Sophie and Joanna’s story started in the most everyday of places—a gym—but the connection they felt was anything but ordinary. “It was definitely love at first sight!” they shared. A few dates later, they already knew their bond was rare. When they planned their Xalet de Nin wedding, they embraced Barcelona’s Mediterranean charm while weaving in tropical florals that celebrated Sophie’s heritage.

What We Love About This Xalet de Nin Wedding

• A seaside venue with 360º views of the Mediterranean
• Personalized florals mixing classic romance with bold tropical colors
• A first look by the pool with private ocean views
• Dual wedding dresses chosen in secret and revealed on the big day
• A reception filled with food, music, and surprising outfit changes

Featured Vendor:
Just Married Barcelona

Choosing a Space With Views and Versatility

For Sophie and Joanna, location was everything. “From day one, our top priorities were the venue, food, and guest experience,” they explained. After touring several options with their planner and Junebug vendor Just Married Barcelona, the couple instantly knew the Xalet de Nin was the one.

Perched on a hilltop with sweeping sea views and lush gardens, the venue offered more than just a backdrop. “It ticked all the boxes on our list,” they said. Each transition, from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception, unfolded in different areas of the property. Keeping guests in awe as they discovered new spaces.

Personalized Fashion Choices That Tell a Story

Shopping at Grace Barcelona gave Sophie and Joanna a chance to explore different looks, without revealing their final choices to each other. Joanna chose the ‘Darian’ gown by St. Patrick from Pronovias, while Sophie opted for a tailor-made Aurora gown by Hervé Moreau. “We kept our dresses a surprise until the day of,” they said, adding that the reveal made their first look by the pool even more emotional.

Later, for their first dance, both changed into traditional red outfits crafted by Sophie’s cousin, Kim Chau. “She kept it a secret while making them for about a year!”  The outfits not only surprised their guests but also honored Sophie’s cultural roots in a stylish, celebratory way.

Balancing Style, Heritage, and Budget

Initially, the pair leaned toward a soft, classic wedding design with pastels and roses. But with guidance from Anna of Just Married Barcelona and floral designer Núria of Flors Amèlia, they embraced a bolder vision. “We wanted to incorporate Sophie’s heritage with reds and exotic touches,” they shared. Silk lanterns, red tassels on menus, and Chinese numerals for table numbers brought meaningful cultural details into the decor.

Mindful of their budget, the couple took their planner’s advice. “We changed some materials used in signage, swapped a few floral choices, and repurposed ceremony flowers where possible,” they explained. The result was a personalized yet cost-conscious design.

Ceremony Filled With Color and Sea Views

From the welcome rooftop event in Sitges to the last dance, Sophie and Joanna put guest comfort at the heart of their planning. Their ceremony combined a relaxed atmosphere with striking details and sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

The setting was framed with tropical arrangements positioned in sculptural clusters along the aisle and at the altar. The bold color palette of oranges, pinks, and greens stood out against the sea backdrop, giving the space a modern and vibrant feel. Guests were seated on simple wrought-iron chairs, facing the ocean. 

The ceremony was officiated by a close friend who spoke in both English and Spanish, a thoughtful touch that included all guests. Sophie and Joanna also staged two recessionals: the first for a wide group photo, and the second as guests tossed rose petals, marking the start of the celebration ahead.

Details That Made the Guest Experience Unforgettable

The cocktail hour featured oysters, lanterns, and a live DJ, while dinner with Sensacions catering impressed everyone. “Their food is a gastronomical experience,” the couple recalled.

The reception space carried over the tropical theme with tables decorated with greenery, and pink-toned blooms. Tall glass candles added warmth, while fairy lights framed the head table and glowed as evening set in. Chinese numerals marked the tables, a subtle nod to Sophie’s heritage, and menu cards were tied with red tassels for a personal touch.

Tips to Keep Your Wedding Authentic and Stress-Free

The overall atmosphere was both elegant and relaxed—guests toasted, laughed through heartfelt speeches, and enjoyed a space that felt festive without being overdone. Later, the celebration transitioned seamlessly to dancing in the main hall and onto the terrace, where the night carried on under the Barcelona sky.

Looking back, Sophie and Joanna wouldn’t change a thing. “There were no negative surprises,” they said. Instead, their wedding was full of intentional choices, from venue to florals to fashion. Their biggest advice? Hire a planner you connect with and design a day that feels like you—not just what’s trending.

Their Xalet de Nin wedding was more than a beautiful event. It was a celebration of love, heritage, and the life they’ve built together in Barcelona, shared with the people who matter most.