As Marjan and Taha began planning their wedding, they knew they wanted to combine their special day with an unforgettable travel experience. Spain had already caught their eye during a previous trip, where they fell in love with the country’s vibrant life, rich history, and unique charm. When the time came to say “I do,” the Gran Hotel Miramar in Málaga, Spain, felt like the perfect destination.

“The city created an ambiance that made it unforgettable for us and perfect for our wedding,” says Taha.

With just six months to plan, wedding planner Esteffi from Málaga Weddings curated a celebration that reflected Marjan and Taha’s style and desires. She secured the stunning Gran Hotel Miramar, a luxurious beachfront property with lush gardens that seamlessly blend historic charm with modern elegance. Despite the tight timeline, Esteffi ensured every detail fell into place, creating the perfect setting for their big day.

Planning a destination wedding comes with its challenges, but having a well-connected planner makes the process much smoother. The couple took a two-day pre-wedding trip to Málaga to finalize details, but flight delays disrupted their schedule. Their planner quickly rescheduled meetings, proving to be an invaluable asset in bringing their wedding vision to life.

“She truly did her homework, got to know us and our style quickly and with ease,” says Marjan. “The referrals for vendors she made were spot on.”

For the ceremony, Marjan and Taha exchanged vows in a way that honored their Iranian heritage. The couple performed a Sofreh Aghd, a traditional Persian wedding ceremony where they sat in front of a table draped with a decorative cloth adorned with symbolic elements representing their union. They also took part in the sugar cone ritual, where sugar was gently ground over them to symbolize sweetness in their marriage, and a honey-dipping ceremony to represent a sweet and harmonious life together.

The reception was a balanced blend of elegance and glamour. To complement the venue’s sleek white backdrop, the couple chose shades of pink and purple for a striking yet romantic contrast. One standout design element was a linen draped from a majestic tree—sheer enough to let the tree’s beauty shine through. Guests dined at an intimate mirrored table, reflecting vibrant floral arrangements, while a floral installation above the dance floor created a magical “sky of flowers” effect for the couple’s romantic first dance.

To make their wedding weekend even more personal, Marjan and Taha embraced Spanish culture by gifting guests with thoughtful DIY projects, including welcome boxes filled with local treasures such as salts, paprika, and olive oil. As a farewell gift, each guest received a curated photo album as a keepsake of the wedding day.

“These details added an intimate and thoughtful touch to our guests’ experience, making it truly unforgettable for everyone who attended,” Marjan shares.

Looking back, Marjan and Taha agree that incorporating local culture and heritage traditions made their day even more special. For other couples planning destination weddings, their biggest advice is to choose a planner who understands your vision.

“She had never organized a Persian wedding before, but she researched every detail and knew as much as we did,” says Taha. “She went so far above and beyond to impress us that we knew she would make our dream wedding a reality.”

Vendors: Photographer: Sandy Alonso; Wedding Planner: Malaga Weddings; Venue: Gran Hotel Miramar; Florist: Kiki Silvarum; Stationery: Nulki Nulks; Cake: Louise Crumplin; Hair & Makeup: Kelly Jane, Stefy Salas, SK Hair & Makeup; Gown Designer: Hayley Paige; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Ermenegildo Zegna; Second Shooter: Juan Cordero; Videographers: Yes and Tonic; DJ, Dancefloor, & Lighting: Pedro Abaga; Dance Floor Structure: Marbella Entertainments; Furniture & Tableware: Cashmere Decoracion & Decoracion Chill Out