It's been a few months since our last blog, but that's because we've spent the summer celebrating love.
La Cazalla has been privileged to host three affirmations of love during the last month, beginning with Elke and Benjamin's celebration of their marriage, Melanie and Oscar's wedding, and finally B’s surprise ‘Do you know how much I love you?’ day for husband Ceri.
There's nothing you can do that can't be done
Elke and Benjamin chose La Cazalla as the perfect setting to celebrate their marriage with their friends and family, and organised themselves a beautiful, laid-back party that lasted an entire day. The couple started their special day standing in our ancient era de trigo (wheat threshing circle) with an affirmation of their vows to each other.
Benjamin drove Elke from the house to the era in Lisa's fabulously-restored Fiat 500, decked out in bows, and they stood before their gathered loved ones to repeat their vows in front of the breathtaking backdrop of the Tajo del Abanico. From there they moved to the olive garden and terraces to enjoy drinks and canapes, before dining on the lawn beside the swimming pool.
The table looked stunning, with glassware glinting in the sunshine, and we loved Elke and Benjamin’s idea for lighting the area. Once everyone had enjoyed a delicious meal together, it was time for some dancing on the terrace with a specially-selected and highly-popular set provided by an excellent DJ. It was a fabulous party, with the guests' enjoyment evidenced by their endless smiles and dancing until 4 am.
Elke and Benjamin arrived several days before their special celebration and afterwards were able to enjoy the remainder of their stay without a thing to do (except immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquillity of the valley, that is).
We were thoroughly impressed by Elke and Benjamin’s wonderfully-creative ideas and use of our space, which led to a relaxed, happy event that no-one will forget. A huge thank you for sharing these beautiful photographs with us!
No one you can save that can't be saved
Melanie and Oscar fell in love with La Cazalla's era when they visited the property one year before. An era (or threshing circle) is an ancient circle of laid stones originally used for threshing wheat - the process of beating the grain to loosen the edible part from the husks. Many visitors to La Cazalla say that they feel a sense of magic when they stand there. This completely charming couple are about to embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, and chose to begin their year of travel and exploration by getting married in their dream location in Andalusia.
Unbelievably, it actually rained on the day of Melanie and Oscar's wedding (it never rains in summer!), but their plans were swiftly reorganised so that they could be married inside the house. As we were all really sad that their special event couldn't take place within their chosen location, on the last day of their stay at La Cazalla, we prepared the threshing circle for a special additional celebration, again using our cute car as a wedding carriage. We think it was worth the extra effort, based upon the looks on their faces.
Nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you in time
Our final celebration of love this summer has been with Belinda and Ceri. The couple have been married for many years and Belinda chose La Cazalla as the perfect heavenly location for her to re-declare the strength of her love for husband Ceri. Belinda worked with us to make all of the arrangements in secret, as she wished to surprise Ceri on the day.
The couple stayed at La Cazalla for two weeks and during this time three different groups of friends came and went, each enjoying a part of the celebration, including meals, such as Spanish favourites paella and parillada, prepared by our in-house team.
On the chosen day itself, friends and family joined the couple at our magical threshing circle to honour their love, accompanied by a flamenco guitarist. Bubbles and canapes were enjoyed by all in the afternoon sunshine, with the local stags singing along to the gentle guitar music.
The party continued to the terrace where everyone was entertained by a passionate flamenco display and a gorgeous meal courtesy of La Cazalla's private chef Martin Abramzon. The final surprise was the appearance of a live guitar duo who serenaded Ceri and B with their own special rendition of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ and continued with a lively and entertaining set late into the night, that had everyone dancing on the terrace under the stars.
It's easy. All you need is love.
These three very different celebrations of love were the first to take place at La Cazalla and we are immensely honoured to have hosted them. We are able to offer advice and recommendations for any resources you may need for your special day, such as caterers or entertainers. We've certainly seen a variety of options this summer and how each of these creative ideas work within our property, courtesy of our three gorgeous couples and their different styles, so simply get in touch with your own ideas and we will see how we can help to make your dreams come true.
Please remember that summer (high-season) reservations need to be for a minimum of a week, with a Saturday arrival and departure, and that, of course, love is all you need.