit corners for whispering sweet nothings to your other half. It’s a fairytale fantasy come true.

All of this existing beauty is simply a canvas for your own wedding vision –at Las Dos Lunas, the expert team are amenable to absolutely any request. Keep the venue exactly as it is – as no doubt many will choose to do, thanks to its natural glamour and famous reputation – or transform the space to match your own specification, perhaps with hanging lanterns dangled here, or additional beautiful florals hung there. If you can dream it, they can bring it to life. The restaurant should be viewed as a private sanctuary for the day, a place where you and your family and friends can feel completely at home, and ultimately, inspired by the beauty of the surroundings.

One of the most important elements of any wedding is the menu and at Las Dos Lunas, this can be built according to tastes. Famous for Mediterranean-inspired dishes that exudes all the charm of a traditional Italian kitchen, you can work alongside the chefs to design a feast fit for a king. Think home-cooked pastas, delicious desserts and freshly-made bread and focaccia baked each and every day in a wood-fired oven, served alongside a wine offering that’s been hand-picked by the restaurant’s knowledgeable owners. Meat is always locally sourced and claims a reputation as some of the best cooked on the island, and all vegetables come direct from the restaurant’s organic garden.

It’s a certified bet that all guests will leave satisfied, with beaming smiles on their faces that could rival the bride and groom. In addition, a host of party sizes can be catered for at Las Dos Lunas. The main terrace comfortably seats up to 150 guests, or 300 for a cocktail reception. The private dining room can host 40 seated guests or 80 for a reception, while the stunning lounge room seat 60 guests for dinner or 100 people for cocktails. Essentially, there’s a space fit for every requirement, and each comes with its own sound system, DJ set up and video projector to ensure the party runs long into the night. Couples should feel free to introduce wedding planners, too – their input and expertise is more than welcome at the restaurant.

Las Dos Lunas is so much more than just a wedding venue – it’s a setting that represents the unique, old school magic of the island, a restaurant perfect for hosting romantic events, and a space in which the happy couple and all of their guests can forge memories to last a lifetime. Who could ask for more on their big day?

Weddings in Ibiza – Carissa & Lawrence

The Ibiza wedding of Carissa and Lawrence took place on a beautiful late summer day at Elixir Ibiza – the stunning dedicated wedding venue at Cala Codolar on the island’s west coast. Described by the couple as Ibiza meets Kenya chic, the day fused the best elements of their homeland and their adopted new home island. Laidback, luxurious and completely magical. “We grew up together in Kenya and have known each other since we were in primary school,” says Carissa. “After school, we didn’t see each other for many years when we both went off to university and started working abroad, but we reconnected back home in Kenya in the summer of 2009 and the rest is history.”

After a romantic sunset proposal along the Garden Route in South Africa in November 2016, the couple moved to Ibiza in early 2017 and thought hosting their wedding would be an amazing excuse to get everyone they loved to come and experience the magical island they were both so in love with. And so, the planning began… When looking for the perfect venue, Carissa and Lawrence were focused on finding somewhere the iconic Ibiza sunset would be part of the experience. “We were looking for something simple and beautiful on the Es Vedra side of the island,” says Carissa. “We stumbled on Elixir Ibiza almost by accident whilst exploring. We were so taken by the view and its Mediterranean charm that we knew it was immediately the place for us.”

A non-traditional ceremony officiated by a friend on the sand kick started the proceedings, as another friend performed a guitar solo during our ceremony and two other guests read out poems that had been written especially for the occasion, creating an ultra-personal atmosphere of love. “It was beyond perfect,” recalls Carissa, who alongside her fiancé planned most of the wedding herself. The couple chose Wedding Studio by Ana Lui to capture their big day on camera. “We just love the way Ana Lui’s photography captures the unique character and beauty of each wedding, the beautiful and intimate moments, and the very heart and soul of each couple on their wedding day,” explains Carissa of their choice.

As she arrived in style in a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, Carissa epitomised the laidback look of a Balearic bride, in a stunning Mikaella by Paloma Blanco gown, Missguided shoes and sophisticated diamond earrings that were her ‘something borrowed’ from her maid of honour. She carried a bouquet of white and peach roses, perfectly matching the floral theme that was carried throughout the venue. The groom’s attire was a nod to their African heritage, made by “a little old tailor in Nairobi called Charles, out of his tiny workshop on the outskirts of the city.” Additional styling details included a beautiful oversized dream catcher floating elegantly from an archway, a gold world map that doubled as a seating plan to cater to all their international guests and pretty white parasols for guests to stay cool beneath the Ibiza sunshine.

Elixir Ibiza is known for its in-house catering and Carissa and Lawrence opted for a Mediterranean menu befitting their breathtaking location. During cocktail houe, guests sipped on pomegranate cava while after dinner, the traditional island liqueur Hierbas Ibicencas was served alongside a selection of amazing desserts. .

“The best thing about the day was being surrounded by all the people we love in the most beautiful and magical setting,” says Carissa. Honeymooning in Argentina is the next step for the newlyweds, who count their blessings that they get to call their wedding location home. “We’re very lucky to live here.”

Designing dreams

Where others see a circle of trees, she sees a chill out area complete with elegant sofas, candelabras and signage. And she certainly doesn’t let a lack of venue lighting get in the way of beautifully illuminating a space, with thousands upon thousands of fairy lights, hanging lanterns, candles and tea lights at her fingertips. Her unlimited imagination for designing dream weddings led to the creation of Velvet Circus Ibiza, the island’s leading luxury event styling and décor hire company in 2013. As demand for Danielle’s creative styling service grew, so too did the demand for beautiful decoration rentals and today Velvet Circus Ibiza offers clients a huge variety of options when it comes to beautifying their events – with something to suit all sizes, styles and budgets, perfect for couples, wedding planners, concierge agencies and villa rental agencies alike.

Every wedding season brings with it a new set of trends and Danielle is constantly immersed in her research, with her finger on the pulse of what’s new and in demand for her clients. 2018 sees succulents, natural organic fibres and muslins take centre stage, embracing the beauty and colour palettes found within nature however Danielle notes that wedding styling is not always about following fashion. Classic looks are classic for a reason – be it bohemian, romantic, high glamour, vintage chic or minimal – and if a couple feel drawn towards a lesser-known unique look, she will embrace the opportunity to make that look come to life for their big day. With the arrival of the new year comes a plethora of new stock, furniture, decor and equipment to the Velvet Circus Ibiza warehouse – which could be compared to the Rabbit Hole of Ibiza wedding style. Fresh for 2018 is an array of contemporary furniture including beautiful blush pink sofas and cream velvet armchairs that are ideal for an upscale wedding or event, plus bar trolleys that bring focus to otherwise unused corners an nooks. New crockery, glassware and cutlery provide the basis for a beautiful tablescape, with additional centrepieces, flowers, candles, runners and more to upgrade it to stunning status.

Hanging canopies are a specialty of Velvet Circus Ibiza – the perfect way to bring life and light to your table settings while still allowing plenty of space for food and drink below. Think fresh florals intertwined with rustic branches and fairy lights, fabrics and ribbons, plus chandeliers, old fashioned fixed filament bulbs, bohemian hanging lanterns and disco balls – whatever the style of your event, Danielle and her team of stylists can create the perfect ambience with lighting. For clients looking for the whole styling package, Danielle and her team thrive on the experience of interpreting your wedding dreams. After in-depth meetings, phone calls or Skype chats to determine the style you’re seeking, she gets to work creating incredible bespoke mood boards that are so detailed and on-spec, you’ll feel as if you’ve virtually walked into your own wedding. From here, details can be tailored further before a full style proposal is presented including all design and décor elements needed to bring the look to life. On the wedding day, Danielle and her team are personally on-hand to ensure no detail is overlooked and everything runs smoothly.

Meanwhile, if it is simply décor and equipment rental you seek from Velvet Circus Ibiza, no order is too big or too small. From extra sets of cutlery and crockery for families staying in villas, to pick-and-mix selections of décor, cushions, throws and more for those creative brides or event planners who prefer to DIY their wedding day styling, and furniture for venues looking to transform their look for a one-off event, delivery and collection options are available and if you don’t see what you’re looking for within the collection? Be sure to enquire – Danielle can also source or commission your dream creations. Photography by Oliver Fly (for Ibiza Wedding), Gypsy Westwood (for Ibiza Wedding) and Ben Wheeler.

Weddings in Ibiza – Deborah & Marc

Deborah had previously spent three years living and working on the island and later on, Ibiza became a regular holiday destination for the couple in and out of season. “Ibiza is special to both of us, and it’s so close as a destination to the UK and easily accessible to the majority of our guests,” explains Deborah. “As soon as we started looking at venues, we knew this was where we were going to get married. With our family and friends being spread throughout the country, and the world, we don’t get to spend as much time with them as we would like to, so the idea of spending a few days with our loved ones rather than just one day was important to us.” Deborah and Marc met through a mutual friend, who originally tried to introduce the two in Ibiza whilst Deborah was working on the island in the travel industry in 2007. Fate intervened however, and it was not until the following winter in the UK that their paths first crossed at an event and – just as their mutual good friend had suspected – the attraction was instant. Within a few short months, fate made up for its previous mishap when Deborah took on a new role in an area close to where Marc lived. “The rest, as they say, is history,” laughs Deborah. Ten years after they became a couple, wedding bells were in the air and after a romantic proposal on Hayman Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, another island started to take centre stage as the wedding planning commenced.

Finding the perfect photographer is paramount to any newly engaged couple and Deborah and Marc looked at many options for their day before meeting Maria Simon, founder of Ibiza wedding photography company Marnosuite. “It was important to us that our images didn’t feel ‘staged’ and that they captured the beauty, love, detail and warmth of the day,” says Deborah. “We loved how Maria’s portfolio captured the ethereal beauty of the light and atmosphere of Ibiza and the individual detail of each couple’s celebrations. She has a lovely soul and really took the time to get to know Marc and I and what we were looking to achieve – as well as having a mutual appreciation of great shoes!” Footwear aside, Maria also had the ability to make the couple feel at ease in front of her camera – another factor that had been important to the couple, as neither bride nor groom felt naturally comfortable posing for photos. “When we met Maria during one of our visits to Ibiza we knew we had made the right choice,” says Deborah. “She instantly made us feel that we wouldn’t need to worry. In reality, on the day itself, we didn’t even know she was there – a true mark of a fantastic photographer.” The resulting images evoke a dreamy, romantic quality that seems to capture the pure emotion and happiness of the couple in addition to the perfectly styled beauty of the venue, Can Gall.

Unlike many other couples planning a wedding in Ibiza, Deborah and Marc wanted to look beyond the typical beach wedding and find a location that was completely exclusive, where the ceremony and celebrations could both be held. A weekend spent looking at venues early in the year saw them discover the beautiful Agroturismo in the island’s north, however it was a-l-m-o-s-t not meant to be. “At the time Can Gall wasn’t on the shortlist and as we drove up the dirt track road we thought we were lost and actually nearly turned back!” remembers Deborah of the experience. “As soon as we got out of the car at the venue and met Santi the owner we knew this was it. The venue, the accommodation and the grounds are idyllic; it was going to be our own little piece of heaven over four days where we could have our closest friends and family around us.” With the expert assistance of Santi from Can Gall, Deborah and Marc organised and managed the wedding planning details themselves. “The suggestions for suppliers that Santi made were excellent,” says Deborah, whose existing friends and contacts on the island helped make the process even easier. “He took so much time with us and made us feel that this would be like our own home while we were here.” Wedding invitations and the order of ceremony document were designed by a friend in Australia, who used water colours to hand paint the design that was inspired by the flowers and plants at Can Gall – giving guests a preview of the countryside charm that was to come at the main event.

The venue’s stunning natural beauty meant little styling was required to create a dream wedding venue, and the couple opted to keep their decoration simple and rustic. “Our florist Kristin and El Ramo de Flores perfectly produced what we hoped to achieve with a stunning wicker arch draped in white fabric for the ceremony space and we kept table decorations simple with large pillar candles surrounded by greenery,” says Deborah. “We chose to have a round table as the head table so everyone felt included and had a large wicker heart hanging decorated with greenery above it. A curtain of twinkling fairy lights around the pergola for the evening celebrations was the perfect touch as the sun set on our day.” “We wanted a ceremony that felt personal and true to us and we spent a lot of time finding the right celebrant,” says Deborah, of the couple’s decision to enlist Anna Kathleen from Ibiza Ceremony to host their service. “We met with Anna during one of our pre-wedding trips and spent a lot of time on the content and our vows, which we actually wrote at Benirras beach a few months before our wedding.” A special reading, written and read by Deborah’s Aunt Alexis who had travelled over from Canada for the event was included, and both bride and groom asked their mums to play a role the blessing of the rings, while Deborah’s brother and Marc’s sister signed the wedding certificate.

As the couple were wed, their guests joined voices to sing ‘Love is in the Air’. “Music was very important to incorporate during the ceremony and the tone was set perfectly by Ibiza String Musicians and the beautiful voice of Joelle Vierling,” says Deborah. Later in the evening, music was provided by Claire Wakeman and her band Sunshine Kicks. “We then danced into the night with Juan Corbi as DJ and Jesse who accompanied him on saxophone,” says Deborah. “They were just fantastic and incorporated all of our requests.” As guests were getting busy dancing, a slow-motion video booth was capturing all of the dance floor action. “The edit of the video is such a great memory for us to look back on.” As self-confessed foodies and lovers of good service, Deborah and Marc dreamed of creating the ultimate wedding feast for their guests. “Alex, Sergio and Flavia at The Chef Ibiza exceeded our expectations,” says Deborah. “They spent so much time with us getting our menu and drink selection right – one of our highlights from the full planning process was our tasting experience with them the October before our wedding where we selected everything from the canapes to the wine.” Highlights of the snacks on arrival included canapes of ceviche, cones of steak tartar, gyozas, Vietnamese rolls, watermelon gazpacho and hand-carved Iberico Jamon. “They were accompanied by the most incredible Passionfruit Mojitos we have ever tasted!” remembers Deborah.

When the ceremony was complete, guests sat down to the evening meal, which included a tapas selection to start of Spanish omelette, padron peppers, beef carpaccio mushrooms in white wine, garlic prawns and crostini of marinated cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and basil and more. “It was the most lovely relaxed wedding dinner, with each course spaced out with one of the speeches,” says Deborah. “It was such a feast and a meal that we can only dream about having again.” Main dishes included sea bass baked in salt and Galician Tomahawk steak and were followed by mojito sorbet and an indulgent chocolate dessert. Then of course, there was the gorgeous wedding cake created by well-known island baker Sharon Edwards. After the big day itself, Deborah and Marc invited all their guests back to Can Gall for a relaxing barbecue and pool day, ensuring the good vibes continued to flow. Once all the fond farewells had been said, the newlyweds retreated to the five-star surrounds of Hacienda Na Xamena in the hills of San Miguel for a mini-honeymoon of sorts, before heading off the South Africa and Mauritius later in the year. “It was the most incredible trip and the perfect end to our wedding year,” says Deborah. “We are planning to visit Ibiza again this summer to celebrate our anniversary and no doubt will return to our special place every year.”

Weddings in Ibiza – Emma & Sean

After getting engaged in Dubai in 2013, they knew exactly where they wanted their nuptials should be held and the began putting plans for their Ibiza wedding in motion. “We have great memories together in Ibiza,” says Emma. “And now the highlight is celebrating with all our family and friends in our favourite place.”

Wanting to show their nearest and dearest exactly what it was they loved about Ibiza, it was important to the couple they find a venue – for their Catholic church ceremony and reception alike – that reflected the island’s beauty and laidback ambience. “We loved Es Cubells as it was small and felt intimate, whilst still having beautiful views over the sea,” says Emma of their choice of church. Amante Ibiza, on the island’s east coast, was chosen for the celebrations for its privacy and spectacular views.

The couple – Emma, a marketing manager and Sean, an engineer – called on island-based wedding photographer Natalie Beth Harris to document the big day, after falling in love with her style of photography online. It was clear from the beginning, this was not your everyday wedding. The stunning bride wore two designer dresses on the day; first, a stunning strapless Vera Wang gown complete with mermaid ruffles and a sheer veil – looking like a timeless Hollywood glamour queen as she emerged from a classic Rolls Royce and walked down the aisle in Jimmy Choos to meet her groom, dressed in a custom-made Oliver Boateng suit.

When it was time to switch venues, it was also time to switch dresses and Emma changed into a romatic Galia Lahav creation, with a sweetheart neckline, beautiful sheer lace back and button detailing plus a magical train. Her hair was transformed from long, flowing loose locks into an elegant up ‘do – perfect for the warm summer weather on the day. The newlyweds truly looked like celebrities as they entered the venue as husband and wife – ready to live happily ever after.

The venue – set on the discreet cove of Sol d’en Serra – was transformed into a white wedding paradise with beautiful decorations and floral creations by Velvet Circus Ibiza. “It was a challenge having to make decisions on things during the planning stage without seeing them,” admits Emma, however it all fell perfectly into place on the day. Catering came courtesy of the expert team in the Amante kitchen and guests were treated to a feast of canapes followed by lamb, fish and risotto dishes.

After dinner, entertainment came in the form of a live singer and guitarist, a DJ and Lovely Laura playing sax – a truly Balearic moment. For Emma and Sean, it was the culmination of three years planning and seeing so many of their friends and family together made their wedding dreams come true. In the days that followed (“After the madness of the wedding!” laughs Emma) they were able to take some time to themselves in Ibiza, before heading off to yet another paradise – The Maldives – for their honeymoon.

Rustic romanticism

Ibiza’s reputation as one of the most heavenly spots on the planet to say ‘I do’ increases apace. Each summer, more and more loved-up couples seek out the island for its stunning scenery, spectacular sea vistas and authentic bohemian spirit – not to mention one-of-a-kind venues simply crying out to be the location for unforgettable wedding ceremonies. This year, one of the most talked about venues on the island is Aiyanna Ibiza, a newly-opened beach restaurant on Ibiza’s rugged north-east coast. The rustic chic space has quickly earned a reputation as a must-see among those in search of a sensational wedding venue for 2018 and beyond. From the same team as the much-loved and highly exclusive after wedding venue Amante Ibiza, Aiyanna Ibiza offers a more laid-back vibe to its sister’s exclusive clifftop setting, albeit with the same dedicated, expert team at the helm of each of its weddings. With panoramic views of the Mediterranean and a bohemian style characterised by its now famous multi-coloured parasols (created using hand-made Guatemalan flags), it offers a relaxed setting for sealing nuptials, all with that familiar Ibiza essence pumping through its foundations. “Aiyanna is super cool and relaxed,” says the venue’s wedding planner, Natalia G-Mayoral. “It feels at one with nature and it really is very special.”

It’s true – the venue’s location on the shores of Cala Nova are picture perfect – tables and armchairs are gently caressed by a salty sea breeze, crystal chandeliers lightly swing, and wooden decking evokes visions of the surrounding countryside. Stepping over the threshold at Aiyanna Ibiza is like you’ve stumbled across your own private paradise, particularly once sun has set. “Cala Nova is completely empty at night,” explains Natalia. “We start our weddings at around 5pm and by then it’s like you’ve got your own private beach.” The ceremony itself is usually held at a makeshift altar on the premises, shaded by palm trees and undulating umbrellas to ensure seclusion from prying eyes, with the sounds of the sea in the distance. Despite the venue’s easygoing disposition, weddings held here are feats of organisational mastery, thanks to a team who’ve run countless successful events over at Amante in previous summers. Headed by Natalia, the events team take care of all your wedding needs, including venue set-up, food and drink – while for anything else (flowers, photographers and decoration), they can point you in the direction of a long list of the island’s best suppliers, many of whom they’ve had excellent relationships with for years. “The service and quality you get at Aiyanna Ibiza is exactly the same as at Amante Ibiza,” Natalia explains. “The vibe is more laid-back, but the whole Amante team is behind you, providing the same incredible service.”

With Amante Ibiza paring back on the number of weddings it holds each summer (only five will be accepted in 2018), Aiyanna Ibiza offers the ideal alternative. The team will always offer it to prospective clients if Amante Ibiza is already fully booked, or a little out of their budget. “People are always extremely impressed with Aiyanna Ibiza,” says Natalia. “You walk into the venue with them and there’s an immediate ‘wow’ factor, which is really nice to see.” And entirely understandable, once you’ve stood on the alfresco terrace, looked out into the great blue beyond, and contemplated the sheer romanticism of the place. There’s also the mouth-watering menu to consider. In theme with the restaurant’s healthy, Mediterranean cuisine, canapés and starters include Mezze sharing platters, creamy Burrata infused with basil, beef carpaccio with parmesan, and mixed mushroom risotto with a rich truffle oil. Main courses span baked cod, grilled tuna and tenderised Galician beef, while those with a sweet tooth will weep for the chocolate soufflé or passionfruit cheesecake. On the drinks front, whet your whistle at the reception with Perrier-Jouët Champagne, and a selection of expertly made cocktails sure to get the post-ceremony party started.

“We have canapés in the chill-out area where there are sofas for people to relax, then the whole dinner takes place on the lounge terrace, where crystals hang romantically from the ceiling,” explains Natalie. “We also offer sound systems and we can arrange DJs. Music is played outside till midnight, then we party inside until 2am.” This is a rarity for beach venues in Ibiza – sound-proofing and air conditioning mean you can keep the party going much monger. For those keen for the day never to end, the team can also arrange a post-event breakfast at Aiyanna Ibiza the following morning, so your wedding party can convene in the light of day to reminisce about memories made to last a lifetime. Photography by www.edwinverhoef.com

A hint of magic

There are many things to consider when approaching an upcoming marriage. What kind of ceremony will you choose? Where is the best place to say ‘I do’? Will the venue emanate the kind of ambience you’re looking to create? All these factors can become even more confusing if you’re choosing to seal your nuptials at a wedding abroad, but worry not, there are venues on the white isle simply made for spectacular, spiritually moving ceremonies – ones which will convey the love you feel for your partner for all to see. The much-loved beach wedding venue of Elements Ibiza on the northern tip of the island is one of them. With a sensational seafront setting on Benirràs beach – famed the world over for its Sunday drumming sessions, bustling market and otherworldly atmosphere – Elements Ibiza is a favourite spot among residents and tourists alike. The chilled, relaxed vibe makes it the ideal place for spending a lazy day beachside, peppered with first-class cuisine, delicious smoothies and cocktails with a kick. With an entrance leading directly to the beach, you can choose to relax on its stylish terrace or sit facing the sparkling Med – wherever you decide, you can’t escape the sun-soaked magnificence oozing from this one-of-a-kind beach club.

These components combine perfectly to also make Elements Ibiza one of the most prestigious wedding venues on the island – that and the fact its dedicated team pride themselves on delivering ceremonies with a difference. Gone are the stuffy vows and stringent rules of some traditional weddings, instead replaced by a ceremony and celebration that reflect the free spirit of the people who choose to marry in its stunning surroundings. “It’s a very special place,” says the venue’s event planner, Gema Lopez. “It’s different – bohemian almost – and that makes the energy at a wedding really nice.” The spiritual connection so often cited in relation to Benirràs forms a special part of ceremonies held at Elements Ibiza. Here, you marry on a pier shooting out from the beach (brides can even arrive by boat if they choose), looking out towards the iconic Cap Bernat (which locals call the ‘hand of God’), just as the sun begins to sink into the horizon. “It’s a special, romantic, magical place,” explains Gema, which if you’ve ever been to Benirràs you’ll entirely understand – it’s one of the most unique places on the island to watch the sky flash through a rainbow of colours before it disappears for the day. The ceremony itself is a pure, spiritual affair, heavily influenced by Balinese culture – making it especially poignant as you declare love for each other in the presence of family and friends.

Once the ceremony has wrapped up, the happy couple and their guests spill onto the beach to watch the tail end of sunset, and the beginning of the first night of marital bliss for the newlyweds. Then they head over to the venue itself, which has been decorated according to the couple’s specification, or left in hand with the Elements Ibiza team. The entire restaurant is exclusive to the wedding party until 3am, where they can dine, dance and be merry in honour of the happy couple. Cuisine, naturally, comes courtesy of the Elements Ibiza kitchen, and while there are three delicious menus to choose from, amendments can be made to suit the taste of the couple and their guests, or a menu can be designed especially for the day. Regardless of menu choice, food at Elements Ibiza is always first-class, organic and locally sourced where possible, allowing the simplicity of the ingredients themselves to do the talking. An open bar can also be arranged, and the restaurant works closely with a range of performers and musicians if you want to continue the party vibe well into the night.

There’s an old saying in Ibiza that says if you marry on the island, your love will last a lifetime, and an Elements Ibiza wedding goes some way to securing just that. Weddings here are spiritual blessings of unabashed love, where people come to celebrate their bond with each other, in the presence of those they care about. “Our weddings aren’t for couples who want a formal celebration,” says Gema. “They’re different – magical.” And as you take your first steps together on the path of the rest of your lives, who could ask for more than that? Photography by Gypsy Westwood Photography – see the full gallery here

Wedding wow factor

With views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and endless sky, a sophisticated and stylish all-white aesthetic lending itself perfectly to contemporary weddings, a highly-experienced team creating culinary magic in the kitchen plus two dedicated event planners on staff, Cotton Beach Club is the Ibiza wedding venue with wow factor. Now celebrating its fifth year of hosting exclusive Ibiza weddings, the gorgeous Cala Tarida seaside venue has welcomed couples from the UK, Holland, Russia and Australia (among other places) to declare their love for one another in what is without a doubt one of the most beautiful settings in Ibiza. A minimum of 80 guests are required to secure exclusivity and the venue holds a maximum of 320 for larger scale events. Initial consultations with the in-house wedding planning team can take place over the phone, Skype or via email and once you’ve officially said ‘I do’ to Cotton Beach Club as your wedding venue, the fun begins.

Let us set the scene for your wedding at Cotton Beach Club. The event begins at around 6pm, as guests arrive at the beach club for welcome drinks. This is where the initial wow factor comes into play, especially for any friends and family who have never been to the white isle. That first glimpse of the turquoise water across the beautifully decorated restaurant terrace is unforgettable. For many people, it is love at first sight. Love is indeed the order of the day, and guests are soon ushered to the upper terrace, an ultra-romantic rooftop space that feels as though you are on top of the world. Decked out in all-white, with pops of pink bougainvillea and a white carpet creating the aisle that leads to the flower-strewn arch under which the bride and groom will say their vows. Most ceremonies here are spiritual blessings, with expats required to marry in their own home countries for the union to be legally recognised, however Spanish nationals can indeed host an official ceremony. With uninterrupted views, the wow factor continues as the bride makes her entrance… let the festivities, complete with cocktails and canapés, commence!

Once the couple have been declared husband and wife (or spouses for life!), the party moves back downstairs to the stunning main restaurant terrace, for a more formal seated dining experience and speeches. The terrace is covered, providing much needed protection from the sun’s rays (and in the unfortunate case of rain) and can be configured in a variety of ways to suit the size of your event. Up to 170 guests can be seated outdoors, with an additional space for 50 inside. For larger events, the roof terrace can also be utilised as a dining space for up to 320 in total. After the bride and groom of course, the food is quite often the star of the show at a wedding and Cotton Beach Club never fails to satisfy. The head chef has created a variety of four-course catering packages – that can be tailored to suit your tastes and budget – in keeping with the restaurant’s global fusion cuisine concept. If there is something special on your mind for the meal that’s not on offer, the team will do their best to accommodate you. It’s all about making your wedding dreams come true.

Once the toasts have been given and the cake has been cut, it’s time to hit the dance floor and Cotton Beach Club is licensed to remain open until 2.45am – a rarity with beachside wedding venues in Ibiza. With three different spaces set across two floors, guests will never feel ‘stuck’ in once place and more conveniently, there’s no need to organise transport between ceremonies, receptions and after parties. Each wedding package at Cotton Beach Club is tailored to suit individual couples, with a variety of options such as an open bar, late night snacks, kids’ menus, DJs and sound systems available on request. As a specialist venue, Cotton Beach Club focuses purely on doing what they do best: creating the menus, organising guest logistics plus preparing the venue and providing staff. For everything else, they have a tried, tested and most importantly, trusted list of suppliers. Think wedding photographers, transport, florists, stylists and more. Should you prefer to let someone else do all the hard work for you, enlisting the services of a dedicated wedding planner is recommended.

Behind the scenes at Cotton Beach Club on your wedding day, it’s all about attention to detail. Each wedding has a minute-by-minute game plan outlined to all staff, with both event managers on hand on the day to ensure everything runs seamlessly. Availability for weddings at Cotton Beach Club is limited, with the venue accepting bookings in May, June, September and October only. If it’s wow factor you want, it’s wow factor you’ll get. For smaller events and celebrations – from 20 guests and up – areas of the restaurant can be cordoned off for privacy, or an exclusivity fee applies. With wedding dates already being booked for 2019, now is the time for brides and grooms to be to get in touch with Cotton Beach Club to secure their chosen dates and get the planning process started.

Weddings in Ibiza – Leanne & James

Leanne had first been attracted to the island for its party scene in 2007, visiting year after year, and it wasn’t long before the island worked its magic on her and she discovered just how much more was on offer. “I adored Ibiza from the moment I first came here,” Leanne admits. In 2010, during their first summer together as a couple, she and James visited the island together, as part of a special family holiday to celebrate Leanne’s parents 25^th wedding anniversary. “We stayed in the north, just outside of San Miguel,” she says of that time. “The whole family fell in love and we’ve been returning as a family every year since.” It made sense then, after their 2014 engagement in Thailand, that Ibiza would be the chosen location for their nuptials.

The family love affair with the north meant the perfect venue would need to be in the area, and Leanne and James had actually decided on the location long before he popped the question. “We were eating dinner one night at Elements Ibiza on Benirras,” Leanne recalls. “Benirras had become our favourite beach and was where we spent the majority of our time. We saw Elements Ibiza were starting to hold weddings there. We weren’t even engaged at that time but we decided then and there that it was going to be the location for our wedding.” Having spent many years dining and relaxing in the venue, the couple had become friends with the restaurant staff and owner, who were thrilled to be able to host their big day. “As Elements Ibiza is not a wedding venue in essence, we were able to personalise every aspect and although this was hard work, it was so completely worth it. I cannot thank them enough for being so accommodating and truly wanting us to have the day we had always wished for.”

Part of that wish included a spiritual blessing on the beach rather than a traditional English wedding. “In our eyes, the only place for that was Ibiza,” says Leanne. “We were very blessed to have a spiritual ceremony by Gianluca, who we had met at Elements several years before the wedding. His ceremony brought together many spiritual elements learned from his years spent living in Bali.” Adding more to the emotional experience, Leanne and James wrote their own touching wedding vows to one another. The wedding catering was left to the experts in the kitchen at Elements Ibiza, and guests were treated to tapas style starters of calamari, grilled vegetables, stuffed tomatoes, mozzarella, cold meats, bread, aioli and hummus. Main courses included seabass with quinoa, orange chicken with wild rice and a summer vegetable risotto, followed by the decadent vegan wedding cake created by Sharon Edwards of Cupcake Collection Ibiza and raw chocolate truffles made by Wild Beets.

In order to transform the laidback beach restaurant into a magical bohemian wedding venue, Leanne and James called on the services of Danielle Hodgson-Lindley of Velvet Circus Ibiza. “She did an amazing job at pulling everything together,” says Leanne, who entrusted Danielle with her visions of lots of greenery on the decking for the ceremony among other details – although the couple were also very hands-on with decorating process. “I made a dreamcatcher for the decking, the table plan, the ‘web’ which displayed photos of James and I from babies right up to present day and James made the wedding guest book and the table numbers,” Leanne says. “We also provided dried lavender and pheasant feathers to be placed next to the place cards.” Ibiza wedding photographer Gypsy Westwood was on hand to ensure all these beautiful details were captured on camera. “I loved her natural photographs which really capture the essence of Ibiza,” says Leanne.

The bride – who was barefoot for the ceremony – wore a gorgeous Amanda Wakeley gown, accessorised with simple heart chakra earrings and a bracelet by Daisy Jewellery, and later on, shoes from ASOS. Leading Ibiza hair and make-up artist Louise Maxwell was in charge of beautifying the bridal party, with the finishing touches being fresh flowers in their hair. The dashing groom wore a bespoke suit by Summer Couture and shoes by Russel and Bromley. “The first highlight of my day was walking down the path leading to the beach with my dad,” says Leanne, looking back on the experience. “You had a fantastic view of the beach and I could see the decking where we were having the ceremony, how beautifully it was decorated and all our guests there waiting. As we descended towards the beach I could hear some drummers (the sound of Ibiza for me) and then as we started our walk along the beach, members of the public started clapping for us – something which really made me fight back the tears!”

The emotive moments continued, as after the ceremony, at the magical hour of sunset, Leanne and James stood together for the first time as husband and wife and watched the sun go down, surrounded by their closest friends and family, to the sounds of a saxophone. “I don’t think I have ever been so happy.” says Leanne. Another standout was the fire dancers performing just before dessert was served. “We wanted to give people a taste of authentic Ibiza,” she explains. The morning after, the newlyweds returned to the scene of the wedding for breakfast to keep the good vibes flowing before heading off to Formentera for a brief honeymoon before their official Sri Lankan escape during the winter months. “The wedding had been everything that we had wished for and so much more,” says Leanne with a smile. “We were just so over the moon. We’ll be back next summer for our one year anniversary – Ibiza will not be getting rid of us anytime soon!”

Consummate professionals

Wedding season also coincides with hens, bucks, birthday and party-for-no-reason season. Ah! Ibiza, how you do love a shindig. Anyone who has organised one of these celebrations knows a good team is critical. Enter The Ibiza Catering. This squad of consummate professionals are all your party planning prayers answered. As part of the impressive Samos Group – Ibiza’s leading provider of professional culinary and event services since the 1970s – The Ibiza Catering has a wealth of experience behind it. Whether it’s a private chef for an intimate dinner for two or 20, picnic baskets for the boat, a business lunch requiring perfection, a birthday or that pinnacle of parties: a wedding. The Ibiza Catering guides, advises and holds your hand all the way through.

It’s an understatement to say summer is in Ibiza is busy. Which is why choosing the right catering company for your special event is paramount. Leaning on almost 40 years of experience on the island means The Ibiza Catering has a vast network of contacts to call on. Exclusive villa locations combined with a deep knowledge of all the secret spots let guests relax and simply enjoy the beauty of the island. “We have stayed true to our values,” says Daniel Sanwald Steeb, head of business development. “It’s easy to find a catering company on Ibiza but it’s not easy to find one you can trust. That’s why we created The Ibiza Catering.” Sales and events maestro, Edyta Kroliczek, known as the ‘Creator of Memories’, agrees. “Our personal standards are set very high. We’re consistent and dependable because we just want our clients to have fun.”

Head chef Javier Fabo Aranzabal, otherwise known as the ‘Creator of Flavour’ is from the Basque Country, meaning he has food and fun running through his veins. He’s done the rounds as a private chef and at Michelin-starred restaurants to find his niche in designing menus for special events. “I love being part of creating something special,” he says. “Working on personalised menus with clients means I get to go on a food journey with them. It’s always exciting.” Produce is the centrepiece to Javier’s menus and his extensive knowledge of what’s available on the island allows him to advise clients on the best possible combinations. “Everything is homemade using the freshest ingredients,” he says. “The produce here is second to none and when people want something different, I know where to get it.” Naturally, he’s keeping his knowledge close to his chest – a magician never reveals his secrets!

Javier’s menus are as varied as the types of events the team has been called upon to organise – everything from traditional paella, luxury barbecue or power breakfasts to picnic baskets. “Food stations are really great,” he says. “Guests try different dishes and connect over the experience. It can really open things up.” Daniel adds: “One thing we all have in common is our passion for food!” An unwritten motto runs through The Ibiza Catering: Anything is possible! From first contact to the final touches the team effortlessly makes dreams come true. One of Daniel’s favourite events started at a villa but ended on a yacht. “After the aperitifs, the client decided to move everything to his boat,” he says. “We just packed our stuff and we went with them! The night finished watching the sunrise with champagne. Only in Ibiza!”

Every wedding is special but there is one Edyta will never forget. It started with finding the venue and moved onto organising the hens and bucks parties, followed by a hangover brunch and a trip to Formentera. The wedding night went on until 5am and the final gathering of the week was a traditional salt-baked fish dinner. “It was perfect,” she says. “They’re coming back to celebrate their first anniversary in the same villa. We’re going to make it just as special for them.” Ibiza offers some of the most stunning locations for celebrations. A romantic hidden cove might be perfect for a proposal followed by dinner and champagne of course, a luxury yacht to Formentera for a gang of buddies accompanied by picnic hampers and cocktails. A restored 400-year-old finca with a lush garden for an outdoor wedding or a minimalist cliff top home for a party. The options are endless.

Clients from all over the world cover the gamut from business people and companies requiring fast and flexible catering, groups enjoying the experience of a private chef to wedding parties celebrating their love with good food and reliable, friendly service. “We meet many different cultures,” says Daniel. “We love to adapt to the needs of the clients mixing the traditional with the best of Ibiza style fun. Always with delicious food and amazing drinks.” Combining local knowledge, a passion for good food and an eye for detail all wrapped up with an international flair makes The Ibiza Catering the island’s foremost event catering organisation. “We stand for delicious food,” says Edyta. “Taste is our signature.” Add the beauty of the island and you have an event made in heaven.