Marbella is one of the most popular and elegant destination resorts in Europe, from the glitz and glamour that arrives here to enjoy the summer to the old charm of Marbella Old Town there is something for everyone. Since the pandemic it is exciting to see so many iconic designers bringing the elegance back in many of the beach clubs here from Dolce and Gabbana at La Cabane, Los Monteros to Fendi at Puente Romano beach club.
When I first met Liz and Paul in 2018 they were keen on Puente Romano beach club, however with so many changes to the popular resorts recently the beach club is no longer available for weddings.
The other areas of Puente Romano, Marbella, have changed so much with a much more laid back boho style vibe and offering different spaces for events and weddings.
Finding the perfect Wedding Venue in Marbella
Liz knew Marbella very well and, like me, spent an awful lot of her childhood here so Liz knew I understood exactly what she was looking for when she described the iconic Marbella style. Due to various reasons the wedding was put on hold and then the pandemic arrived. When it felt safe enough to do so we started venue hunting in Marbella again.
Nothing was quite ticking the boxes but we all kept coming back to Villa Tiberio, a classic old school Marbella restaurant where so many of Marbella's famous visitors have frequented over many decades. As you enter the restaurant the walls are filled with celebrities who have visited Villa Tiberio, much like the Valparaiso which sadly closed during Covid and the passing of it's owner.
Paul was slightly hesitant as he felt bringing his guests to Marbella they should have something more 'Spanish', not Italian, but in the end it was decided this was going to be their wedding venue and we could choose a Spanish style menu.
Villa Tiberio don't answer emails so every time you have a question it requires a visit hosted by the utterly charming Tony who literally sweeps everyone off their feet and the hospitality is amazing. Villa Tiberio retained that Andalusian charm until the beginning of this year when we popped down for a visit only to find everything that didn't move or live had been sprayed gold. It is an interesting venue now! There was much horror and tactfully trying to tell the elderly owner it was pretty over the top but in the end we decided we had no choice but to roll with it. Actually at night it does look amazing, in the dark! Tony was fabulous and tried very hard to tone it down slightly.
We changed the decor, took out gold chairs, anything else that was gold apart from the floral stands and the flowers created by Anais Floristerias were just stunning. As you can see here the flowers and neutral chairs, linens, etc really made the venue look beautiful.
Getting ready for the Wedding details in Marbella
Liz and Paul own an apartment in Marbella so Liz got ready there and Paul and his grooms party got ready nearby in another apartment. I love these vibes, everyone so excited about the day and always the boys wrestling with the ties! We booked a black Mercedes to take Liz, her mother and sister to the church and Paul and Liz used it to leave the church and take them to Villa Tiberio.
We didn't really need transport as such as taxis in Marbella are plentiful, everyone was staying in the town, so getting around wasn't a problem.
Wedding at the Encarnacion Church, Marbella
Being a catholic, Liz wanted to hold her wedding at the Encarnacion Church in the beautiful old town of Marbella. They had to take a marriage course at their own local church in London with a letter of dispensation from their parish to allow Paul to get married in the church.
It was a searingly hot and humid day, trust me I am testimonial to this as was dying of heat! The church was doing it's best with lots of electric fans to keep everyone cool and hand held fans were also passed out as everyone entered the church.
It was a beautiful service hosted by the charming English speaking priest, serenaded by Naiara on violin and one of the bridesmaids sung a beautiful song.
As everyone left the church confetti was thrown as Liz and Paul finally, after 5 years of waiting, became Mr and Mrs!
Post Wedding Drinks in Marbella by the Church
During the pandemic the old bar by the church, La Muralla, closed but has recently reopened as Maruga Limoon. Drinks were made available to the guests whilst Eloy Munoz Photography took Liz and Paul along to the famous wall in Marbella with blue pots for photos, it is literally a minute's walk.
Wedding Reception at Villa Tiberio, Marbella
Guests were then whizzed along to the other side of Marbella using taxis and all arrived at Villa Tiberio ready for a cocktail reception.
The guests were welcomed with a selection of canapes, plenty of cold drinks and Jesus playing his beautiful Spanish guitar in the background in the courtyard to the back of Villa Tiberio.
The Florals and Styling Details
The table seating plan was a gorgeous display of Spanish tiles by Lemonface with each guests name on and also a keepsake/favour for guests to take home. After an hour we moved everyone to the terrace ready for dinner, dancing and plenty of entertainment!
The stunning florals were the amazing work of Anais Floristerias, who absolutely loved this colour scheme and worked so hard in the heat to create this magical floral heaven.
The evening entertainment started with the resident pianist, but as excited guests joined him we could see it was going to turn into a bit of a karaoke session so had to tone that one down! Many of the guests were in the entertainment and music industry so no surprise there!
Once dinner had been served Jesus and his flamenco team put on a fabulous show, guests were up twirling around and stamping their feet as they all joined in!
The beautiful wedding cake by Louise at Cakealicious was bought out complete with sparklers as Liz and Paul had their cake cutting and first dance. There was a slight panic moment when we realised the cake was beginning to topple in the heat, it will still very hot and humid but thankfully they cut it in time! I don't envy the cake makers here in the summer months!
The evening then kicked off with the Wall Street Band getting everyone up and dancing, followed by the brilliant DJ Ryan Fuller.
The evening ended at 1.00am as Villa Tiberio are in a built up area of Marbella and we have a music policy here unless the party goes inside but they close at this time in anycase.
It was a brilliant wedding, one of my favourites, gorgeous couple who had waited so long to finally become Mr and Mrs. Congratulations to you both and wishing you a long, happy and healthy marriage which I know it will be. Can't wait to see you again when you next visit.
If you would love to get married in Marbella, get in touch.