Shalga and Stephen´s Villa Montana wedding : Sneak peek!

In spite of some very dubious grey clouds that threatened to open up all morning the rain kept off and the sun  shone through in all its glory throughout Shalga and Stephen´s beautiful wedding in Benalmadena.

Shalga looked stunning in her dress as did her bridesmaids in a rich shade of green. This colour was complimented by a vibrant burnt orange which we used throughout the venue adding pops of colour here and there. 

While we wait for the professional photos from the lovely Kris McGuirk (which I promise will be beautiful) here is my snap of the ´welcome´ tree that greeted the guests as they arrived. 

As the villa and its grounds are spread over 3 levels these ´Ceremony´ and ´Reception´ signs are not only pretty to look at but functional too. 

Karin and Michael : The big event

German couple Karin and Michael said ´I do´ at an intimate blessing in front of family and friends at La Cabane in Marbella organised brilliantly by Jenny and Jeanette from Marbella Wedding Angels. 

Guests were treated to cocktails on the lawn before watching the lovely couple tie the knot in style. After dining outside by the pool as the sun went down the guests were invited into La Cabane´s La Luna nightclub which we decorated with fairy lights and one hundred helium balloons in their chosen colour scheme as well as some candy on the tables in the ´chill out´ areas. 

Instead of a traditional guest book, Karin and Michael chose to use a custom drawn finger print tree guest book which the guests had great fun doing. It makes a lovely keepsake as it can be framed and displayed at home afterwards.

The gorgeous flowers were supplied by Andi at andiflora.com. Special thanks to David Toms for the fab photos x

Decisions, decisions....top tables

Organising the seating arrangements for your guests can be a headache and that´s even before you´ve opened a bottle of wine (or two!) in preparation for the challenge ahead. So-and-so doesn´t like so-and-so, Auntie Beryl hasn´t spoken to Auntie Iris since they fell out in 1980. It´s all fun and games. So among all this is the choice of top table for yourself and your nearest and dearest.

Traditionally a long trestle table has been the no. 1 choice of top table seating with the guests being seated around round or square tables for the reception. However now this is being replaced by a round/square table similar to the rest of the wedding party. This is great for brides and grooms who prefer not to be the centre of attention and would rather a more intimate setting with their nearest and dearest. Plus a table like this makes for easier conversation rather than everyone being in a line either side of you. 

For a really informal, relaxed meal couples are opting for no top table at all and the newlyweds are integrated into the wedding party amid several long trestle tables. This is lovely for outdoor weddings especially when everyone is surrounded by dreamy romantic lighting. 

And for those who prefer to leave the guests to themselves and enjoy the first meal alone as husband and wife, take a tip from the States and opt for a ´sweetheart table´ where the bride and groom can revel in their newly married status at their own private table. 

(Photo sources: pavillionmarquees.com, wcwi.org, brickhousefarm.com, Jessica Claire via polkadotbride.com)