Cortijo Bravo, Velez-Malaga
Francesca and Brad´s Special Day
Cortijo Bravo situated in Velez-Malaga with its breathtaking views of the Malaga mountains and white villages was the setting for today´s wedding of Francesca and Brad. I first met with them a few months prior to their wedding during their visit to Spain where they had arrange for a menu tasting at the venue. The meeting went well and it was good to hear there plans for their special day.
Below are just a few of my personal favourite images and the story of their day…
Francesca and Brad’s day
Preparation
Fran’s preparation started in the bridal suite at the Cortijo Bravo, Vélez-Málaga, with her hair being styled by close family. She was nervous but remained relaxed as she got ready for her special day, I left to see what Brad was up to as she got into her gorgeous Grecian style dress and fabulous golden heeled Jimmy Choo shoes. Brad was downstairs on the terrace greeting guests as they arrived and the atmosphere was relaxed as everyone sat admiring the beautiful views whilst waiting for the arrival of the bride
Ceremony
A very emotional but happy Bride was led down the aisle to a very happy Groom and the wonderful aura and spiritual ambiance of this ceremony by Lizzie of Marriage Wedding Services. They exchanged vows, rings and precious gifts to symbolize the coming together of two families in an Arras tradition. The readings by her bridesmaids were moving and emotional during this tearful ceremony and it was definitely a day that they will remember forever.
Reception
There were hugs and kisses of congratulations as people enjoyed cocktails and some slightly unusual looking but I’m sure very tasty canapés. While walking round the shingle gardens for some portraits we had some fun and lots of laughing, Fran decided to take off her shoes and we headed to the awaiting wedding banquet on the event terrace. The Bride & Groom requested that they would like a rather large amount of formal photos, but with only a short time before dinner was being served we did the best that we possibly could and managed to get through most of them. Dinner was being served on a terrace just outside the hall, the tables were named with tags after famous love songs, such a nice touch I thought. Wine was flowing as the sun set and the guests sat back to admire the beautiful lights of Malaga in the background. There was truly a romantic ambiance as table candles were lit and funny stories were told during speeches. There were more laughs as pictures of a younger Brad were circulated amongst the guests, followed by Francesca handing out some gifts to thank everybody that had been there for them or helped to arrange the wedding. The meal was a success and everybody seemed to enjoy it. We moved over to the huge 7 tier wedding cake with cupcakes and the Bride & Groom carefully cut the top cake before giving each other a loving kiss. The DJ announced that the bar was officially open and a “candy bar” a table of classic sweets including rhubarb and custard, cola cubes and sherbet lemons, was offered to the adults… erm… I mean kids.
Party
The younger kids started to jump around and have fun while the adults danced and a great game was found by the young ones manically chasing the moving light spots on the floor from DJ’s Dave Hixson’s disco lights. A larger spotlight moved and pointed onto Francesca & Brad for their first dance. Then as Abba tracks were played the party really got started. Amazing looking laser lights helped to keep the atmosphere alive as guests took a shine to making artistic effects by dancing in the beams of the lasers to the early hours of the morning
