A Mallorca finca wedding!

Like so many couples, Americans Zoe and Brian needed plenty of patience and strong nerves as their Mallorca finca wedding was put on hold during the pandemic. The waiting seemed to go on forever! But at last, the 2021 season began to get underway. Finally, it seemed like it might go ahead. Flights were booked, suppliers confirmed and hotel bookings made. Suddenly, the wedding was happening!

The day-before party

The celebrations kicked off with a lively day-before cocktail party at the smart newly-refurbished Hotel Eden in the Port of Soller. The hotel’s new rooftop terrace has panoramic views of the picturesque Soller bay surrounded by mountains. Up on the terrace, the 60 guests enjoyed Cosmopolitans and mango cocktails. There was a selection of tasty tapas like croquetas, dates with bacon and serrano ham served by a professional ham-cutter. A good time was had by all!

The preparations

The next day dawned warm and sunny as the hair and make-up artist team arrived to prepare the bridal party. The flowers arrived looking amazing and the nine bridesmaids began to dress in their matching cream gowns. Meanwhile at the wedding finca, preparations were also well underway. A drinks station was set up with rustic wooden tables, vintage crates and fresh lemons in baskets. Fresh green ivy and vintage water dispensers completed the picture.

The arrivals

Spanish guitarist Toni was playing to greet the guests. They were truly wowed by the pillars of fresh flowers at the entrance to the finca’s courtyard. Cross-back rustica chairs had been set out for the ceremony. Two cream and blush floral arrangements marked the start of the aisle. The doorway to the finca, the backdrop for the ceremony, had been decorated with a huge 4-metre-high floral arch. It was truly breath-taking! The couple’s chairs were decorated with fresh green garlands. And a neutral-coloured aisle carpet softened the cobbles in the courtyard for the bridal party.

Soon it was time for the guests to be seated. Then, each of the nine bridesmaids teamed up with a groomsman for a dramatic entry down the aisle before Zoe walked down the aisle with her father.

The ceremony

Celebrant Ulf welcomed the couple and guests. Zoe and Brian had written personal vows of their own as part of the ceremony. There were tears of emotion, joy and laughter as they shared them with the audience and recalled how they met and fell in love.

Cocktails and cava

As the ceremony ended and the couple walked back down the aisle, the guests threw fresh cream petals. Zoe and Brian led them through the grand entrance to the finca, to the terraces and garden beyond. Steps led down to the swimming pool where the super-professional Fosh catering team served drinks and canapes. Mini-paella bites, ensaimada pastries with Mallorcan sobrasada sausage, patatas bravas, beetroot tartare and marinated salmon with passion fruit were accompanied by cava, wine and beers. The pair had also chosen personalised cocktails – Zoe, a Golden Afterwork and Brian, a Expresso Martinis -both thoroughly appreciated by the guests!

The dinner

The extra-large rustic wooden dinner tables had been set with gold cutlery, simple glass underplates and glasses, both with a gold rim, and large golden candelabras, interspersed with gold votives and smaller candles. Each table had a large garland of fresh greenery running down the centre. For the couple, there was a private sweetheart table, set against the backdrop of the finca with views over the fountain, palm trees and countryside beyond.

The dinner menu was red prawn carpaccio with quinoa and yellow gazpacho. Then came tender braised beef in red wine, roasted sweet potatoes and mushrooms. Dessert was chocolate mousse with passion fruit sorbet.

The first dance and party

After the delicious dinner and speeches, the couple led the way back through the finca to the courtyard. Here, Spanish guitarist Toni played for their first dance, followed by a flamenco dancing display. Then it was time for the serious partying to get underway before buses whisked the guests back to their hotels.

Wedding: Mallorca Wedding Planners

Photographs: Roger Castellvi