Our wedding: from dream to reality

2023 will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable years for us. On May 6th, Javi and I said "I do" at the Sagrario, next to Granada Cathedral. It was a very emotional ceremony thanks to a loving priest, a choir that touched the hearts of everyone present, and, most importantly for us, being able to count on all our family and friends.

But our journey to the altar began long before that… we met after the lockdown, bumped into each other in Granada through some mutual friends, and it was love at first sight for both of us. After a year of long-distance dating (Alicante - Granada) where everything was going great, we went to our friends Marina and Jose's wedding. There was so much love between them that we both felt the same way: we were also determined to get married and formalize our commitment to a lifetime together.

The proposal wasn't a "picture-perfect" one: we were talking on a video call and Javi said, " What if we get married next year? We'll save the date and then we'll have the proposal ." We were both thrilled, and right after, we had a church and a property the following week. It wasn't until a few months later, on his birthday and on the couch at home, that he gave me the ring. It was a beautiful moment; we needed nothing more. July 20, 2023, a day we will always remember.

And we start with the preparations!

It was a magical few months, especially the getaways to Madrid with my mother, my aunt María, and my sisters Mariví, Marta, and Pilar. They were moments I will forever cherish in my heart.

When it comes to weddings, the bride's dress is often the center of attention, and with good reason. While everyone has their own opinion on what the "perfect" style should be, I was very clear about what I wanted.

Valenzuela , the dress designer, made my vision a reality. I wasn't sure what I wanted; I just knew I wanted a detachable dress: first a back closure, then a neckline, and a train made of different fabric. And so it was. Wonderful.

My dress was made from a double crepe fabric with an impeccable body, showcasing that classic square neckline I adore so much, complemented by a sensual scooped back, adorned with a row of buttons. But what really made the dress stand out was a wild silk and chiffon vest. With its Perkins neckline and pronounced shoulder pads, it gave way to a wild silk cape that merged with the dress's train. That 2.5m train, finished with ruffles, wasn't something you saw every day. During the cocktail party, I decided to change the look a bit, leaving the vest behind and showing the dress in its purest and simplest form. But the night was still young, and for the party, a crystal fringed sash became the perfect companion to my dress, sparkling and moving with me with every step on the runway.

The wedding day.

Saturday, May 6, 2023, was a whirlwind of emotions, sharing laughter, dancing, and hugs with 370 loved ones. It dawned with a brilliant sun that reflected our eagerness to experience that special day. The night before, I had slept at my house with my entire family; it had been ages since we'd been alone together: Dad, Mom, and my three sisters. It was wonderful to spend that night and the preparations with them, reminiscing about moments from our childhood.

We woke up at 7 a.m., nervous as hell, and started on my hair and makeup. When they got me dressed, I couldn't stop the tears from falling, so we had to touch up my makeup and head off to the church. The most nervous and emotional moment of my life was when I took my father's arm and started walking down the aisle... I don't think I've ever cried so much.

I entered the church with a song I'd known since I was a little girl: Pachelbel's Canon, and Javi with the Choirboys. I couldn't be happier to have all the people I love and the man of my life waiting for me at the altar, accompanied by the voices of a 30-strong children's choir singing for us—a dream come true.

We left the church, newlyweds! Carolina Bouquet had done an incredible job with my bouquet and the church columns, which they then brought to the estate.

Already at the cocktail hour, with the band "Los Tocayos" performing, we danced to the song "Todos los besos" (All Kisses) and greeted our guests. We were both more relaxed after all the intense emotions we'd experienced, and the celebration was getting off to a more relaxed start. We saw nothing but smiles all around us; we couldn't be happier. Although it's true that the bride and groom don't eat much during their wedding... time flies.

We entered the banquet to Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" with everyone waving their napkins—it was amazing. We set out some favors for the guests on the tables: personalized notes, sunglasses, disposable cameras, bibs for the expectant mothers (eleven!), bottles of Jagger, tequila, and limoncello, with a person in charge of each bottle to entertain the rest. It was so much fun!

One of the most cherished moments I looked forward to was dancing with my father. We chose a classic valls, "Blue Danube." And then Javi and I continued with "LOVE," a reminder that the most important thing is our love.

And just a few minutes later, the party started! We're both big partyers and love to give it our all. And our wedding was no different. We knew from day one that we wanted MySound ; we'd seen it at other weddings and loved it.

As the party began to get lively, everyone stopped by GranaGlitter to get their makeup done with glitter and rhinestones: a huge hit with the guests.

We danced until our feet hurt, so we wore Moroccan slippers for the guests who didn't want to wear heels—there was no excuse not to give it our all! There were fireworks, sparklers, lasers... without a doubt, the best day of our lives.

And one detail that added even more magic to our big day was the recognition in the fall-winter issue of Hola Novias . Seeing our story there was like living the dream all over again. A surprise that filled us with emotion and pride.

And of course, I can't forget the guests ! It's no surprise to those who know Mimage's quality and design that many of them chose us for their big day. I was proud to see my sisters, family members, and closest friends enjoying and sharing this day with me dressed in Mimage. And I must say, they all looked spectacular.

The choice of vendors was crucial. Bea Abad , the makeup artist, made me feel radiant. Cortijo La Alameda , with its natural charm and flowers everywhere, was the perfect setting. And Leticia, our wedding planner, made everything flow with ease and elegance. Maquica and Laura , photographer and videographer respectively, knew how to capture every special moment. Carolina Bouquet 's floral creations not only embellished the atmosphere but also told a story. My bouquet, overflowing with bright, joyful colors, represented the spirit of our love: bright, vibrant, and eternal. The decorative columns were a testament to a promise: tall and strong like the love that united us.

Special thanks to all the vendors who made this dream possible:

Photographer: Maquica Entrala del Valle

Makeup artist: Beatriz Abad

Dress: Valenzuela

Shoes: Asoka Flower

Farm: Cortijo Alameda

Church: The Tabernacle of the Cathedral of Granada

Choir and Violinist: Santa María del Llano, Ogíjares.

Heel covers: The Manolitos

Music group: Los Tocayos

DJ: MySound

Videographer: Laura Alós

Glitter bar: GranaGlitter Corner

Earrings: Miguel Muñoz

Party headband: My.Lov

Stationery: Bea Arcelus

Flowers: Carolina Bouquet

NGO gift bracelets: Mapayuda.org

Groom's suit: Miguel Olmedo

Godmother's dress: Lagasca 67

Pages: Labubé