Esteban and Fernando: Wed In The Spanish Countryside
Esteban and Fernando's love story began over 10 years ago after being introduced by a mutual friend. Although the initial meeting didn't go as planned, the pair reunited on Facebook and after 6 months of chatting, they eventually met up, and that's when their relationship began. The Spanish couple celebrated their wedding day at a Pazo on a beautiful Autumn day in 2019.
Photographer Ivi Franco Photographer
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How and when did you meet?
Esteban: I first met Fernando's friends on a vacation in August 2009 in the Canary Islands, Spain. His friend Pedro told me about a friend of his who was perfect for me, but I ignored him and we continue to enjoy the holidays. A month later, in September we met in Madrid with these friends and Pedro introduced me to Fernando.
Tell us a little about the first time you met.
Esteban: The first time we were introduced there was not much of a feeling, I thought he was a very handsome boy but too much expectation had been created and that weekend just passed. Nothing happened.
After that we met on Facebook and started talking. And after 6 months we met and fell in love little by little with each other.
At the end of that time Fernando decided to visit the city where I live (Vigo, Spain) since he lived in Madrid more than 600km away.
Those days were wonderful and we decided to start a relationship, knowing that the distance could be a problem, but it was worth a try.
What was the first thing you noticed about each other?
Esteban: As soon as I saw him I thought he was a very handsome boy but too serious for me haha ...
Fernando: The first thing I noticed was his beautiful smile and his behavior with friends, always attentive and loving.
Have you ever faced issue of non-acceptance?
Esteban: There was only a difficult moment when my parents found out that I was gay, but this was because of ignorance and them having had a very traditional education. Having discussed the subject, my family has never been a problem with my sexuality since.
Fernando: No. I have been lucky to grow up in a family where no one has ever been tried for their sexuality. School, jobs and in general, the environment where I grew up, have always behaved with respect and naturalness.
What does marriage mean to you?
Esteban: Marriage for me is the final commitment of our relationship that continues to grow every day after 10 years together. It is a celebration of our love with all of our loved ones.
Fernando: It is the best way to make visible to all our loved ones the love we have for each other, creating a special and unforgettable day.
Who proposed and how?
Esteban: The truth is that the idea was mine and I had to insist because Fernando did not agree with the idea of getting married. He wanted to have the married papers, but he did not want to have an event where he was the protagonist, since he is a shy person.
Fernando: Yes, he had to insist a lot since I'm shy and I don't like being the centre of attention…
When did you get married?
October 11, 2019.
What was the main influence behind your wedding day?
The main influence on our wedding was the place we chose, a Pazo (manor house of former nobles from the rural area) and where the shields are part of this. For our wedding we designed a custom shield that represents our initials and our dogs at the base. This shield was served as the basis for the decoration of invitations, tables ... etc.
What was the most important thing to you about your wedding?
The most important thing for both of us was to be able to unite the two families and friends and to be able to be together on such a special day. In the end, the important thing is to spend time with the people you love the most.
Where did you find most of your inspiration?
Inspiration for the decorations and wedding were inspired by the season in which we got married, autumn. We looked for a place where the decorations would fit in with the romantic atmosphere we wanted and we found a beautiful Pazo with sea views, since we are lovers of the beach, the sea had to be present. We love autumn for its light green and brown colours, dry leaves, the sunset light (which was the time of the ceremony and cocktails). All this with a romantic touch with many candles. With these ideas, we looked for professionals to make this come true.
How did you choose your suppliers?
We choose suppliers with proven experience in floral design and in weddings. And of course a good kitchen, since in Spain, and specifically in Galicia, gastronomy is highly valued and important.
Any standout suppliers?
One of our outstanding suppliers and to which we want to dedicate more importance on was the kitchen that made the cocktails and the menu. For this, we hired Casa Solla, a prestigious restaurant highly recognised in Spain and with its chef, Pepe Solla, who has a Michelin star.
Did you include and traditional elements?
We decided to walk down the aisle together and with our dogs because this is the family that we have created and we believed that we should do it this way, like our day to day life.
Any special elements?
We did not do a wedding dance together, instead we gave a bouquet of roses to our mothers and did the wedding dance together with them because they are the most special people in our lives and on our wedding day we wanted to let them know. It was a very special moment.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We spent our honeymoon in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto ...), a country that we did not know but that we really wanted to get to know for its gastronomy, culture, architecture ... A wonderful trip.
Any advice for other couples planning their day and finding it difficult…
Do not be guided by the amount of beautiful things that there are and by other weddings that you see. Think about how you are and that your wedding reflects your personality, that everything reflects the couple.
May you enjoy the preparations, participate in them because everything you do with your hands adds a extra special meaning.
Suppliers
Photographer Ivi Franco Photographer
Venue Pazo del greenhouse de Santa Cruz de Bueu
Suits Suit Supply Suits and Shirts, Hugo Boss Bow Ties and Bow-Tie Shoes.
Planner We did it all ourselves
Flowers Galo Floristas
Stationery InviArte invitations
Celebrant Mº Elena Fernández Fagilde.
Catering Casa Solla Restaurant
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