Set against the golden glow of the Ibizan countryside, Soraya and Jonny’s wedding was a dazzling blend of black-tie elegance and island soul. From an intimate forest ceremony, rich with personal touches and cultural traditions, to a poolside cocktail hour shimmering with lemons, bubbles, and sequins, every detail was thoughtfully curated. With disco balls spinning under twinkling lights and a packed dance floor, the wedding celebration was a true fusion of love and unforgettable style.
Location: Ibiza, Spain
Style: Elegant, classic, romantic
Time of planning: 16 months
Number of guests: 88
Setting: Ceremony – forest, cocktail hour – poolside, reception – olive grove
Season: Fall
Jonny and Soraya met at 17 and grew close at university, especially after Soraya broke her ankle and Jonny stepped in as her everyday hero. They spent three years together before going their separate ways, Soraya travelled, Jonny built his career. Four years later, they found their way back to each other and have been together ever since. Jonny proposed during a sunset cruise in Rhodes, after many sneaky ring checks, and Soraya said yes.
Welcome Dinner
The celebration kicked off with a warm and lively welcome dinner on the shores of Ibiza. As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests gathered at a beautifully styled venue overlooking the sea, sipping cocktails and enjoying the laid-back island vibes. Upbeat music played in the background, setting the perfect tone for the evening. It was the perfect moment for Jonny and Soraya to meet and reconnect with their beloved guests.
The couple looked radiant, Soraya turned heads in a sparkling red gown, while Jonny kept it cool and classic in a white shirt with colourful accents. Laughter, hugs, and the hum of conversation filled the air as friends and family settled into the magical rhythm of the wedding ahead.
Wedding Day
Bride's Fashion
Soraya looked every bit the vision she had dreamed of. Her gown by Galia Lahav, was the very first she tried on at Browns Bride London. Paired with a matching bolero, the look was daring, detailed, and beautifully bold. “I fell in love with the dress and Bolero as I had not seen anything else like it,” the bride recalls, and it showed. Every detail, from the structured silhouette to the soft shimmer, felt like it had been made just for her.
She completed the look with a veil, specially customised with delicate crystals, sparkling heart-shaped earrings, and slipped into glamorous Versace platforms that were ready for the dance floor. Fayne Browne Hair styled the bride’s hair in a low, loose bun, keeping the look effortlessly chic, while Lauren Buckley kept the makeup natural, adding a soft glow with an emphasis on the eyes. Soraya carried a classic bouquet of white roses and wore her favourite Diptyque fragrance.
Groom's Look
Jonny looked timeless in a classic tuxedo from Browns, paired with sleek Gucci shoes. A single white rose boutonniere adorned his lapel, a simple and elegant detail that echoed Soraya’s bouquet. His engraved Cartier cufflinks, gifted by his new mother-in-law, were a deeply personal touch, tucked close as he stepped into one of the most meaningful days of his life.
First Look
The couple’s first look was a beautifully intimate moment, just the two of them, away from the buzz of the day. As soon as their eyes met, the nerves melted away, replaced by laughter. Every glance and every emotion was captured with style by their Marnosuite, whose artistry with light and movement brought the moment to life.
Throughout the days of celebration, the photographer created a captivating visual story with the couple at its heart. With an exceptional eye for detail, no meaningful moment or beautiful interaction went unnoticed, every frame was filled with warmth and intention.
Ceremony
Guests were welcomed by a serene aisle lined with candles and delicate white blooms, leading to a breathtaking floral arch by Aurea Floral Studio bursting with roses and wild greenery, seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings. Wooden benches topped with cushions added a touch of rustic charm, while the olive trees beyond created an intimate atmosphere.
The ceremony began with Soraya walking down the aisle alone to Adele’s ‘When We Were Young’. Officiated by Soraya’s cousin, the ceremony wove in beautiful elements of Soraya’s Iranian heritage, including the traditional sharing of honey, symbolising a sweet life together. The couple’s wedding rings were passed through the hands of their guests, each offering a blessing before the emotional exchange. Soraya’s bridesmaid performed an original poem she had written especially for the couple, adding a heartfelt, poetic touch.
Candles lined the aisle, their soft glow flickering as sage from the island was burned to honour the element of fire. Guests blew bubbles into the air, a joyful gesture to represent wind and water, completing the set of elements. Every detail felt meaningful and intentional, creating a ceremony that was not only visually stunning, but deeply rooted in culture and connection.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests gathered around the serene poolside of the Ca Na Xica hotel for a sun-soaked cocktail hour, surrounded by olive trees, towering cypress, and glimmering reflections from oversized bubbles floating on the water. Ibossim Flamenco Ibiza set the mood with soft, soulful melodies, while guests sipped on Palomas, the signature cocktail of the day.
Chilled champagne and small bites were served as guests mingled under the Mediterranean sky. Thoughtful details like mini disco balls and a guestbook station invited guests to leave a personal note. It was a joyful pause in the day with laughter, music, and the laid-back magic only Ibiza can bring.
Reception
The decor was inspired by Old Hollywood elegance, as the overall look embraced a black-tie theme with a twist, not just black dresses, but also sequins and sparkle. With the help of the wedding planner Ibiza Wedding and the styling by Velvet Circus Ibiza the natural beauty of Ibiza was enhanced with a cinematic flair. Tables were dressed in soft linens and overflowing with green foliage, olive leaves, crisp white roses, and pops of yellow florals to echo the lemon-and-disco-ball motif. Lemons were tucked between glassware and greenery, and candles added a romantic glow.
Soraya and Jonny made their grand entrance to a wave of cheers, the energy electric beneath strings of glowing lights and a canopy of olive trees. Every detail of the reception was full of personality and purpose, from the lemon-and-foliage-filled tables to the dazzling band who took the stage in sequin-studded suits and mirrorball dresses, keeping the vibe alive.
A highlight of the evening was Soraya’s unforgettable speech, turned into an interactive game. Every guest stood as she shared a story or fun fact about them, one by one. Laughter echoed across the tables as seats slowly emptied, until just one person remained standing, the groom.
Exquisite dinner by Ca Na Xica was served beneath the twinkling lights. The atmosphere was electric from the very start, as the band kept the energy high by performing between courses, getting guests on their feet long before dessert. Then came the first dance, an unexpected showstopper. The couple took to the floor for an acoustic rendition of Chase & Status’ ‘Mixed Emotions’, performing a stunning ballroom routine that took everyone by surprise.
As the final note of the couple’s choreography lingered in the air, the dance floor instantly filled, and from that moment on, not a single guest sat down. The celebration surged into the night, full of music by the DJ Parris Taylor, movement, and the kind of magic that happens when love and good rhythm come together under the stars.
Advice from the couple:
• Don’t overthink it. Have a wedding that suits your personalities and interests and your guests will enjoy it.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Marnosuite & Megan San Andres | VIDEOGRAPHER A&Y Video | PLANNER Ibiza Wedding | STYLING Velvet Circus Ibiza | VENUE Ca Na Xica | FLORALS Aurea Floral Studio | MAKEUP Lauren Buckley | HAIR Fayne Browne Hair | DRESS Galia Lahav & Browns Bride London | SHOES Versace | PERFUME Diptyque | SUIT Browns | SHOES Gucci | CUFFLINKS Cartier | BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Badgley Mischka & Marchesa | SEAMSTRESS The Seamstress Ibiza | CATERING & BAR Ca Na Xica | BAND Ibossim Flamenco Ibiza & I Cant If You Can’t | DJ Parris Taylor | RENTALS Velvet Circus Ibiza | LIGHTING 3Dlight
