Grab a suitcase, and some sunscreen (that’s the Jewish mother in us), because we’re heading back to Marbella today for another stunning real wedding in the Spanish sunshine.
Francesca and Mark met in a friend’s kitchen, and it was love at first sight. The pair tied the knot in Marbella, as the Marbella Club is a home away from home for the bride and her family.
The beautiful big day was a proper holiday celebration – with sun, sea and personalized fans for favors. The magical night ended with a spectacular fireworks display – what more could you ask for?
If you wish you had been there, never fear – along with the gorgeous stills by Paul Toeman Photographers, this beautiful video from our much-loved Recommended Vendor, videographer Denee Motion, will make you feel like you were part of the action!
Over to Francesca for the full write up of the moment she and hubby Mark said “I do”!
How we met
Francesca, the bride: The magical day Mark and I met was just before Christmas 10 years ago at a friend’s home. I walked into the kitchen and saw the man of my dreams sitting there. Instantly, sparks flew, and it was love at first sight.
A home-from-home venue
We always knew we wanted to marry in Spain and, if possible, at the Marbella Club, because it’s been a very special place to us. My parents have been going there for over 30 years, plus and Mark and I have been going there together since our relationship began.
The Marbella Club has always been home from home for us. Not only is the hotel one of the most beautiful in all of Europe, but the service it provides is that of one of the most leading hotels in the world, and that is why we love the venue so much and will continue to do so.
The Marbella Club planned our wedding to perfection we couldn’t have asked for anything more!
An elegant, modern theme
We didn’t have a particular theme for the wedding. The aim was elegant, yet modern, while keeping a traditional Spanish vibe.
Beachy hair
I wanted my hair simple: down, beachy and curly. I had a hairband from Pronovias.
My hairdresser, Daniel Boardman, was fantastic on the trial, and on the day, my hair was exactly how I wanted it. He did it so perfectly!
My makeup looked amazing, all thanks to the incredible Nicola McGeorge. It was exactly the look I wanted! Slightly more than simple, just perfect! Nicola was amazing from start to finish.
A Pronovias fishtail gown
My dress was Pronovias. I always knew I wanted to go for that brand. It was all lace with a fish tail style. Very much me! My shoes were Jimmy Choo off-white satin.
The groom in D&G
Mark got his suit in Marbella from Dolce & Gabbana. He loved the grey, and was always going for that look. His tie was Prada and his shoes Hugo Boss.
Bridesmaids in wrap dresses
My bridesmaids dresses were the Eliza and Ethan wrap dress, which I had in coral to blend in with the flowers. The two younger bridesmaids were in silver grey, and I had those dresses made.
An emotional ceremony
We wanted a Jewish ceremony, so we flew in the Rabbi from England. He was great, and even made it comical! Our guests loved the ceremony. It was very emotional, walking down the aisle with my dad with the guitarist playing. A very special moment for me. The chuppah was stunning and elegant – exactly what I had envisioned it to be!
Fabulous flowers
The beautiful flowers came from Holland Flowers. All the arrangements were tailored to our exact requirements, and looked better than we ever could have imagined.
Our fabulous photographer and videographer
We had Paul Toeman as our photographer. We knew Paul from London and wanted him, along with Denee Motion who did our videography! They all were incredible from start to finish. They captured every moment so beautifully.
A DJ to get the party started
The music all night was just fantastic. We had a DJ called Tristan Harper. From the first time I spoke to him, and at the meet ups in between, to the wedding, he made it so easy. He knew exactly what we liked, and played to our crowd. Everyone at the wedding commented on how good the DJ and the music was!
Kippot, fans and pashminas
We had fans personalised with our names and the date of the wedding for people to use throughout the ceremony and the evening, and to take home with them. For the women, we had pashminas in case it got chilly, which we thought was a lovely touch. We went for grey for those, to also match the men’s kippot, which were also personalised.
Our toastmaster
We had a toastmaster who we also flew in from London, Jamie Paskin. He made our day so easy he is amazing and couldn’t have done it without him!
Fireworks from the pier
We can’t actually pick a favourite part of the day. It was all so special, and we wish we could relive it! The most magical moment was the fireworks going off from the pier after we cut our cake. We will never forget it!
Advice to brides and grooms currently planning their wedding
My advice to future brides would be to enjoy every moment, because when everyone says it goes so fast, it really does! Take it all in, and don’t be nervous. I know, easier said than done, but honestly, the nerves do go away very quickly. Take a step back, and just enjoy watching your day for a moment, because it’s over so quickly!
Francesca & Mark’s little white book
Photographer – Paul Toeman Photographers
Videographer – Denee Motion
Venue and catering – Marbella Club
Bride’s dress and hair band – Pronovias
Bride’s shoes – Jimmy Choo
Groom’s attire – Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Hugo Boss
Bridesmaids – Eliza and Ethan and Converse
Makeup – Nicola McGeorge
Flowers – Holland Flowers
DJ – Tristan Harper
Toastmaster – Jamie Paskin
So beautiful and grand.