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10th August 2023
Wedding Planners: Sunshine Weddings Spain
Hair and Makeup: Leonie Schuurman – @mualeonieschuurman
Shoes: Jades Bridal Shoes (Etsy)
Florist: Shona – bunches florist in Fuengirola
Decor: Yvonne – Hacienda San Jose
Live Music: Nano – Spanish Guitar
DJ: Dave James
Where are you guys from
We live in Abu Dhabi (but are from Sunderland and Manchester)
How did you find your venue
It was recommeneded by Cicilia and we thought it was beautiful. We also loved the fact we could have our bridal party plus parents stay for the week with us.
Anything personalized at the wedding
Sam wrote on the bottom of my shoes with my new name and date which was very cute! We also had personalised beer pong cups – our fav!
How were you feeling during the day
I was nervous about saying my vows wrong! I kept waking up in the night for weeks beforehand in a panic but they were absolutely fine on the day. Sam is so laid back, he wasn’t worried about ANYTHING! He’s so chilled he’s basically horizontal!
The dress
I am not a fan of shopping and both my mum and my future mother in law were dreading the experience because I’m fussy! The first shop we went to, I went with my mum and MOH – After 5 dresses, I decided I was hungry and left the shop with no dress and no idea what I was looking for! The second attempt was much more successful and I ended up with a dress that I initially disliked but my mum loved so I tried it on and loved it!
How did you meet
We initially started chatting on tinder, accidently banged into each other in a bar one evening and ended the night at a silent disco and then Mcdonalds!
How did Sam pop the question
On the decking of our over water bungalow in Zanzibar at sunset!
Did you and Sam see each other before the ceremony
We had breakfast together early in the morning of the wedding but then we didn’t see each other until 5pm at the ceremony.
Favourite moment
Seeing Sam for the first time and having all of our friends and family from both the UK and Abu Dhabi meet for the first time. Plus seeing our two neices in their little flower girl dresses – so cute!
Were you nervous about anything
Terrified that I was going to say them wrong or have to keep asking Kevin to repeat!
How would you describe your overall wedding experience
How would you describe your overall wedding experience?Amazing! Cicilia at Sunshine weddings made our planning stress free and the Hacienda was beautiful! Yvonne at the Hacienda made us feel so comfortable and nothing was too much trouble. We love to party and have fun and our wedding was exactly us! 90s cheese and plenty of prosecco!
Any advice to others planning a destination wedding
Find a good wedding planner and trust them! Cicilia took so much of the stress away from us and helped plan everything to every detail! oh and order extra suitcases, you will need them!!
Photography related advise
Find a photographer that is recommended and suits your style. We are not posey photo people and Noah and Rebecca made us feel so comfortable. Noah and Rebecca listened to our ideas and took lots of fun pictures that totally suited our personalities. Even if I did scream when the groomsmen threw me in the air!
First Dance
Kelsey and Caleb – From this moment
However, ‘Fireball’ later in the night with our own dance routine was defo more of an ‘us’ first dance once the oldies had gone home!
How was working with your wedding planner
AMAZING! Cicilia was so friendly and helpful from the start until the very end! Nothing was too much trouble and she was always prompt and detailed with her replied to my emails. I would highly recommend Sunshine weddings for a planner! Christina and Scott on the actual wedding day were also great!
For more weddings in Spain click here