As the Mediterranean breeze gently swept through the stunning setting of El Oceano, guests made their way to their seats, with family at the front and friends blending in on either side. You could tell how blown away guests were to be at a ceremony with a sea view! The excitement was so noticeable, laughter and chatter filling the air as everyone settled in anticipation of the big moment.
Darren, looking very handsome but full of nerves, took his place at the front alongside his best man, who was also his brother. But before things could get too serious, the ceremony took a hilariously unexpected turn, unexpected for the guests!. The flower men made their grand entrance, strutting down the aisle to Bootylicious by Destiny’s Child, flinging petals with flair and dancing their way into the hearts of everyone present. The laughter and cheers set the perfect, lighthearted, fun tone for the ceremony.
As the music shifted to The Vow by RuthAnne, Denise's brides maid made her entrance followed by the beautiful bride, Denise herself, who was walked down the aisle by dad. I love this bit of the ceremony, where literally everyone went quiet as all eyes were on Denise, stunning in her dress, and smiling away as she took her place beside Darren. I welcomed everyone and invited them to take their seats.
It was so lovely to welcome so many people, Denise and Darren had a lot of guests and they had come to Spain from all over Ireland, Canada and Australia to be there!
I shared Denise and Darren's amazing love story that had started thirteen years beforehand and the friends and family laughed as I recalled the funny moments.
A special Handfasting
It was also lovely to see them take port in a beautiful handfasting too. Denise's niece did the honours and brought the fabric forward for the ceremony and tied the not for them too, which was so sweet. And Denise had two brooches attached to the fabric on honour of their grandmothers.
Afterwards, all of their friends and family took part in a communal vow, which is a perfect way to show that marriage isn’t just about two people getting married—it’s about the community that surrounds them, as well. And it was so nice to hear the loud chorus of 'yes' from everyone there!
With their hands still tied, Denise and Darren exchanged vows, promising to love, honour, respect, and grow together through life’s joys and challenges.
Darren's best man stepped forward with the rings—gold bands which were cast from an Irish hawthorn tree, symbolizing growth, strength, and enduring commitment.
Certificate Signing & Closing Remarks
As Denise and Darren signed their ceremony certificate, Wild Love by James Bay played softly in the background, which was a perfect soundtrack to the moment. I then brought this amazing ceremony to a rapturous end, with the moment that everyone had been waiting for...
"It’s now my absolute pleasure to announce that Denise and Darren, you are now finally married," I said. (Denise and Darren wanted the 'finally married' wording! Don't blame them!)
With a cheer from the crowd, they had a celebratory kiss before walking back up the aisle to the huge applause from everyone.
After being sprayed with confetti and congratulated by everyone Denise and Darren took their first steps into married life, surrounded by love, laughter, the warm Spanish sun and a nice glass of cava!
What a fabulous ceremony, for a wonderful couple.
If you would like Natasha, or Lucy to lead a wedding celebration for you at El Oceano or any other venue. Contact us below. We look forward to hearing from you.