Choosing Barcelona for their elopement, Nadina and Nem immersed themselves in the city’s undeniable romance, letting its charm weave seamlessly into their love story. Their day wasn’t about tradition or expectations—it was about togetherness, about wandering hand in hand through sun-drenched streets, and about making a promise against the backdrop of a breathtaking skyline. It was a day that flowed effortlessly, like a beautifully unscripted film—slow mornings in their hotel suite, spontaneous bursts of laughter in the city, and a heartfelt ceremony bathed in golden light.
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Style: Urban, Glam, Vintage
Time of planning: 10 months
Number of guests: 2
Setting: City Streets
Season: Summer
Nem and Nadina’s love story began in Toronto, where they met through a mutual friend and quickly became inseparable. Over the years, their relationship flourished, leading to a heartfelt proposal in Hamilton, Nem’s hometown, during a scenic hike. While both come from Eastern European backgrounds, they chose to take a less traditional route for their wedding, splitting their celebration into two parts. A joyful party in Toronto with family and friends was followed by a deeply personal elopement in Spain—just the two of them, in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Vision Behind the Celebration
For their elopement, the couple had a clear vision: an effortless, intimate day embraced in Barcelona’s charm. The bride drew inspiration from timeless city wedding photography—black-and-white imagery, motion blur, and candid moments that captured the day as it unfolded naturally. They didn’t want structured poses or rigid timelines; instead, they envisioned a free-flowing day that reflected their personalities.
With this in mind, Nayara Prats Sáez from Couco Nay stepped in to refine the details. Taking inspiration from Barcelona’s architectural beauty, she planned a seamless experience, balancing spontaneity with subtle, elegant touches. The couple wanted a wedding day that didn’t feel orchestrated but instead felt like a romantic adventure through the city, culminating in an intimate sunset ceremony.
Inspiration & Location
Barcelona provided the perfect backdrop for their elopement. From the opulent details of their hotel suite at Hotel Casa Fuster to the golden-hour glow over Mount Tibidabo, every location told a story. The couple wandered through the city’s historic streets, embracing the dynamic energy of Barcelona and marveling at the incredible, unique architecture of Gaudí. Their ceremony took place on a secluded hill with a panoramic view, overlooking the Sagrada Familia, the sea, and the city’s skyline.
"It was a very relaxing, slow-paced day."
Bridal Morning
Nadina and Nem started their wedding morning together, embracing the relaxed atmosphere of an intimate elopement. Instead of the traditional separation before the ceremony, they got ready side by side in their suite. The morning was unhurried, with moments of laughter and quiet anticipation.
The bride chose a sleek, custom-designed gown, featuring detachable organza sleeves and a Spanish Mantilla-style veil. Her hair was styled in an elegant low bun, paired with radiant, glowing makeup by Teresa Snowball. To complete her bridal look, she chose pearl-adorned mules—comfortable and undeniably chic.
The couple kept their aesthetic simple—classic yet modern. Their floral choices mirrored this approach. Go Floral created a minimalist yet sophisticated bouquet, featuring white orchids, anthuriums, and calla lilies. Designed to be lightweight and easy to carry throughout the city, it complemented the bride’s effortless look.
Nem’s wedding look reflected his modern, relaxed approach to the day. He wore a cream-colored double-breasted suit with a unique textured fabric, paired with brown leather loafers. Skipping a tie or bow tie, he went for a relaxed yet refined look that perfectly suited the urban charm of the day.
Step by Step
One of the most beautiful aspects of their elopement was how seamlessly the city became a part of their love story. Nadina and Nem strolled through Passeig de Gràcia, hand in hand, with the city’s vibrant energy surrounding them. Their photographer, Andre Gouin, captured every spontaneous moment—playful twirls, quiet embraces, and the couple’s joy as they took in the stunning cityscape.
From hidden alleyways to grand architectural landmarks, their love story unfolded naturally. The streets of Barcelona became their venue, making for timeless and editorial-style imagery.
Intimate Ceremony
As the sun began to set, the couple made their way to their ceremony spot—a breathtaking viewpoint in the Mount Tibidabo region. The secluded hill provided a sweeping view of the city, combining nature with Barcelona’s urban skyline. Couco Nay curated the ceremony setting with thoughtful details, integrating the surrounding landscape into the decor.
She used soft velvet fabrics, natural floral touches, and different heights to create depth. The space felt intimate, enhancing the natural beauty without overpowering it.
Their officiant brought a warm, personal touch to the ceremony. Without a strict script or formal traditions, the couple exchanged vows straight from the heart, making the moment deeply emotional and truly their own.
"As a couple who loves a quiet, meaningful celebration, spending the day at our own pace, just the two of us, while forming new friendships with our planner and photographer, felt absolutely perfect."
Champagne, Cake & Sparklers
After sharing a kiss, the couple soaked in the moment, relishing every second of their day. A small wedding cake and a bottle of champagne were set up for them, a simple yet thoughtful touch that made the moment even sweeter. Sipping bubbly and lighting sparklers, they took in the shimmering city skyline. A perfect, glowing finale to a day filled with love and adventure.
"There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate your love. Do what feels right for you—because that’s what makes the day truly unforgettable."
PHOTOGRAPHER Andre Gouin | PLANNER & DESIGN Couco Nay | VENUE Hotel Casa Fuster, Mount Tibidabo | FLORALS Diana from Go Floral | MUAH Teresa Snowball
