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!”