by Carly Marie

The Venue

Last summer I had the pure joy of writing and delivering a stunning, seaside wedding at Cotton Beach Club.

Wedding at Cotton Beach Club, Ibiza. Photo by Studio by Ana Lui

Nestled atop a cliff overlooking the shimmering turquoise waters of Cala Tarida on Ibiza's south coast, the uber-cool Cotton is a wedding destination dreams are made of. Its whitewashed wooden structure, spectacular views, chilled yet chic beach vibe and Insta worthy food and cocktails make it a go-to destination for couples from all over the world.

So, when Cotton Beach Club's awesome event planner Alexandra got in touch to say she had a couple flying in from Australia to get married who were looking for a celebrant, I jumped at the chance!

And I’m SO glad I did….

Aussie business owner Nigel and Japanese yoga instructor and wellness coach Yukari were a DREAM.

Laid back, fun and totally in love.

And, as you will see from the photos by Studio by Ana Lui, absolutely gorgeous!

The Ceremony Script

Nigel and Yukari opted for our Classic Ceremony script, which I personalised for them by telling key parts of their love story, adding a peppering of humour and they chose to have their best man read a passage from Corinthians as they wanted a nod to their Christian faith in there.

Just to dispel a very common myth: choosing a celebrant led wedding ceremony does not mean you cannot have any references to your faith… In fact, it means you can throw in a pot potpourri of readings or rituals from various faiths if you want to.

Essentially, a celebrant led wedding is about doing YOUR day YOUR way… But that's a whole other blog - or five!

Reading - Corinthians 13:4-8 New International Version

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

They also added their own choices of music and vows and chose to have their baby son - adorable in a little Tom Ford suit - as ring bearer!

The Decor

The ceremony was visually spectacular. The iconic Ibiza white of Cotton Beach Club itself was carried through the entire colour scheme.

From the men's jackets, to the beautiful florals and decor by Floristería Clivia, linens, chair backs, aisle and even the cake by talented island baker Sharon Edwards of The Cupcake Collection - fresh white reigned supreme.

The bridesmaids were in shades of green, again reflected in the florals, decor and cake accessories, and the radiantly beautiful bride herself wowed in not one, but two pristine white gowns. She wore a breathtaking strapless lace number with a train for the ceremony and a sleek and sassy off the shoulder number for the after party.

The Wedding Party

The thing about their wedding which sticks in my mind most though, is the palpable love and support from the friends and family they had with them. Flying in from Hong Kong and Australia to be there, the guests were fully engaged with every bit of the ceremony.

Both Nigel and Yukari came with full smiling squads of best friends as bridesmaids and groomsmen and chose to have them flanking the altar throughout the ceremony. Not only did this look fantastic and give a true sense of support and love, it made for plenty of nerve settling banter at the front while Nigel awaited his love.

Also, as I was stationed next to the dashing Aussie groomsmen, it made me feel like a bit like a celeb with bodyguards - which I didn’t mind one bit!

Of course, I too dressed in white, with turquoise and green accents to complement their venue and colour scheme… nothing is ever too much for my couples! ;)

As the ceremony came to a close, the music faded in and the cheers, woops and applause began as Yukari and Nigel made their procession up the aisle as husband and wife. Followed by glasses of cava for all and plenty of emotional, celebratory hugs!

Whilst all of their family and friends celebrated the newlyweds, Yukari and Nigel snuck off down to the beach for some moments alone and to get some photos before the sun set.

Meanwhile, Alexandra (the events planner at Cotton Beach Club) and the team transformed the ceremony set up into the dining area, where everyone sat down together as dusk set in for dinner and speeches, before the party really kicked off!