Its no secret I love a good destination wedding and this gorgeous rustic farmhouse wedding in Spain is the perfect example of why…the backdrops they offer are usually such a contrast to those in the UK that I’m like a child in a sweetie shop choosing my spots to shoot…and quite often they’re sun-kissed by golden light, so what’s not to love?
Kyoko and Chris had been engaged for 7 years so had plenty of time to figure out what they wanted from their wedding; hip-shaking music, mouth-watering food, and fun and frolics with friends and family. Rather conveniently, Kyoko’s parents (Miyuki and David) own and run a beautiful boutique B&B and Events venue near Malaga, called Rancho del Ingles, and having spent a fair bit of her summer holidays there it was the natural, and very personal, choice fortheir ceremony and reception.
I love the rustic charm of this place…its beautifully decorated, and even built, around features made out of the various artefacts that David has collected on his travels over the years. Its simply stunning and a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a relaxed, informal yet stylish destination wedding venue.
It truly was a family affair. Their gorgeous children and bridesmaids walked down the aisle to ‘John Legend’s, Stay With You’ which had most of the congregation shedding a little tear, and if anyone wasn’t feeling emotional enough, their daughter Jasmine played ‘Here Comes the Bride’ on her clarinet, and held it together just long enough for a reassuring cuddle from Daddy – bless her!
After quite possibly the longest confetti (and rice!) line I’ve ever seen the couple dusted themselves off for some refreshing cocktails, canapés, and fabulous food organised by Kyoko’s brother. Their amazing cake, complete with fireworks was made by the bride’s super-talented sister, Milli Taylor who runs her own catering, company Milli’s Kitchen. Just look at the children’s faces, eyeing up the cake – there may have been the odd finger-shaped dent from earlier explorations but we can forgive them that!
After some genuinely funny speeches, Chris is clearly a natural, it was time to hit the dance floor…and that’s where we stayed…all night long, and I mean ALL NIGHT LONG – these people can dance! I took my last photo at 5am…they carried on till 8am – now that is impressive staying power! Even more impressive was the number of guests who showed up only a few hours later for a long, lazy paella around the pool, which was the perfect end to a perfect weekend.
A massive thank you to David, Miyuki and Cameron Taylor for their amazing hospitality during my stay, and to Kyoko and Chris for welcoming me into the fold as one of their own. To date, its right up there as one of my favourite weddings, in all its rustic charm. Its clearly not just me that thinks so. Brides Magazine loved this one so much they featured it as their Wedding of the Week, and Flyaway Bride, a blog dedicated to super-stylish destination weddings is also about to feature it, which is just the icing on the very delicious, firework-clad cake!
Gorgeous photos Nadine – such natural style – really relaxed and flattering all at the same time! Loving your work! Rx
I’ve just been reliving the day through your wonderful images Nadine. We all thought you were great on the day, and we still think so now. Everyone felt really comfortable having you around which shows in the relaxed poses. I do hope we get to see you again at Rancho one day. Wishing you all the best for a prosperous and happy 2016
Nadine – I have just gone through this post again, many years later and it’s made me cry! You are so wonderful. How lucky we were to have you all those years ago. x