Tyler and Lexi’s Heartfelt Western September Wedding at The Urban Cowboy in Nashville, TN
Frankie and Claire’s Epic Barcelona Elopement + Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Wedding in Spain
When we came across this stunning Barcelona elopement shoot, we immediately reached out to the creative minds behind it. Photographer Emanuele from In Bianco e Nero shared some wonderful insights about these beautiful photos…
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
“We met Frankie and Claire as guests at a wedding in Italy where we were the photographers. What can I say? It was love at first sight when we saw them. Two wild souls, completely in their own world, we couldn’t resist introducing ourselves and proposing a simple couple session. To our surprise, we later discovered they were also planning to get married in Italy. We parted ways with the promise of seeing each other again.
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
Fast forward to after the wedding, we were in Barcelona for a workshop and decided to organize their Barcelona elopement. We wanted to create something different from traditional weddings; something more “crazy” and unconventional. We spent an entire day with them wandering through the streets of Barcelona.
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
From the Barcelona subway to La Rambla, passing through La Boqueria, we eventually arrived at Casa Vicens, an absolutely incredible place. Casa Vicens is a stunning example of Antoni Gaudí’s early architectural style, featuring vibrant colors, intricate tile work, and lush gardens that perfectly blend with the building’s innovative design. Every photograph reflected their fearless bond and magnetic personalities, immortalizing their vibrant and infectious spirits in unforgettable ways.
Those 24 hours were unforgettable, spent with one of the most adventurous, crazy couples we’ve had the immense pleasure to work with!”
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
In Bianco e Nero
The Vendors:
Museum: Casa Vicens // Dress Store: L’Arca // Photographer: In Bianco e Nero // Jewelry: Magma Jewels
Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Wedding in Spain
Planning a Wedding in Spain? Well, just the thought of it makes my heart race. I’ve attended a fair share of destination weddings, but getting married in Spain stands out. Maybe it’s the vibrant culture or the fact that no one knows how to party quite like the Spanish. If you’re reading this and contemplating your big day in Spain, let me just say, you’re onto something. Whether it’s the cobblestone streets of Barcelona or the sun-drenched beaches of Ibiza, Spain is a country that promises magic. But planning a wedding in Spain? Well, that’s an adventure in itself.
Picking the Perfect Place: The Magic of Barcelona… or Maybe Not?
Let’s start with the location. After the stunning shoot above, you might immediately think Barcelona, right? It’s got all the glam – Gaudí’s art, the Mediterranean’s sparkle, and endless tapas. I once went to a Barcelona elopement there, and let me tell you, as the sun set over the city’s skyline, it felt like something out of a movie. But, here’s the thing: if you’re not a fan of crowds, Barcelona might not be the best fit. During peak tourist season, you’re likely to have a few strangers in your wedding photos—complete with oversized sun hats and selfie sticks.
If the hustle and bustle of Barcelona doesn’t sound like you, Seville is the slower, more soulful sibling. I mean, imagine getting married surrounded by Moorish architecture while flamenco dancers perform at your reception. The heart of Andalusia delivers a whole new level of romance. And if you’re into rustic elegance, Seville’s the place. Plus, you’re way more likely to hear a passionate “olé” than a “watch out, bike lane!” on your wedding day.
The Spanish Legal Puzzle
Now, let’s talk paperwork—because romance aside, getting married in Spain still comes with a heap of bureaucracy. Spain has its quirks when it comes to legalities. If neither of you are residents, it can get a bit tricky. You’ll need to have ties to the country, like family or property, to legally wed. I know, it sounds like a buzzkill, but the workaround? You can always have a civil ceremony in your home country before or after and save the celebration for Spain. A symbolic wedding in Spain has just as much magic—without the legal headache.
Making It Feel Like Spain: Flamenco, Food, and Fiestas
You’ve probably noticed by now that I’m a sucker for cultural traditions. If you’re getting married in Spain, why not infuse a little local charm into your day? Trust me, hiring a flamenco dancer or guitarist will elevate the experience beyond anything you can imagine. I went to one Barcelona elopement where the bride entered to a hauntingly beautiful guitar melody. It was so emotional that even the toughest uncle in the room wiped away a tear.
And then there’s the food. Do yourself a favor and skip the generic wedding menu. Instead, dive into Spain’s culinary delights. Serve paella—huge pans of it, bubbling with saffron and seafood, right at the reception. Or set up a tapas bar, where guests can sample bite-sized portions of jamón, manchego, and patatas bravas. But let me be real: it’s all about the cava. There’s no better way to toast your future than with Spain’s sparkling wine. Don’t bother with champagne; cava has the sparkle and zest to match the mood.
Time It Right: When to Say ‘I Do’
Now, Spain may be fabulous, but the heat? Not so much if you’re planning to wed in July or August. There’s a reason siestas exist. One summer, I attended a wedding in Madrid, and by noon, the heat had everyone scrambling for the nearest fan or ice-cold drink. My advice? Spring or autumn are your best friends. You get the sunshine, but without the scorching temperatures that’ll have your makeup melting faster than the ice in your cocktail.
If you’re eyeing a summer wedding, head north. Think San Sebastián or Galicia. Cooler temperatures and, honestly, some of the most underrated scenery. Imagine lush green hills meeting rugged coastlines—perfect for a dreamy outdoor wedding in Spain.
Trust the Locals: Your Secret Weapon
There’s a golden rule to planning a wedding abroad: trust the locals. Spain’s wedding planners, florists, and caterers have been doing this forever, and they know their stuff. A local florist will have the freshest seasonal blooms, and caterers will whip up dishes that put anything you could think of to shame. One thing I learned after attending numerous destination weddings is that when you trust the experts, your day runs smoother. Plus, you avoid the logistical nightmare of trying to ship things internationally.
One bride I know brought her makeup artist from home, only to have their flight delayed. Meanwhile, a local makeup artist would have had her looking like a goddess without breaking a sweat (figuratively and literally).
What Makes It Unforgettable: The Personal Touch
Now, let’s get to the heart of it all. What truly makes a wedding in Spain unforgettable isn’t just the setting, the food, or even the flamenco guitar. It’s the personal moments. Maybe it’s the way you decide to incorporate Spanish phrases into your vows, or perhaps you’ll surprise your guests by exchanging your rings at a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean.
At one wedding I attended, the couple handed out small bottles of locally sourced olive oil as wedding favors. It was simple but meaningful, and every time I use that oil in my kitchen, I’m taken back to that sun-soaked day in Spain. Think about what speaks to you—those are the details that make your wedding day linger in the minds of everyone who attends.
So, if you’re planning a Barcelona elopement or a grand celebration elsewhere in Spain, embrace the beauty, the culture, and, most importantly, the adventure. Because weddings, like life, are all about the stories you create along the way. And if you ask me, there’s no better place to start your story than under the Spanish sun, cava in hand, and the sound of flamenco floating through the air.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our city weddings for more inspo.
