Inspiration

I've never been to Ibiza, and I must admit that every time we share a wedding from the white isle, it makes me want to visit more and more. It's lovely to see the 'real' side of the island, beautiful beaches, delicious Spanish food, warm hospitality and some gorgeous bohemian fashion. Because in my mind Ibiza is as much about the styling as it is about the partying! Elisa looks simply gorgeous in a bespoke gown by Marcela Mansergas, the flowers are achingly pretty and the beautiful aisle will take your breath away. Imagine getting married that close to the sea? It's just incredible. And the addition of little hessian bags filled with lavender one of the loveliest details I've seen. The images and video from Padilla & Rigau Photographers are fabulous too, very natural and filled with warmth and love.

Our Story

Elisa The Bride: I'm Spanish. I was born and raised in Madrid. Miguel's mother is American & his father is Spanish. He lived in Spain when he was little, then they moved to Westport CT, he worked in NYC for 5 years and came to Madrid, Spain 8 years ago. We had met previously in Madrid, but it wasn't until July 17th of 2011 at FIB, a music festival in Benicasim, that our story began. That night was the marquee night of the festival and thanks to some friends in common we met at lunch before the festival began and made plans to meet during our most anticipated act: Arcade Fire. It was a magical concert that has united us until now.

The Bride

I wanted something unique, timeless and handmade and Marcela Mansergas was the perfect person for making it. For the shoes I wanted sandals because the wedding was in front of the sea and I didn't want them white. I loved the waves and the crackled effect. I chose gold for the contrast with the dress and because it was matching with the rings. Loeffler Randall designs are different and well-made. I didn't have to change my shoes until the end of the night.

The Groom

Miguel was looking for good quality and european fit. In Anglomania they have the best qualities (Loro Piana) and they make the suit and shirt as you want, more classic or slim fit. No limits in fitting and details.

The Venue

We used to go to La Escollera to have lunch every time we went to the island. It's located at one side of Es Cavallet beach, it's a perfect venue with nice views and privacy (you are not in the middle of the beach). The food is amazing and the family that runs the business is very nice, helpful and professional. They make a do of weddings every year and you can tell. Everything was perfect.

The Decor

We didn't want a white Ibiza wedding with a white dress-code. We love the real Ibiza, the idyllic beaches, the nature and the rural towns of the island so we wanted all the flowers and decorations to have that rural and natural air. I wanted wild flowers and a relaxed atmosphere. I love all the weddings done by La Sastrería de las Flores so I didn't hesitate in asking them to come to the island, even though their main office is in Madrid. I gave my bouquet to my sister, she was already married but I wanted to give that present to her. Miguel gave one replica to each of his sisters. We gave also one big bouquet to our mums.

The Ring Bearer

For the ring bearer, Miguel's niece, I wanted a relaxed fit because I wasn't wearing a structured dress. She loves colour pink and that's why I chose it. I was in love with the handmade ballerinas from Belle Chiara and after that I found the dress in Zara Kids and it was perfect for her and what I wanted. As I was wearing a half crown I selected for her a complete crown.

The Ceremony

As we were having American and Spanish guests we wanted the ceremony in both languages. An Argentinian friend of us who speaks both languages officiated the ceremony. There were 4 speeches: Maid of Honour in Spanish, Best Man in English, Father of the Bride in Spanish, Mother of the Groom in English. The vows were also in English by the Groom and in Spanish by the Bride. Maid of Honor was Rocio, my sister. Best man was Darin, Miguel's best friend from Westport. I decided to walk down the aisle with my Mum because she only has two daughters, and Rocio went down the aisle with our father and so I wanted to give that honour to my Mum. I danced the father/daughter dance with her father to have a special moment with him also. Miguel walked down the aisle with his Mum and danced with her the mother-son dance.

Special Details

The best part of the dance was when Rebellion Lies by Arcade Fire was played. We met in that concert and everyone was so excited. We put a gift on the tables for each guest "Sal de Ibiza". We had a cigar station, we gave "abanicos", ballerinas and foulards to the guests. We put a polaroid camera with the guestbook and colour sticky tapes and we gave sparklers for the first dance. I designed the welcome bag and we gave it to each guest with info about the island, a bottle of water and a typical madeleine from Ibiza.

The Food

- Canapés: an assortment of modern Spanish canapés, trays full of glasses of Salmorejo, a Ham cutter station, Galician squid station. - Main Menu: Salad of Carabineros (Scarlet Shrimp), Filet Mignon of grass-raised beef in port Glaze or Mediterranean Sea Bass in Cava sauce. - Dessert medley: Chocolate Marquise, Crema Custard with sauce of fresh Raspberries and Mango Panna cotta. - Red Wine Azpilicueta Crianza and White wine Albariño Pazo Baion.

The Photography & Videography

Padilla & Rigau made the video and the photos of a friend's wedding a year before and we loved it. We had no doubt that we wanted them for our wedding. The pictures are amazing, we don't miss any picture because they captured all the great moments and the special guests. They give you a pen drive with all the pictures and videos. You can personalise the album. They have a really good taste in design. They also make a short video and a long video. Both are great. They use songs played in the wedding to create the video so it's more personal. We are delighted with the result.
Fern Godfrey

Written by Fern Godfrey

Bride: Marcela Manserga | Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Florist: La Sastreria de las Flores | Ring Box: BHLDN | Venue: La Escollera Ibiza | Chair Hire: Remedio Sin Receta | Benches: Cardamom Events | Hair & Make Up: Anai Perez | Ring Bearer: Zara | Ballet Pumps: Belle Chiara | Groom: Anglomania | Tie & Bowtie: Hackett | Cars: Autocares | Videography: Padilla & Rigau Photographers

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