Posts

A tour of the provinces of Andalusia: destination weddings in Jaén

Surrounded by olive trees that characterize it so much, the province of Jaén is much more than that. And today we tell you on our tour of the provinces of Andalusia and to give you more ideas about your destination wedding in Jaén and surroundings.

LANDMARKS IN THE PROVINCE OF JAÉN

Every time we talk about Andalusia, we think about the Arab influence that is present in its architecture and in many other aspects such as gastronomy. But when you visit the province of Jaén, you realize another facet of this region. Cities like Úbeda and Baeza, a world heritage site, are the two jewels of the Spanish Renaissance.

Strolling through its cobblestone streets, we enter the monumental richness of these cities. Its beautiful palaces and churches take us to the splendour of the Renaissance.

If to all this we add an amazing natural environment like the Natural Park of the Sierra de Cazorla, then the visit to this province is essential.

You can organize excursions to admire the beauty of its landscapes, and visit castles and ruins that you find in many villages of this province.

destination wedding in Jaén

GASTRONOMY

The gastronomy of Jaén and its surroundings, is very varied thanks also to the products offered by this land.

Definitely taste the olive oil of this province is the first thing you have to do. This area offers the best oil quality in all of Europe.

But you should also keep in mind that its gastronomy is influenced by the two regions that surround it: Castilla la Mancha and Andalusia, to which it belongs.

So you can try products like cured ham and other pork cold meat.

Other typical dishes are migas, pipirrana and ajoblanco.

VENUES FOR YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING IN JAÉN

Imagine getting married in a stately palace or in a castle surrounded by olive trees that transport you to other times…

This is what happens if you choose the province of Jaén for your destination wedding in Andalusia. Between so much beauty and the story that each space tells, you can have a fairytale wedding and make it unforgettable for you and your guests.

Stunning 16th century palaces or fortresses built on a hill overlooking the city, or small castles jewel of the Spanish Renaissance, may be the perfect choice for a unique wedding.

destination weddings in Jaén

How about a beautiful Renaissance patio for an intimate ceremony and then a dinner on one of the terraces overlooking the green of the olive trees that so characterize this province?

destination weddings in Jaén

destination weddings in Jaén

This is just an idea, but the province of Jaén offers much more and you only have to choose it to discover all its beauty.

In the next post we will finish our tour discovering the province of Málaga and its ideal venues for your destination wedding in Andalusia.

 

PHOTOGRAPHER:  La Coleccionista / Doncel y Alcoba

 

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MAYBE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

/0 Comments/by

A tour of the provinces of Andalusia: destination weddings in Granada

Today we stroll through the streets of what was the last Nasrid kingdom, through its smell of spices, the charm of its old neighborhoods and the majesty of the Alhambra. And to discover places full of magic, perfect for your destination weddings in Granada.

SIGHTS AND LANDMARKS IN GRANADA

The neighborhoods of Albaycín, Sacromonte and Realejo, represent the essence and the enchantment of this city.

Getting lost walking through its streets, discovering beautiful corners and small squares that appear suddenly, and contemplating the Alhambra from a viewpoint, are just some of the pleasures that Granada offers its visitors.

boda de destino en Granada

In the center of the city we find the symbol of the Christianity of Granada, the Cathedral, built just after the conquest of the city by the Catholic Kings.

Although the initial project was Gothic in style, the new architect Diego de Siloé resumed the construction by modifying the previous idea and creating a fully Renaissance temple.

The Royal Chapel, located right next to the Cathedral, is Gothic style and was built on what was the old main mosque in the city.

The Catholic Kings commissioned its construction as their burial place, demonstrating their special bond with this city. Inside are the remains of Ferdinand of Aragon, Isabella I of Castile, Joanna the Mad, and Philip the Handsome.

Another place to visit during your stay in Granada, is without a doubt La Cartuja, symbol of Spanish Baroque arcitecture.

The Abbey of Sacromonte is an ancient abbey built at the end of the 16th century, after the remains of some martyrs were found and among them those of St. Cecilius. This place can be visited with the holy caves, located below the church.

Visiting Granada means an essential visit to one of the most visited monuments in Spain, the Alhambra. This set of palaces and gardens was built on a hill and began to be royal residence in the mid-13th century. To this fortress, the construction of the palace of Charles V was added after the conquest of the last Nasrid kingdom by the Catholic Kings.

The reddish color of its walls, its strategic position in front of the Albaycín neighborhood, its history and its impressive architecture, make this monument a special place that falls in love with any visitor.

boda de destino en Granada

GASTRONOMY

The gastronomy of Granada is a mixture of Arab and Christian influence. The use of spices combined with the typical products of this province, create a varied and very tasty cuisine.

Typical dishes include habas con jamón, tortilla del Sacromonte,  papas a lo pobre and olla de San Antón.

During your visit in this city you can taste the piononos, a dessert created in honor of Pope Pius IX, and famous all over the world.

 

VENUES FOR YOUR DESTINATION WEDDINGS IN GRANADA

Venues with amazing views of the Alhambra, can be the perfect setting for your destination weddings in Granada.

The beauty of this fortress as a background and a sunset of reddish colors can witness your “I do”, creating unforgettable moments for the couple and their guests.

Some of these venues represent the essence of neighborhoods such as Sacromonte, with its characteristic caves and terraces that offer the best views of the Alhambra and the city.

boda de destino en Granada

Others, with their gardens and fountains that take us to the Nasrid Granada, offer beautiful views of the Albaycín and the Alhambra, and where you can celebrate weddings in a more elegant style, but always in a typical context of this city.

destination wedding in Granada

A destination wedding in Granada means creating unforgettable memories in a city with enchantment and magic.

In the next few weeks we will continue our route through other provinces of Andalusia.

 

PHOTOGRAPHER: Francisco Montes Jiménez / La Coleccionista / Doncel y Alcoba

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST YOU MAYBE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

/0 Comments/by

Tips for treatments and Bridal Makeup

In this month of January, we will have 3 special guests in our blog: Makeup professionals, hairdressers and experts in the latest trends in wedding dresses

Today we start with a great professional, close to her clients and always attentive to the needs of each one of them.

Merche Gijón is a specialist in integral esthetics with a long trajectory, and always on trend, participating each year in courses of improvement.  She also works in teaching at an academy of aesthetics and hairdressing in Granada.

consejos maquillaje de novia

I asked her what are the steps that all brides should follow before their wedding.

 “Many brides think makeup is the most important thing for their wedding day. But they are not aware that having the skin ready and in top condition, makes the work of make-up professionals easier. Good higiene and various treatment sessions will leave the skin with less blemishes and ready for the big day. The type of treatment the skin needs depends on the age and habits of each bride”.

 “Our star treatment for brides is called SOIN FUNDAMENTAL DE LUMIÈRE. It is an illuminating treatment of Thalgo, the natural cosmetics line with which we work. It is a “light” care par excellence, that magnifies the glare and reveals the beauty of the subdued and tired cutis”.

 “The secret of its efficacy: its mask and extract are penetrated into the skin through virtual mesotherapy. You get a velvety skin 80% and 100% more luminous”.

When I ask her what advice she gives to the brides and what are the new trends in makeup, Merche is very clear…”You have to be very careful about the trends, because they don’t always fit everyone. The most important thing is that the bride feels comfortable, be herself and look pretty”.

consejos maquillaje de novia

If you want to see the work of this great professional, you can visit her Facebook page Mg centro médico-estético.

And if you are in the vicinity of Granada and need her services, you can ask for an appointment by calling 858 12 03 86.

In the next post, more advice from professionals of the wedding industry!

 

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

 

/0 Comments/by

Sweet corners for your wedding

Do you want to surprise your wedding guests with delicious home-made cakes, macaroons, or pop cakes so they can taste them during the open bar?In this post I leave some tips for sweet corners for your wedding

CANDY BAR

If you love cupcakes, macaroons, pop cakes and biscuits,then you should prepare a corner full of these delicacies so that, between one dance and another, your guests can taste different and delicious flavors.

sweet corner

Another alternative is the traditional Candy bar full of sweets and treats.

candy bar

CAKES TABLE

In recent years it has become fashionable to propose tables full of different types of cakes, home-made, naked or with fondant.

cakes corner

You can also decide to put a big cake accompanied by mini-cakes.

VERY SPECIAL SWEET CORNERS

And if instead of the typical sweet tables, you dare with a corner of chocolate and churros, especially if it is a Fall/Winter wedding?

For a spring or summer wedding you could propose a delicious corner of ice cream!

ice cream corner

HOW TO DECORATE THE SWEET CORNERS FOR YOUR WEDDING

You know that in addition to delicious, your corners must be striking. And to do this, I advise that the decoration also follow the same theme of your wedding.

Whether it’s a vintage or rustic wedding, the bare wooden tables are ideal for creating a beautiful corner with greens, baskets and wooden boxes. Naked cakes are ideal for this theme.

If it is a romantic wedding and with a palette of pastel colors, you can use natural flowers, candles and instead of the typical table, you can put an antique furniture.

sweet corners

sweet corners for your wedding

As you can see there are many ideas to create a corner that can sweeten the palates of your guests on your big day.

 

Photos via Pínterest

 

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

 

 

/0 Comments/by

All you need to know about bridesmaids

Have you ever thought of having bridesmaids for your wedding but you don’t know exactly how many they should be, how they should dress, and what roles they have?

Read on, because I tell you everything in this post!

WHAT ARE BRIDESMAIDS

The bridesmaids are a group of friends, cousins or sisters who are part of the bridal courtship. At the ceremony they make their entrance before the bride who will arrive accompanied by the best man.

The bride can choose how many bridesmaids will accompany her on her big day. There is no set number. The most important thing is to choose the people she considers closest and special to her.

bridesmaids

WHAT ARE THE BRIDESMAIDS DUTIES

Bridesmaids can help the bride in choosing her dress, accompanied on the tests and advising.

They are also in charge of organizing the Bachelorette party, but the most important thing is that they will be accompanying the bride on her big day from the preparations to the end.

If there are several bridesmaids, it is always advisable to have one that takes care of coordinating the rest of the group.

During the ceremony they can help the bride to place the veil, and can also help to give the favours to the guests.

bridesmaids

HOW SHOULD BRIDESMAIDS DRESS

The bride usually chooses the dresses of her bridesmaids, but always consulting with them so that they all feel comfortable with the chosen model and color.

It is not necessary that the model is the same for all of them. They can choose the same color and style, but each one will wear the dress cut that suits them best.

You can also give the bridesmaids general instructions to match the style of the wedding and the color palette used.

The same with the hairstyle: you can advise that all wear the hair up or loose, but each one choose the model that she likes.

 

But the most important thing is that you enjoy the time you will spend with your bridesmaids in the days before the wedding and also during the big day.

 

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

 

/0 Comments/by

5 Original wedding photo booth ideas

If for your wedding you want a corner where your guests can have fun taking pictures, here I leave 5 original wedding photo booth ideas.

THE THEME OF THE PHOTO BOOTH

It is very important to always keep in mind the theme of your wedding, so that all the elements follow the same line and everything looks more harmonious.

VINTAGE PHOTO BOOTH

If your wedding has a vintage style, you could create a corner with old suitecases, elements like antiqued wood and bottles with flowers.

You can add an armchair or an old chair and create a pretty  background for the photos of your guests.

 

photocall estilo vintage

 

PHOTO BOOTH FOR AN OUTDOOR WEDDING

Will your wedding be between nature, in a forest or in a garden? Then, you can create an original photo booth with a vintage van that will also decorate the space and leave your guests speechless.

 

photocall con furgoneta

 

PHOTO BOOTH FOR AN ELEGANT WEDDING

If your wedding is more elegant, classic and romantic, you have to give the same touch to the corner of the photo booth. So, sofas, peonies, cushions and candelabra will be the perfect setting for your guests to pose for their photos.

 

photocall elegante

 

PHOTO BOOTH FOR A BOHEMIAN WEDDING

A bohemian wedding also needs a photo booth according to the theme. So, leave room for your creativity with boho cushions, flowers in vivid colors and wicker chairs!

 

photocall estilo boho

 

PHOTO BOOTH WITH DOORS AND FOLDING SCREEN

A simple idea but at the same time very nice and that gives a vintage chic touch to your wedding: antique doors or folding screen aged with a floral detail. Just beautiful!

 

photocall con biombos

 

These are just some ideas for an original photo booth for your big day. But you can create different backgrounds in different styles and using a wide variety of objects.

Are you ready to create your special corner for the photo booth?

 

Photos via Pinterest

 

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

 

/0 Comments/by

How to personalize your ceremony

Who said that a civil or symbolic ceremony cannot be emotive and 100% personalized?

THE ADVANTAGES OF CIVIL OR SYMBOLIC CEREMONIES

One of the advantages of choosing a civil or symbolic ceremony is that you can personalize the notes as you want.

You can also get married in dreamy places like gardens or historic palaces without being obliged to give the “I do” in a church.

ceremonias civiles

But how can you personalize the ceremony and create a magical and unforgettable atmosphere?

THE WEDDING OFFICIANT

If it is a civil ceremony, it must be officiated by a city councillor or a notary public. But if it is a symbolic ceremony, you can choose a professional wedding officiant or a family member or a friend.

I always like to advise couples to choose someone close and that know their history. But you should always keep in mind that the person you choose likes to speak in public and feels comfortable in their role.

But there is also the option of hiring a professional wedding officiant that together with the couple will personalize the whole ceremony and take care of officiating on their wedding day.

ceremonia civil

READINGS AND MUSICS

Other important elements that will help to personalize your ceremony are the readings and the musics.

You can decide that some of your guests will take part to read some text written by themselves or simply poems or texts that talk about love, relationship, etc.

All these moments can be accompanied by background music chosen by the same couple and that will create an even more magical atmosphere. You can hire trios or string quartets or that the Dj puts the music previously chosen.

The entrance of the groom as well as that of the bride, and then the end can be accompanied by the favorite soundtracks of the couple.

RITUALS TO PERSONALIZE THE CEREMONY

In addition to the moments that can not be missed as the exchange of rings and votes, you can add a ritual that represents your union. It can be the sand ritual or the candles ritual or the handfasting ritual.

ritual de la arena

As you can see there are different ways to personalize your ceremony and remember it as something special, emotional, fun and certainly unforgettable for you and your guests.

 

PHOTOS BY: Roxanne Turpen / Anna+Mateo / Doncel y Alcoba

 

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

 

/0 Comments/by

Music at weddings, an important element for your big day

Imagine arriving at the altar with your favorite song as background music, or imagine a jazz band entertaining the reception…Without a doubt, music at weddigs is very important so that your big day becomes a unique and personalized event.

                THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING MUSIC FOR EVERY MOMENT

It’s very important to choose each piece and to personalize the civil or religious ceremony. Keep in mind what can and cannot be played at religious weddings. While in civil or symbolic ceremonies you have total freedom to choose the pieces that you prefer.

You can also choose with your partner, your favorite music for the entrance to the banquet, the cutting of the cake and the first dance.

If you choose each theme according to your tastes or because that song remembers your first encounter or the first trip together, the day of your wedding will be even more special.

And if you can hire musicians who play live during the ceremony or reception, then success is guaranteed.

la música en las bodas

A SHOW AS A FINAL TOUCH

Before starting dancing and drinking during open bar, I suggest you to surprise your guests with a flamenco show or a juggling performance. Or if you love magic show, you could hire a magician to entertain the guests with his tricks…

There are many ideas to give that original touch to your big day.

la música en las bodas

A DJ DURING THE OPEN BAR

It’s very important to hire a dj who can take care of music during the open bar, who knows what musical genres to play and pay attention to what liven up the guests and what does not.

Sometimes couples say that with a Spotify list it’s enough for the open bar…It’s the biggest mistake they can make! Imagine that something is wrong with the speakers, or that the list ends, or that the music you chose doesn’t liven up anyone and you have to change it…Who will do all this? The couple? A friend? Do you think it is appropriate that in a moment where you have to dance, laugh and enjoy, you have to worry about music?

The best solution is that a dj pays attention in every moment so you only have to enjoy.

la música en las bodas

Have you started to make a list of favorite songs and find the best professionals for your wedding?

Photos by: Juanan Barros Fotografía / Roxanne Turpen Photography / Kokoro Fotografía

 

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ARTICLES: 

/0 Comments/by

How to choose wedding favours for your guests

Do you want to give your guests some original and different wedding favours?

In this post I give you some ideas to surprise them on your big day.

FAVOURS RELATED TO YOUR WEDDING THEME

Favours could also follow the same theme that you have chosen for your wedding. For example, if you love decoration with olive and you will use this element in centerpieces, bridal bouquet, etc. you could give your guests small oil bottles personalized with your names and the wedding date.

 

FAVOURS RELATED TO YOUR HOBBIES

Another option would be to choose some favours that represent some of your hobbies or that are related to your work. Think of what you’re most passionate about and leave a favour of you and your partner to your guests.

brujula como detalle de boda

A WEDDING FAVOUR AS A SOUVENIR FOR YOUR GUESTS

When the couple decides to get married abroad, I love to propose them some typical favours of the place where they have chosen to marry. It’s original, different and something your guests don’t expect.

For example, this summer I planned a wedding for a lovely Italian couple and we prepared some original ceramic coasters, a typical element in Andalucia.

detalles de boda

If you get married in Spain, other good idea is to give your guests a few fans, typical object of this precious land.

There are many ideas to choose unique favours for your guests. You should only think of something that is beautiful or useful, and that leaves a lovely memory of your big day.

 

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

/0 Comments/by

How to get married in Spain. Legal and symbolic ceremonies

Many foreign couples choose Spain as destination for their wedding.

The beauty of the historical cities, the sun and good weather, gorgeous beaches and landscapes, invite many couples to plan one of the most important days of their lives,  in this dreamed land.

But can non-national couples get legally married in Spain?

Yes, they can! But it is important to clear up different questions.

There are two ways you can get legally married:

  • CATHOLIC CHURCH CEREMONY. In this case one partner has to be Catholic and neither can be divorced.
  • CIVIL CEREMONY. In this case it is very important to have in mind that the civil registries (Registro Civil) of each region requires different documents and according to which the couple has to meet some requirements (for example one partner in the couple must have the residence in Spain for at least 2 years). It’s advisable to always consult the consulate and the civil registry of the city where you want to get married.

You need several months to prepare and deliver the requested documents for a legal ceremony. So it’s better to start the process as soon as possible.

how to get married in Spain. Legal ceremony and symbolic ceremony

Symbolic Ceremony as the best solution to get married in Spain

There is a third way to get married in Spain, and even if it is not a legally recognized marriage, I think this is the best solution that allows you to avoid any stress that means the process of paperwork: the symbolic ceremony.

What exactly is a symbolic ceremony?

This kind of ceremony has no legal value. It can be officiate by a professional specialised or also by relatives or friends of the couple.

There is a guide note that can be personalized according to the needs of the couple, including the moment of vows, the exchange of wedding rings and some ritual as the sand ceremony,  rose ceremony or candles ceremony.

Cómo casarse en España. Ceremonias legales y simbólicas

Each moment is accompanied by music previously chosen by the couple, including readings from a friend or family member.

Cómo casarse en España. Ceremonia legal y ceremonia simbólica

You can make this ceremony a very emotional, romantic or funny moment. It also depend on the personality of the officiant.

Choosing a symbolic/blessing ceremony, you have the chance to choose the best venues to say “Yes I do”, as a garden full of flowers, a beach, a wood, a castle, etc.

And what kind of ceremony have you chosen?

 

Photos by: Juanan Barros  /  Anna+Mateo  /  Roxanne Turpen

/0 Comments/by