Hacienda San Jose | Mijas | The Love Story of Emily and James

September 7, 2023

The Hacienda San Jose was the venue where Emily and James celebrated their wedding surrounded by family and friends in Spain

5th AUGUST 2023

From – Devon, England

Wedding Planner – Marian Herrero Pino – Your Weddings in Spain

Cake Maker – Tartas Y Cupcakes Alicia

Hair – Nora hair and beauty and Make-up Eva – Egabriella.makeup

Flowers-Shona Stevenson.

Decor – Bride | Hacienda San Jose | The Balloon man Spain.

Dress Boutique and Dress Designer – Champagne and Charlotte – Enzonia wedding dress

Bridesmaid´s Dress – Silk Fred – Keeva dress

How did you choose your venue

When James proposed to me we knew we wanted to get married in Mijas, Spain. Straight away I started researching online and it was the first wedding Villa I found and I fell in love. All of a sudden Covid happened so all of our plans got put back and we had our beautiful little girl Bella. When we were finally able to travel again (18 months later) we booked to go out to Spain and finally meet our wedding planner Marian. Again I had found her 12 months prior during covid. She took us to see 3 Villas (One being Hacienda San Jose) and we instantly fell in love. The other villas very very modern and big but for us the Hacienda felt special. Each room was the different, the villa felt Spanish and the grounds were amazing. It was just exactly what we wanted.

Decor

Emily did alot of the decor herself. She really enjoys anything to do with party planning and also crafts, Therefore they ended up bringing 5 suitcases with them in order to get all of the stuff emily had made over to Spain.

GROOM´S OUTFIT

James has always been into fashion and likes anything skinny fit!! Before becoming a tiler he was a car salesman so wore suits everyday. He knew the style he liked and we went from there.

THE DRESS

I found my dress in the most beautiful boutique called Champagne and Charlotte. I went with my Mum, Best friend/Maid of Honour and Auntie. From the minute we arrived Charlene was amazing, greeted us with a glass of prosecco and told us to go around and pick any dresses that I fancied trying on. I picked 6 in total in a variety of different styles, I even made Charlene get the dress off of the mannequin in the window to try!! After trying on all 6 dresses she asked me to condense down to 3 dresses that we would then try on again. I put the first dress on and opened the curtains. Everyone cried (along with me) and said that is the one. I told Charlene I didn’t want to try any of the other dresses on as I just knew that I felt amazing in it. When I took the dress off Charlene went through with me the designer of the dress and the name of the dress. The name of the dress was called ‘Riley’ this made it even more special to me as one of my flower girls and god daughter was called Riley-Grace. When you find your dress, you just know!!

How did you two meet?

We met back in 20008 when Emily was in sixth form. James mum Marion worked at the sixth form and he came in to see her one day. James and Emily’s paths crossed in reception and eyes locked. James then found Emily on Facebook and began messaging her. In 2009 Emily went off to University and James was still messaging her, at the same time as this he also made a special appearance on ‘Take me out’. Years passed and in 2014 James and Emily got back in contact where more messages were sent and a few dates were had . In January 2015 James took Emily out for dinner and asked her out. The rest was history!

How would you describe your overall wedding experience?

Cliche, but one of the best days of our lives (joint with having our beautiful little girl) The whole process was so seamless which was massively down to our amazing wedding planner Marian who simply went above and beyond for us. I absolutely loved wedding planning and am even considering it as a possible career!

How did he pop the question?

The plan was for James to propose on Dartmoor on New Years Eve, we went up there for a walk with friends and some lunch. The whole time James had the ring in his pocket but couldn’t get hold of my Dad to ask him. Unfortunately this continued and he still couldn’t get hold of him so we made our way home. That night we were hosting a NYE party for a couple of friends. It was about 5pm and I was just about to get in the shower, I was stood in the en-suit taking my make up off in my bra and pants turned round and James was on the floor. I thought he was messing around so I told him to get up and to stop being so silly!! It was then I noticed the ring and was in complete and utter shock!! Of course I said Yes!

What was your favourite moments from the wedding?

Everything! We enjoyed every moment!

What advice would you offer other couples planning a destination wedding?

Do it!! It was amazing and everyone that wants to be at your wedding will be at your wedding!

How was working with your planner

To be honest Marian is such a close friend now, she wasn’t just a wedding planner. She would always check in and the first thing she would ask about was Bella. She would reply to messages straight away and was truly the one that made our wedding run so smoothly. Her knowledge and expertise was simply perfect. I couldn’t recommend Marian enough and for all she did for us we are truly thankful and grateful for all she did for us.

How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day?

Amazing! So many people said to me that they are the best photographers ever. Both Rebecca and Noah made us feel so at ease and they added so much fun to taking the photos and catching the perfect moments. They were great with the kids, especially my little Bella! I love that she wanted to get so many natural shots and sometimes I didn’t even know she was there taking photos. Honestly the most lovely lady and her lovely son. Thank you so much!