Cortijo Bravo, Velez-Malaga
Martha and Stephen´s Special Day
Cortijo Bravo in Velez Malaga is a beautiful venue so although I was there just a few weeks ago I was happy to be returning back there for the wedding of Martha and Stephen. Every wedding is different so I knew that this day would be different to my last wedding there, therefore providing a completely different set of images. Below are just a few of my personal favourite images and the story of their day…
Martha and Stephen’s day
Preparation
Preparation began in the bridal suite of the cortijo, as Martha did her own hair and make up, with the help of her bridesmaids of course. It was a fun time with a few drinks and lots of laughter, for the bridal party I mean, as I myself do not drink ever drink alcohol while working at a wedding, I often get invited but made a promise to myself to never break this rule. I captured the boys who were downstairs in their Scottish attire, greeting guests and having a few drinks themselves. Then nipping back to see Martha I caught her final preparation and the first pictures of her in her beautiful wedding dress that she had coincidently designed herself and her Prada shoes complimented it nicely. Martha’s proud father greeted her on the stairs with some shy pageboys looking very smart in their Scottish clothes.
Ceremony
The ceremony conducted by minister Andrew Hunter was lovely and everybody looked on eagerly as the tearful Bride & Groom made their vows, exchanged rings and declared their love to each other. The bridesmaids looked very glamous in navy blue and matching the clothing of the smart grooms men in their kilts and thistle emblems buttonholes. The ceremony was held just outside the main building and it was certainly very moving with lots of tears in general but even more during the readings. With everything going exactly how it was supposed to and some careful and precise coordination by Spanish Wedding Planner Jennifer, the ceremony was everything the happy couple could ever want and they remained emotional throughout.
Reception
We went down to the terraces for canapés, cocktails and a chance for the guests to congratulate the happy couple and then inside to the banquet hall for a remarkable dinner. We had literally just enough time to capture some sunset portraits before Martha and Stephen then sat to eat. There were some very moving speeches made with powerful wording as Martha and Stephen were to be emigrating soon after the wedding. These sad speeches were soon followed by some very funny and cheerful ones, hilarious stories about Stephen and many toasts from the two best men.
Party
It was getting late now and midnight was fast approaching as the happy couple moved to where the DJ was at the other end of the hall, for the cutting of cake and straight into their first dance, then some good old fashioned traditional Scottish music and dancing really got the party started with everybody joining in.
I wish Martha & Stephen every success in their new life and new location, it was truly a pleasure to meet them and their family for this fantastic wedding.
