As my Facebook feed fills with posts from long lost friends at airports across the world, it’s very apparent that we’re all heading for the same destination, Seville in Spain. Our friends, Caitriona & Martin are getting married.

It’s not only my first destination wedding, but the first wedding I’ll be viewing through the lens of a Wedding Planner.  Having seen the Hacienda de San Rafael online, I’m very impressed by the palatial rooms and surroundings.

The thermometer’s nudging 26°c as we land in Seville at 9pm, and as our taxi drops us off at Alfalfa square, it’s buzzing with café society life.

Ben and I are staying at the 16^th century Mint & Chocolate apartment in central Seville, a hop, skip and jump from bars, restaurants and shops. The Cathedral de Seville is a mere 10 minute walk away. Ben unpacks, whilst I pull on something more suitable from my suitcase and we head out into the night.

A coach has been booked to pick us and other guests from Jardines de Murillo at 5pm on the day of the wedding, and as we wander around trying to locate the coach, I see two men looking as confused as ourselves and wonder if they’re coming to the wedding too? Ben instantly dismisses my observation as they are not dressed for a wedding. 

As the coach pulls away filled with excited guests, Sedat and his friend, who live in Sydney, Australia along with the bride and groom and quite a few of the guests, explain that Martin advised they dress in whatever they felt comfortable in; Hawaiian shirts and shorts it was.

The Hacienda is a long, dirt track, drive from the road, surrounded by olive groves. As we arrive at the rustic style buildings, drinks are awaiting us in the garden. It’s fabulous meeting with friends I haven’t seen for a couple of decades, on a beautifully warm evening with stunning views across the grounds.

There’s a frisson of excitement as Martin comes down to greet his guests. We are quickly rounded up and directed to the courtyard for the ceremony. The bougainvillea cover the whitewashed walls with a guitarist playing an acoustic guitar as background music. The groom, looking suitably nervous, waits for his bride. The music changes and Caitriona, accompanied by her father, head up the aisle.

The service is filled is filled with laughter and joy as Caitriona and Martin read their personalised vows to each other; I especially enjoyed the line where, Caitriona promised to look interested when Martin regaled her with stories of his 100km runs.  And as quick as a flash, the new Mr & Mrs Abell were making their way to pool area for canapes and drinks with their guests.

There are so many wonderful things related to a destination wedding, which are worth taking onboard; instant holidays for your friends and family, with a highlight event to justify the expense.  Many guests, especially their Sydney friends, used the opportunity to explore Spain, Italy, and Istanbul and other cities across Europe.

As a wedding planner, it’s going into the unknown without the security of known suppliers. This is where you need to dip deep, seek advice from other planners, and the chosen venue to produce an epic wedding. As a guest, it was a fabulous adventure and such a beautiful wedding. 

Wishing Caitriona and Martin a wonderful wedded life and thank you so much for including us in your big day!