A Mallorcan Wedding at a Neo-Gothic Spanish Church

Within the imposing walls of an unfinished 1905 church in Mallorca’s historic village, Son Servera, Nicole and Justin held a wedding evocative of Spanish culture. The Neo-Gothic architectural structure was dramatically open-air, the roof having never been completed. Delicate white flowers and foliage appeared to grow from the ground along the aisle, and an ethereal floral installation potently contrasted the imperfect Iglesia Nova walls.

The couple’s al fresco reception dinner took place on the grass beneath chandeliers at the Pula Golf Resort, where hundreds of white candles flickered along the tables and ground.

The romantic Mallorcan destination wedding was artfully captured by photographer Puy Cermeno.

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Our Story

Names / Nicole Garcia & Justin Walker

Location / Mallorca, Spain

Wedding Date / July 21st, 2023

Guest Numbers / 61

How We Met

We both attended Florida State University for undergrad. However, destiny didn’t bring us together until a few years later while both living in the bustling city of New York. It was through mutual friends that we were connected initially, when we were both invited to a laid-back brunch. Justin showed interest in me from the get go, but I wasn’t immediately won over by his charms. However, as fate would have it, our paths seemed to keep crossing, and our friendship began to grow. It was my roommate who eventually gave me a nudge, suggesting that I might want to give Justin a chance. From that point onward, our story unfolded in the most beautiful way, leading us to 8 wonderful years together before walking down the aisle.

Our Engagement Story

Justin knew that orchestrating a surprise was going to be a challenge. Our recent move to Los Angeles provided the perfect opportunity, as we had often discussed taking a trip to Paso Robles as a relaxing wine-tasting weekend. Justin’s plan was to gently steer me into believing that this trip was my idea, all while preparing to pop the question behind the scenes.

In Justin’s attempt to plant the seeds of this potential getaway into conversation, I immediately began planning for the upcoming weekend, leaving Justin with very little time to organize all of the logistics that go into a proposal. Despite the time crunch, Justin managed to book a beautiful villa, The Canyon Villa, in the wine country.

Our days were filled with the charm of the wineries, as we rode through the countryside via sidecar. As the sun set on our last night, we returned to our villa for a private dinner in the chef’s kitchen. As our 5-course meal unfolded, and as we reached the dessert course, little did I know, the next course being served would be my engagement ring (the ring was NOT in the dessert!).

At that moment, Justin dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife. There were tears of joy coming from both of us as we knew that it was the start of a new chapter in our journey together.

What we love most about each other…

Justin: Among other things, I love Nicole’s heart, compassion, and kindness. Her radiant positivity uplifts everyone she touches. She’s not just my partner in life, but a true inspiration whose unwavering dedication fuels our shared journey.

Nicole: I love Justin’s balance of being a compassionate listener and a strong leader. He is always in my corner supporting me and eager to engage in conversations about our future endeavors which make me truly appreciate him.

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The Setting

Wedding Location

Our wedding ceremony took place at Iglesia Nova, an airy Catholic church nestled in the village of Son Servera. Given the significance of faith in our lives, it was always clear that our marital vows would be exchanged within the sacred walls of a catholic church. Stepping into Iglesia Nova, an indescribable feeling swept over us. The church’s Gothic architecture and the open-sky ambiance left us speechless.

The reception took place at Pula Golf Resort, a venue with offerings perfectly suited to our vision. Pula has a timeless Mallorcan essence, a meticulously landscaped area for the dinner festivities, and a spacious indoor setting.

Aesthetic

We would describe the overall aesthetic of our wedding as classic, ethereal and romantic. Our surroundings served as the initial source of inspiration, guiding our creative choices. Honoring the beauty of the venues, we wanted to amplify their charm and craft an ambiance that seamlessly intertwined with our celebration.

Preparation

Leading up to our wedding, we spent a week at Dux Palma Villa where our parents, siblings, and bridesmaids could stay with us and enjoy all that Mallorca has to offer. On the big day, I readied myself in the villa’s living space, surrounded by the women in my closest circle. A breakfast spread awaited us, accompanied by soothing jazz tunes. As we enjoyed the morning with face masks, I presented my bridesmaids with Mallorcan pearl earrings and heartfelt handwritten notes.

Meanwhile, Justin readied himself in a separate section of the villa, accompanied by his groomsmen. To express his gratitude, Justin gifted his groomsmen distinctive Mr. Jones Watches, thoughtfully chosen to resonate with each individual’s unique interests.

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Photography

Puy Cermeno captured the essence of our wedding through her lens. The candid and editorial quality of her photography immediately resonated with me. Puy’s skillful direction put us at ease, and her photographs vividly convey the energy and emotions of our special day. We feel incredibly grateful that she was a part of our wedding and her stunning work has preserved our memories.

Videography

Corina Gomez of Eunoia Video was our wonderful videographer. What held significance for us was that our video encompass not only shots of us but also of our beloved family, friends, and the exquisite Mallorcan setting. We aimed for the footage to serve as a means of transporting us back to that cherished moment.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

The church where our ceremony took place was already a site of beauty. Upon entering the outdoor church, guests were greeted with refreshing lemonade, complemented by off-white parasols for shade and Spanish fans placed on the chairs. The aisle was lined with white flowers on either side, leading to a floral structure at the top of the staircase.

Reception Décor

The reception began with cocktail hour held in an outdoor courtyard adjacent to a putting green. For entertainment, we provided custom golf balls bearing the inscription “Walker for the Win”.

For our seating arrangement, we utilized a custom wall to hold hand-painted tiles crafted in Spain. As the guests found their designated seats, we made our entrance to Post Malone’s “Congratulations”. This was followed by our first dance to the live rendition of “Say a Little Prayer,” skillfully performed by a local vocalist. The reception dinner layout featured two elongated tables decorated with a neutral colored table setting, graced by white florals in low vases running along the length of each table. Given the al fresco nature of our dinner, we wanted to craft an atmosphere of romance so we opted for hanging chandeliers adorned with cascading greenery to enhance the overall ambiance.

The festivities began with a saxophonist leading us to a champagne tower and then guiding us indoors to the heart of the party. The event space was decorated with abundant greenery and an LED DJ set. This transformed the space into a lush club exuding a tropical vibe that encouraged us to dance the night away.

“Honoring the beauty of the venues, we wanted to amplify their charm and craft an ambiance that seamlessly intertwined with our celebration.”

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Talia Bell Events was our wonderful wedding planner and stylist. We teamed up with Talia and Aina Riera Pomar a year before the big day and knew immediately our visions aligned. They assisted in arranging three days of events for our guests, kicking off with a welcome party, followed by a beach day, and culminating in the wedding itself. We had lots of discussions about the look and vibe we wanted for our wedding and were so happy they brought our vision to reality, exactly as we’d hoped.

Flowers

Our flower arrangements consisted of a mix of 3-4 different white blooms and greenery. Each element brought its own distinct texture and height to the display. When I discussed the florals with our vendor, Little Sister, I emphasized my desire for flowers that felt organic, light, and had a sense of motion. I aimed for them to seamlessly blend with the venue and look as if they were dancing in the breeze.

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Stationery

We sent out virtual Save the Dates, offering guests a convenient way to access our wedding website for the latest updates about our destination wedding. The wedding invitation consisted of a main invitation and a detail card, presented on textured deckled paper, adorned with delicate twine and dried baby’s breath. Our ceremony and reception stationery adhered to a similar style, maintaining an organic allure throughout.

Food & Beverages

We enlisted Michelin Starred chef Marc Fosh for our wedding day catering and cocktails. Following the ceremony, an aperitif awaited, featuring refreshing white sangria and delectable finger foods. The dinner was a seated 3-course meal tailored to our preferences. Our selections included burrata, a choice between truffle ravioli or filet mignon, and a 3 layer chocolate cake with passion fruit sorbet.

Before hitting the dance floor, espresso shots were passed around, revving up everyone’s energy. The open bar boasted three signature cocktails which included a Spicy Margarita, a Ginger Mule, and the local favorite, Mojito Mallorquina. For a late-night treat, we presented mini hamburgers which are a personal favorite of mine. This ensured everyone had a satisfying close to the festivities.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

I wore a ball gown designed by Leah Da Gloria. The upper part of the gown showcased vintage-style lace, hand-beaded pearls, and sparkling crystals. The embellishments elegantly cascaded down the skirt in an effortless manner. The gown’s romantic sweetheart neckline nicely complemented the dresses bold regal presence. I chose to wear cream satin pumps by Magda Butrym, featuring sleek pointed toes embellished with crystal-encrusted brooches.

When the time came for the celebration to kick into high gear, I transitioned into a custom-designed dress by The LG Project. This second dress featured a corset-style top made in nude tulle and crystal fabric.

Bridesmaid dresses

My maid of honor is the proud owner of several clothing boutiques in Miami, with close collaborations with various brands. From her boutique, Studio LX, we carefully selected dresses that were both breathable and gracefully flowing. The dresses, designed by Zimmerman and For Love & Lemons, were chosen to embody these qualities perfectly.

Flowergirls Outfits

The flower girl’s attire was a timeless creation by Susanne Lively. The dress featured a sheer neckline and a delicate bow detail, adding just the right amount of elegant simplicity.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

My engagement ring is an oval diamond set on a platinum band with a hidden halo of diamonds. As my wedding ring, I chose an eternity band with oval diamonds. Justin’s wedding ring is a yellow gold band with a beveled edge and brushed finish for an elegant but masculine look.

Hair & Makeup

I worked with Ala Scibiorek to create beautiful hair and makeup looks that made me feel like an elevated version of myself. For the ceremony, we opted for a low bun hairstyle with a sleek side part. As the reception unfolded, we let my hair flow freely in uniform waves, elegantly tucking the front strands behind my ears. To enhance my features, we opted for natural and radiant makeup with hues of brown and pink.

Groom’s Attire

Justin wore a black 6-button front double breasted tuxedo with peak lapels in in wool silk linen, french cuff tuxedo shirt, wool silk linen tuxedo pants, black velvet tuxedo loafers, and a black grosgrain bow tie. Justin wanted a timeless style with a contemporary update and lightweight feel for our summer wedding. The groomsmen wore a classic black one-button tuxedo with peak lapels, french cuff tuxedo shirt, black patent tuxedo loafers, and black satin bow ties.

“Given the al fresco nature of our dinner, we wanted to craft an atmosphere of romance so we opted for hanging chandeliers adorned with cascading greenery to enhance the overall ambiance.”

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The Details

Honeymoon

With the assistance of Jacada Travel, we crafted our honeymoon journey to Morocco. Our first destination was Marrakech, where we spent four nights split between the luxurious hotels of La Mamounia and Amanjena. We visited the vibrant medina, the Yves Saint Laurent museum and its picturesque Jardin, embarked on a sidecar tour, played a round of golf, savored a wine tasting, and relaxed during spa treatments.

From there, we ventured into the Agafay desert, spending a night at the welcoming Inara Camp. Our time in the desert was an exhilarating adventure, filled with quad biking and a sunset camel ride.

Finally, we headed to the High Atlas Mountains for three nights, where the Kasbah Tamadot welcomed us. Here, we immersed ourselves in local culture with hikes to nearby towns, partook in a cooking class, and truly allowed ourselves to unwind. Our honeymoon was filled with unforgettable experiences and adventures, forever in our memories.

Gift registry

Recognizing the value of our guests’ time and their efforts to be a part of our wedding in Mallorca, we kindly requested that gifts be omitted. However, if they felt compelled to give, we suggested contributions towards our cherished honeymoon would be most appreciated.

Wedding Songs

Ceremony Song: “La Vie En Rose” by Panela Production – Live Harp and Cello

First Dance Song: “Say a Little Prayer” by Panela Production – Live by Angela Vocalist

Entertainment

Panela Production orchestrated our event and seamlessly united talented local artists. During the ceremony, the captivating melodies of a Harp and Cello graced the atmosphere. As cocktail hour unfolded, an incredible female vocalist and skilled Spanish guitarist delivered soulful R&B tunes. They also gifted us with a live rendition of our first dance song. To get the party started, DJ Paco Colombas took over, playing a mix of house with vocals, hip hop, and reggaeton that had everyone on their feet.

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Our Advice

A memorable moment…

Turning the corner of the church and walking down the aisle to Justin is a moment I will never forget.

If I could five other couples one piece of advice…

Consider having a pre-wedding event with all your guests before the main celebration. This gives you a chance to connect and spend quality time with everyone. Doing so can alleviate some pressure on your wedding day and allow you to fully enjoy each moment of your big day with your partner.

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