AN OLIVE GROVE ELOPEMENT WEDDING

Elopement weddings have been gaining in popularity – even before Covid came along to disrupt so many couples’ plans. Just slipping away somewhere beautiful- just the two of you, a photographer and a celebrant to help you tie the knot in a stunning setting- has a real appeal.

When London-couple Amelia and Tom got in touch with us, they wanted somewhere romantic and rustic for their ceremony. The pair love travel and have visited many far-flung destinations but Mallorca has a special place in their hearts. Like so many couples, they had been planning a large UK wedding this year, but the Covid situation called for a reassessment. So they decided to slip away for their ceremony. They plan to hold a vow renewal with a big party back home when circumstances allow.

The olive grove

We had the perfect place for them. High up in the majestic Tramuntana mountains above the orange and lemon groves of Soller is a secluded little olive grove. Right on the route of the pretty vintage wooden train that runs between the town and Palma, it was used in the past by the olive-pickers of the area. Now, it’s been carefully restored to provide a romantic mountain hideaway for small rustic weddings.

The olive grove has views across the picturesque Soller valley to the majestic Puig Major and views of the sea in the distance. For their ceremony, couples can choose from a spot under a tree with spectacular views across the valley, a circular clearing with sea views surrounded by olives and a panoramic spot with mountain views.

Preparations

On the morning of the ceremony, we met the couple and Anna, their photographer and set off up the cobbled mule track. After a restorative coffee, Amelia’s preparations began. One of the small huts is a tiny guest bedroom and everything had been arranged in readiness. She had chosen a simple ivory column dress with an open back and lace panels, pairing it with gold sandals. Her wedding jewellery was by local jeweller, Angela Marshall, featuring freshwater pearls. Her tiara with pearls and moonstones on twisted silver wire was complimented by a necklace of unusual ‘stick’ pearls, three bracelets with different styles of pearls and tiny pearl stud earrings. Tom had had the main stone hut for this preparations and was wearing navy trousers, a crisp white collarless shirt and gleaming white sneakers. With hair and make-up completed it was time for Amelia to put on the dress and for the groom to take his first look at his bride.

The ceremony – and a celebratory brunch!

As the two met beneath the olive trees, the little wooden train put in an appearance rattling along the track which runs just below the stone terraces, tooting its horn as if to wish them luck, and disappearing into the tunnel just beyond.

Together the couple climbed to the spot overlooking the valley where they would exchange their rings and vows. The warm sun, light breeze and birdsong overhead and the smell and sound of the pine trees created a magical atmosphere for the ceremony.

After some more photographs, it was time to celebrate with a hearty Mallorcan brunch. Rustic bread, crusty baguettes, artisan cheeses, Serrano ham, tomatoes with home-grown basil and olive oil, smoked salmon, fresh lemons from the orchard and hard-boiled eggs were washed down with hot coffee and glasses of chilled cava.

Enjoying the island

Then, the couple set off to explore the beautiful mountain town of Valldemossa, one of Mallorca’s best known spots and take a few more photographs. Next to the Cartucha or monastery, where George Sands and Frederic Chopin spent the winter months of 1838-9, they found a lovely romantic setting of arches and formal gardens. Finally it was time for them to head back to Palma to watch the sunset over a romantic dinner by the sea.

To discuss your ceremony in the olive grove,  drop us an email or give us a call on +34 653608 189 and we’ll be happy to tell you more.

Find out more about elopements

Photographs by Anna Cherry. To see more of Anna’s work check out:

https://mywed.com/en/photographer/cherryann/

https://www.photographerinmallorca.com/portfolio