Under the sun-soaked skies of Spain, Alejandra and Carlos celebrated their love in a wedding that perfectly reflected their personalities and shared passions. Surrounded by family and friends, the couple embraced the essence of a Mediterranean summer, choosing a private estate, La Fredad. Captured beautifully by Diego de Rando, the atmosphere was intimate yet vibrant, combining elegance with youthful energy, where every detail spoke of their journey together.
Location: Javea, Valencia, Spain
Style: Elegant, colorful, mediterranean
Time of planning: 12 months
Number of guests: 100
Setting: Estate
Season: Summer
Alejandra and Carlos’s journey began during a serendipitous trip with friends, where fate brought them together. Carlos, with his confident charm, had already decided that Alejandra was “his girlfriend, she just didn’t know it yet.”
Despite their young ages, they took a leap of faith. They chose to be together, moving in with one another in Madrid as they pursued their dreams — Alejandra in university and Carlos in his master’s studies. Over the years, they built a life side by side, from starting businesses together to supporting each other through their personal growth.
Their bond grew over seven years, culminating in a memorable proposal on the island of Formentera. Carlos chose the perfect moment, proposing at sunset, surpassing all of Alejandra’s dreams. For them, this wedding was a celebration of love and the beginning of a shared journey rooted in deep values and commitment.
"Although I had imagined that moment many, many times, it completely exceeded my expectations."
Bridal Morning
Alejandra began her special day with moments of reflection and excitement. As the first of her friends to get married at 24, she dreamed of a dress that would capture her essence — a unique gown showcasing her strong personality. “You have to know yourself to know how to discard what does not suit you,” advised the bride.
After much searching, she chose a Rosa Clara spectacular creation, a piece tailored to her spirit. The gown featured a halter neck, a low-cut back, and a skirt with voluminous layers, embodying classic and modern elements.
Her look was completed with a veil that added an exquisite touch, featuring delicate lace around the edges to frame her shoulders during the ceremony. Her shoes were a stunning collaboration Martinelli x Jorge Redondo. “They had to be very high (around 12cm) but also very comfortable,” shared the bride.
“Regarding the jewelry, I always knew, even before choosing the dress, that I wanted to wear classic earrings with emeralds, and it was the only piece of jewelry apart from the engagement ring that I wore that day,” recalled the bride. The bouquet by Naturplant was a vibrant mix of bright pink peonies, delicate chamomile flowers, mini gerberas, and sprigs of greenery, adding a touch of playfulness and color that symbolized her love for nature.
Alejandra opted for natural makeup by Art en tall, allowing her freckles and glowing skin to shine and styled her hair in a sophisticated updo. The final touch was a spritz of “Hombre Nomade” by Louis Vuitton, a favorite fragrance with special meaning for the couple.
Groom's Fashion
Carlos’s attire was equally classic, opting for a custom-made “chaqué” — a traditional morning suit often reserved for formal daytime events. Characterized by its long, tailcoat-style jacket with rounded edges at the back, paired with a waistcoat and striped trousers, the chaqué combined sophistication with comfort. The refined cut and quality fabric made it ideal for a warm day.
Tailored in Madrid, the suit was completed with a Louis Vuitton tie, Montblanc cufflinks, and a Hublot watch. Adding a personal touch, Carlos’s shirt cuff featured an embroidered inscription of bride’s name. Each element was thoughtfully selected, showcasing a refined elegance that celebrated the significance of the day.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in La Fredad’s lush gardens, framed by the charming 19th-century terracotta-colored villa. A beautiful and unique venue that only celebrates a few weddings a year. The couple chose a religious ceremony officiated by a priest with whom they had built a strong connection over the past few months. The setting was intimate, with guests seated among the trees, creating a natural and serene backdrop.
"It had to be a morning wedding, at the begging of the summer so that we could enjoy the longest and most beautiful days of the year."
As Alejandra walked down the flower-lined aisle with her father, Carlos could hardly contain his emotion. The heartfelt vows and the priest’s meaningful words brought tears to everyone’s eyes, wrapping the gathering in an atmosphere filled with love and reverence.
“When we were sitting in front of the priest, with all the guests behind us, I remember how Carlos looked at me, how we both focused on his words and felt them so deeply,” Alejandra shared. It was a moment of profound connection that captured the essence of their commitment in the presence of their loved ones.
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests moved to a cozy area by a small lake for the cocktail hour, where they enjoyed the day filled with delicious bites and paella by Cocotte, a well-regarded Valencia-based caterer. The live saxophonist played hits from the 80s and 90s, adding a lively and nostalgic ambiance. This time allowed everyone to relax, mingle, and savor the beauty of the surroundings.
Private Moment
Before joining the guests, Alejandra and Carlos took a moment to wander around the estate together, enjoying the beauty of their wedding day. This private time allowed them to reflect on their journey, capturing a few quiet moments for themselves. Surrounded by the tranquil elegance of the estate, they shared intimate glances and laughter, feeling the significance of the day settle in. A magical pause deepened their connection amidst the whirlwind of celebration.
Their talented photographer, Diego de Rando, followed them during this peaceful walk, blending into the background to capture these natural, heartfelt moments without intrusion. Through each shot, he skillfully captured the grandeur of the surroundings and the profound connection between Alejandra and Carlos, creating a visual story that they would cherish for years to come.
Decor & Setting
For the lunch, Alejandra’s keen eye for design transformed the pine forest area into a sophisticated dining space. She arranged a single, winding table draped in white tablecloths, complemented by black iron chairs, creating a striking contrast against the natural surroundings.
The table was adorned with vibrant flowers and fresh citrus fruits scattered along the center, bringing a Mediterranean flair. Peonies, chosen for their elegance, served as the primary floral focus. At the same time, mini gerberas and fruit added playful splashes of color.
"Flowers is a subject that fascinates me. Ever since we met La Fredad, I realized that it was a “green canvas,” full of nature, with a spectacular pine forest all around, my challenge was adding the necessary touches to create an elegant, fun and colorful atmosphere."
Bright candleholders turned the space into an enchanting, romantic setting. As a unique gesture, cigars were offered to the male guests, while women received hand-painted fans as souvenirs, adding a delightful and thoughtful touch. “I was very keen on not following the trends in any case, I think a wedding must be a reflection of yourself, your relationship, your values, your love,” shared bride.
Wedding Lunch
Guests were led to the reception area with the sounds of “Gimme Gimme” by ABBA, setting a lively and joyous tone for the celebration. Diego de Rando captured the vibrant energy of the day with vivid, lively shots that brought every moment to life. The day continued with heartfelt speeches from family and friends, including a touching moment when the couple gifted smaller versions of Alejandra’s bouquet to the women in their families, a gesture that brought many to tears.
“I didn’t want to miss out on the ‘cake moment,’ and my husband didn’t want it at all, so we made something in between and agreed to a little cake and a much simpler exhibition,” shared Alejandra. The cake was a light, layered creation with a rustic elegance adorned with fresh raspberries.
Alongside, a beautifully arranged dessert table offered an array of sweets and candies decorated with fresh flowers and colorful ceramics, adding a playful and vibrant touch to the reception.
The newlyweds shared their first dance to “Cosa más bella que tú” by Eros Ramazzotti, a song that holds a special place in their hearts.
Later, the atmosphere grew even more festive, with Carlos’s friends lifting him high to celebrate to the tune of “El novio de la muerte.” Even Alejandra’s grandmother joined in the spirited festivities, her joyful presence adding a memorable touch to an already unforgettable day.
"But the whole day was magical, you could breath magic, seeing the happiness that all the guests showed; they are very aware of our immense love from the first day, seeing that we finally fulfilled our dream, creating our family."
Advice from the couple:
• It may sound cliché, but our best advice is that they enjoy the process. I remember every weekend we spent organizing it, just the two of us, with all the love and dedication possible.
• Another important thing is zero commitments, being able to be yourself in all your splendor, and enjoying each person. Having an intimate wedding has been, from our point of view, the greatest of our choices.
• Lastly, taking care and thinking about every detail, to create magic on that day, you have to take into account every little thing.
PHOTOGRAPHER Diego de Rando Studio | BRIDE Ale Santos de Felipe | VENUE La Fredad | FLORALS Naturplant | MUAH Artentall | DRESS Rosa Clara Atelier | SHOES Martinelli x Jorge Redondo | CATERING Cocotte
