Hotel La Viñuela, Vélez-Málaga

Elaine and David´s Wedding Day

Hotel Vinuela, Velez Malaga is situated overlooking the stunning aqua waters of the Embalse de la Viñuela and the postcard type views of this reservoir are simply breathtaking. This was the chosen venue for Elaine and David for their special wedding day and they certainly had chosen a great venue.
Below are just a few of my personal favourite images and the story of their day…

Elaine & David’s day
Preparation
As I entered the hotel, the boys were getting ready in the bridal suite, so I went into a small and cosy room next door where Elaine was getting ready and said hi to her. There was a relaxed, chilled and calm aura as the girls were starting to get ready. Just as soon as the guys were ready we all moved into the larger bridal suite for some extra space and Elaine continued to receive the rest or her hair and make-up attention from the ever talented Lorraine of Princess Bride. Elaine’s 3 bridesmaids kept her company during this time, all chatting and laughing out on the large balcony whilst enjoying the spectacular view across the reservoir.
Elaine put on her short vintage style dress and her bridesmaid’s all finished getting ready, putting on their pink dresses until Elaine’s mum came in with a celebratory bottle and so it was time for a quick glass of champagne before the walk round through the hotel and out to the lush gardens and the awaiting groom and guests.
Ceremony
As Elaine walked down the aisle holding the arm of her dad, her daughter sang a romantic ballad to introduce a meaningful and spiritual ceremony by the lovely Lizzie of Marriage Wedding Services including traditions such as the lighting of the candles to symbolise the light of life and the Aras whereby precious items are exchanged. There were some poems and reading by guests and there was definitely a genuine love to be seen between Elaine and David who glanced and smiled at each other regularly. It was truly a beautiful ceremony and their daughter sang for everyone again as the happy couple walked back up the aisle.
Reception
The guests all came to greet Elaine and David with lots of hugs and kisses and so we moved everyone over to the shade under the trees to get out of the direct sun. The kids kept everyone entertained during this time, singing into the microphone used during the ceremony and generally having a giggle, by now everyone was anxious to eat and they headed over to the outside patio to await the nod that they should be seated inside for food and so it was time to capture some photos of the details that all help make up this lovely wedding.
The light coming through the huge glass fronted hotel into the reception room was amazing. Everyone sat to await the grand entrance of Elaine and David and once seated there were some quick speeches and some laughs before a wonderful meal was served. I let the happy couple enjoy some foodbeofre taking them round to the front of the hotel for some quick portrait and then back round to the bottom of the gardens for a couple more romantic photographs. The sun was getting lower now and so it got a little cooler which was a welcome relief for everyone as this had been an extremely hot day indeed.Party
Very rare but definitely nice was the fact that the sun was just peeping over the valley and onto the dancefloor as Elaine and David took to the floor and had their first dance as man and wife. While DJ Dave Hixon entertained everyone he had some great lights that were unfortunately not as effective with sun coming in but the kids wouldn’t have noticed anyway as they were having lots of fun and laughter and a great time running around. The lads entertained everyone also with their rendition of some great Grease classic dancing and I couldn’t help thinking that it was definitely close to the longest day of the year as the sun had only just gone down and yet the party was buzzing already.
Congratulations Elaine, & David and thank you for inviting me to share your special day. I wish you all the best for your future together.