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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.

Weddings in Ibiza – Sasha & Alan

The couple – who originally met while living in Australia in 2010 – chose Ibiza after an inspiring holiday here in 2015 allowed them to see the island’s potential as a wedding destination, and from there the planning began. “It had the perfect mix of good food, rural landscape, party options, great people, lovely beaches and Catholic churches,” Sasha says.

Once the decision was made, the hunt for the perfect church was on. “We visited all most all of the churches on the island,” Sasha recalls. “We instantly loved Fr. Josep from Es Cubells when we met him and we loved the view from the church too.” Then it was all about finding the perfect reception space and private Ibiza wedding venue Can Vincent Rafal ticked all the right boxes. “It was the perfect venue and we loved Alex who family own the property. There was a strong rural element to the property, with fruit trees and wide open spaces plus a fantastic modern pool house with luxury facilities.

With the two most important details (and the date!) locked down, the savvy couple got to work with planning the rest of the details. Ibiza based wedding photographer Natalie Beth Harris was recruited  to capture the day’s magical moments while highly sought after Ibiza caterer Fiona Frith was enlisted to bring in an authentic taste of Ibiza to the beautifully styled tables on the day. “All of our family and friends put so much into the wedding,” says Sasha when asked of the styling. Almost every last detail was lovingly handcrafted – from napkin holders, hanging feathers dipped in gold, fans, table plans and much more. “Being so far away and transporting decorations like the large inflatable unicorn, pineapple and flamingos was a challenge! But decorations were really important to make it a personal day and our family and friends really pulled together to make it happen.”

With an obvious eye for style, the bride opted for a shimmering off the shoulder floor length gown designed by Amanda Wakeley and completed her look with a pair of show-stopping Oscar de la Renta stilettos. She accessorised with ’something borrowed’ – a delicate silver bracelet and baby’s breath woven into her perfectly waved hair – yet another personal touch, having been styled by her sister-in-law Kerry from Lock45. Alan sported an off-white tailored suit by ASOS with a crisp white shirt and accented perfectly with a chocolate-toned leather belt. All in all, the couple looked timeless. Speaking of timeless – a vintage white Mercedes Benz was Sasha’s sleek ride to the church, kick starting the ceremony in style as she arrived at one of the most romantic churches on the island with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop.

After the ceremony, guests were transported by coach to the reception venue, for a day-to-night celebration that will never be forgotten. “It was so great seeing people you love dancing around and letting loose,” says Sasha. “The speeches were the highlight of my day.” Gourmet-wise, guests were treated to canapés including delicious artichoke frittata, Ibiza tomato tarts, grilled figs with parma ham among others, followed by a deluxe barbecue tagliata with rosemary and garlic potatoes, baked sea bass with saffron paella rice or a pumpkin and ricotta ravioli. Heart shaped pavlovas were served up as dessert – a fitting way to end a meal inspired by a ‘made in Australia’ love affair. Guests hit the dance floor after the rustic feast as the DJ span classics and kept everyone partying all night long.

The wedding spanned an entire week for Alan and Sasha’s nearest and dearest, filled with activities to ensure everyone got to really enjoy the experience of being in Ibiza. “Being away for a destination wedding means you get an extended period of time with friends and family,” Sasha says of the weeklong festivities. “We were lucky enough to spend one of the days before the wedding visiting Formentera, and we also arranged to go to Lio followed by a VIP table at Pacha the Saturday night before the event. It was a great way to start the celebrations.” With family and friends having flown in from around the world, the experience was etched into the newlyweds hearts forever. When asked when they next plan to visit Ibiza, the answer is easy. “As soon as possible!” they chime simultaneously.