Dream Fulfillment: Achieving Your Goals
A Dream Realized: One Couple’s Journey to a Spanish destination Wedding
Table of Contents
Published August 20, 2025
Teh Call of the Spanish Sun
For many couples, the idea of a wedding abroad represents a break from tradition, a chance to personalize their celebration in a truly unique setting. This was certainly the case for one couple who, after a small civil ceremony in Ireland on August 15, 2017, embarked on a journey to realize a long-held dream: a destination wedding near Barcelona, Spain, on August 24, 2017.
The bride, a self-described lover of sunshine, the outdoors, and nature, had always envisioned a wedding that embraced these elements. Her partner readily supported her vision, understanding the deep personal significance it held.
Cardona: A Forest Fairytale
The chosen venue, La Garriga de Castelladral, proved to be the perfect backdrop for their dream wedding. Located an hour outside Barcelona in the historic town of Cardona, the venue was nestled in the heart of a forest, framed by the majestic Catalan mountains. This idyllic setting provided the natural beauty and tranquility the couple desired.

With an invitation list of 110,the couple welcomed 106 guests to share in their special day – a remarkable turnout for a destination wedding. The celebration was made even more poignant by the presence of friends who had recently become mothers, some traveling with newborns just weeks after giving birth.
The Logistics of Love: Planning a Wedding Abroad
Organizing a wedding abroad presents unique challenges.Recognizing this, the couple wisely enlisted the help of a wedding planner, Sharon mcmeel, who proved to be an invaluable asset. While the planning process wasn’t without its stresses – spreadsheets became a temporary foe – Sharon’s expertise ensured a smooth and accomplished event.
A Dress as unique as the Dream
The bride’s attention to detail extended to her wedding dress. Desiring a truly personalized look, she collaborated with Orlaith Carroll of The Attic in Limerick,Ireland. Orlaith,described as a “genius” and a “creative and talented designer,” brought the bride’s vision to life. The resulting gown was a strapless, heavily beaded masterpiece with a sheer skirt and a flattering knee-high split – both airy and pleasant.
Nature-Inspired Décor
The natural beauty of the venue inspired the wedding’s floral design. Working with Weddings Flowers by Josephine, the couple created a stunning atmosphere with a pergola adorned with lights, leaves, and branches draped over the three long reception tables. The color palette of cream and pale pink echoed the bridesmaids’ dresses, creating a cohesive and elegant aesthetic.
Unexpected Guests and Last-Minute Surprises
The couple arrived at the venue three days before the wedding, anticipating a few days of relaxation. However, a delightful surprise awaited them: the arrival of family and friends who hadn’t initially mentioned their travel plans. This spontaneous addition added to the joy and excitement of the occasion.

A Night to Remember
The wedding day itself was filled with happiness and a sense of everything falling into place. A bluegrass band provided entertainment during the drinks reception, setting a lively tone as guests arrived.The couple’s frist dance was to Nick cave’s “Into Your Arms,” a song that perfectly captured the emotion of the moment. the party continued late into the night, with the DJ playing until 2:00 AM, and some guests still going strong at 5:00 AM.The remote location allowed for uninhibited celebration, free from noise restrictions.
For the bride, the only sad moment of the day came when she finally removed her wedding dress, signaling the end of a perfect day.
