Our daughter, Alexandra said to me, “Luca and I would like a simple, meaningful wedding in Madrid and then perhaps a small celebration in Los Angeles.” And last Wednesday, on a warm evening, we carried out those wishes for a classic casual wedding in Madrid (with major help from her maid-of-honor, Jane, and my sister Teresa who is also Alexandra’s godmother).
The Spain vacation with our Florida friends that had been planned last year was rescheduled for this year. And in the meantime, our daughter, Alexandra became engaged to Luca, who was born in Spain and his father, stepmother, and siblings live in Madrid. So, having their wedding in Madrid made sense!
Instead of my Five Faves today, my friend and guest, Ariana Alfonso and I would like to share with you the informal photographs of that magical night. We will have the professional ones posted later. At the end of the post, please check out what Annie and Cindy’s faves are this week.
The wedding was held in the heart of Madrid, by the Plaza Mayor. Guests stayed in the charming Hotel Pestana which was part of the plaza. The family all walked together through the plaza to the nearby church, Saint Gines.
Walking Through The Plaza Major
Alexandra followed afterward with Howard.
Church of San Ginés
The wedding ceremony was held at the nearby Church of San Gines. The history of the church dates back to 1106! The ceremony was a meaningful celebration, and although it was in Spanish, the priest was thoughtful to hand out his beautiful sermon in English so we could follow along with the mass.
Old Traditions Mixed With New
Alexandra is known for mixing old-world vintage style with newer pieces. Similarly, the wedding was a mixture of old and new. Alexandra wore a modern dress with a borrowed veil and vintage pearl earrings.
One of the old traditions in Spain is the box of “arras”, or coins. The couple exchanges these coins during the mass as a way to bless their marriage with prosperity.
Alexandra wanted classic, simple flowers. Her godmother Teresa and I went to a local florist the day of the wedding and picked up this beautiful arrangement with pink roses, and flowered mint.
Welcoming Our New Son-In-Law, Luca Escriva De Laurentiis!
We are thrilled to welcome such a wonderful man like Luca into our family.
I wore a well-priced dress that really leaned into the Spanish theme. 🙂
Beloved Guests after the Ceremony
Here is my sister Teresa with the new bride.
A Classic, Casual Reception at Restaurante Botín
We held the reception at the world’s oldest restaurant, Restaurante Botín.
“Casa Botín, founded in 1725, is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records and a benchmark of Madrid’s best traditional cuisine. Forbes magazine gave Botín third place in the list of the world’s top 10 classic restaurants, together with its two specialties, the delicious suckling pig and lamb roasted in the Castilian style.”
The happy couple arrived first while the guests grabbed drinks in the nearby Plaza. As we walked up, they were greeting us from the balcony. It was an exciting moment for everyone!
We came early to set the tables with red fans that also served as place cards for the guests. The restaurant gave us a large room on the top floor and were all able to fit at one long table that really made the Spaniards and Americans all feel like family!
Alexandra swapped her veil for a vintage pearl headpiece that set the tone for the fun night to follow.
The restaurant served a traditional Spanish dinner of fresh fish and suckling pig, with Sangria. Appetizers were a refreshing melon paired with the famous Jamón Iberico. The groom’s brother recommended his favorite bakery where we picked up delicious chocolate cake and toasted meringue.
The reception dinner went until 1 AM, with wine flowing, speeches from everyone, and napkin-twirling chants for Réal Madrid
Late Night After Party in Plaza Mayor
Despite the late-night reception, the young people still had energy! They partied late into the night in the middle of the Plaza, fueled by the joy (and maybe a little gin). My son Thomas even brought a Bluetooth speaker – I’m surprised they didn’t get in trouble! For the record – I don’t recommend this. 🙂
That was our classic casual wedding in Madrid! You may also like Beautiful Coastal Wedding Part Two.
Let’s see what my friends and Cindy and Annie have for us…
Perfection personified!!!
This was incredible!!! A million congratulations!
how beautiful and memorable! Thank you for sharing. Our son’s wedding will be in London next year (postponed from this year due to the big C!) We are hoping travel/quarantine will be better next year. Like you, we plan a reception when they return to Los Angeles. Best wishes to the newlyweds!
Congratulations, Cheryl. I am sure it will be wonderful!!!
Splendid! All the best to the newlyweds. Love the simple and meaningful wedding surrounded by those who love this couple.It was truly a show of love and not a show for show! Enjoy.
Just lovely! Honestly brought tears to my eyes….what a fabulous way to start their journey together, with family and a few dear friends!
Oh, Sarah. I was crying too! …just writing it. And now Alexandra are with us in Sitges, Spain…more on Instagram.
Gorgeous pictures of a wonderful wedding my very best to the couple. Congratulations Mary Ann and Howard it looks like it all went very well!!
Thanks so much, Francesca!!!
Mary Ann! I have been so looking forward to this post! I’m emotional just reading and seeing the photos! I can feel your love and happiness! I love every detail!! I can’t wait to hear more!!!
Thank you, Sweet Annie!
Wow that was just beautiful.
thank you for sharing these beautiful, fun and loving pictures with us
How lovely! I enjoyed the photos so much. Thank you. And seeing Casa Botin brought back lovely memories of a trip my Mother and I made to Spain in the late ’70’s. A wonderful memory.
Beautiful! Congrats to the bride and groom. Mary Ann, you were a beautiful mother of the bride. Thank you for sharing such lovely photos!
Our daughter was married in a very small ceremony in London just before Covid/lockdown. We haven’t seen her since (18 months…) She arrives here in three days 👏👏👏
How beautiful! Can you give any information about your sister’s dress? I have an up-coming wedding it would be perfect for. Thank you!
Beautiful wedding. You can tell the couple are so in love and what a beautiful loving family! Thank you for sharing! Simple, and sweet = Perfection!
Yes…so in love and I love how you said “Simple, and sweet = Perfection!”
Congratulations, so happy for all…a wedding no one who attended will ever forget!
I think you are right, Eris.
Thank you for sharing this treasured family event. So beautiful. My best to the newly weds!
Thanks, Patty!!!
Mary Ann … this is absolutely the most classic casual traditional and fabulous wedding I’ve ever seen. Your daughter’s dress is stunning. And you, Howard, Tommy and everyone in attendance, looks amazing. Like you stepped from the pages of the most elegant magazine. What a lovely celebration of a beautiful couple … best wishes to them. And, best wishes to you as you continue your adventurous summer travels. xo
Wow! That was fun to read. Thank you for sharing it!
How lovely! And inspiring ! Love every bit of a destination meaningful wedding!
Beautiful bride with fabulous taste! The pearl head piece to die for!!
Congratulations to all!!
I’m proud of Alexandra, Gaylin.
Beautiful wedding! We spent a month Madrid and absolutely loved it. Congratulations!
I love it too, Mary!!
You have such a beautiful family. I really loved the wedding. It was so unique and special. So very elegant and stunning. 🙂
Love you, Cathy!!
Best wishes to the happy couple!
I love your wedding post! Beautiful bride, handsome groom and a spectacular location. Agree – perfection!
Beautiful, Stunning, Exciting & I don’t even know y’all!!! Thank you for sharing! What a BEAUTIFUL bride! xo
You are so kind!!!
Hi Mary Ann,
Oh my goodness, thank you from my whole heart for sharing such a beautiful wedding celebration. Just amazing
on all levels possible.
You must be “over joyed,” by all the love, such an emotional time.
BEAUTIFUL!
HER VEIL AND AFTER HEADPIECE EXQUISITE!
So Fun! Love the photos — thank you for sharing!
What a beautiful wedding and thank you for sharing on your blog. I’m not on social media so I appreciate being able to read about their special day. Looking forward to hearing more about the wedding and additional pictures. Is your son-in-law, Luca related to Giade DeLaurentiis?
That should have said Giada. That darn spell check.
Wow! The wedding photos look straight out of a magazine shoot. Exquisite dresses and suits, and I especially loved her veil. So exciting to see your children all grown up happy and thriving. Cheers to the couple and to you!
Thanks, Jayne!! I’ll be excited to see the professional photos but I love these as they were taken by all our friends (I didn’t take any as I was “in the moment”).
Mary Ann, what a beautiful wedding!That church! That restaurant! That square! Instead of a big production, it appears the wedding was just right-meaningful, and filled with love. Thank you for sharing the pictures. They are magical.
Such a beautiful event! What joy it brought to all who viewed this stunning couple and family in celebration in the square, the establishments and on the balconies of Madrid . . .
Thank you for bringing the experience to us!
Congratulations to the newlyweds and all!
Thanks so much, Lynn.
Abundant joy! Thank you for sharing! Your daughter looked beautiful and the pearl headpiece was perfection!
She loves that headpiece, Becky…I could see her wearing it again…for a party!
Hi Mary Ann,
I love everything about this! The blending of old traditions with new, the beautiful bride, the beautiful mother of the bride! Every detail was special, but the best part I think is that all the choices had meaning for the newlyweds and for the family. Just lovely. It looks like it was a truly magical event! Congratulations.
XO Heidi
Thanks so much, Heidi! We loved it.
How wonderful a beautiful, casual intimate wedding in one of Spains most beautiful cities. Well done! Can’t wait to see more pictures!!
Thanks, Cindy. I think that since we didn’t know what to expect, a lot of pressure was taken off. The priest does do rehearsals but he spent over an hour with us explaining what would happen in Spanish (Luca, his brother and Alie translated).
What a beautiful wedding with the closest of friends and family. It seems to be a successful merger of extended families since the party continued outside. What wonderful memories were made that day.
Keep enjoying the vacation.
That is so true, Melinda as some of them had never met before!
What a beautiful wedding! Your daughter looked stunning and you looked like you should be dancing the Flamenco!! Maybe you did??? Your dress was perfection.
Ha! There’s is still time to dance the flamenco!
Congratulations Mary Ann! What a beautiful and special day for your daughter and family~
Thank you, Elizabeth!!
Such a great wedding and it made me smile reading through the descriptions. Congratulations to the newlyweds.
xo,
Karen
I’m still smiling, Karen!
How lovely, Mary Ann. It sounds intimate and perfect! I lived in Madrid after college so the city holds a special place in my heart. Congrats to your daughter (and the groom) — she looked beautiful!
It is a gorgeous city, Wendy!
Wow… so beautiful!! Congratulations to all!
What a perfect day! Thanks for sharing ❤️Congrats to the beautiful bride and groom🍾💐👰♀️🤵🏻
Thank you, Kris!!
Oh Mary Ann, this was so beautiful. I could see the love and joy. So happy all went well. Have fun traveling around Spain.
Thanks, Kathy. It was really perfect.
Dear Mary Ann,
Alexandra’s personal style created an intimate wedding of pure loveliness. You and Howard must be so proud of her as you welcome Luca and his family into yours.
With hopes you can rest before your return home,
Diney on Camano Island
Thanks, Diney. Alexandra does have her own style and we all embraced it.
What a beautiful bride! Looks just perfect!
Thank you, Maria…I thought she was beautiful too!!
Congratulations! Such a memorable day!
Thanks, Dawn.
Dear Mary Ann,
It was indeed a truly magical wedding, perfect in every way. Such a special occasion, surrounded by the people that mean the most to you in a beautiful setting. I loved its simplicity and how beautiful the ceremony was in that gorgeous church. Alexandra and Luca looked so in love, they make a beautiful couple. Thank you for sharing, can’t wait to see more.
Thank you, Gail. Everyone is sort of still glowing from it…and now we have another engaged couple in the group (Ariana and Paco) and are looking forward to their wedding next year.
Mary Ann, what a beautiful wedding and reception, full of love for sure! Alexandra looked stunning and the dress you picked out…just perfect. Thanks for taking the time to share these photos!
Linda
Thanks, Linda. We are nine hours ahead here. My family was waiting for me to press “publish” so we could all go into town together. It took some time to write so it was nice to have Ariana’s help.
Perfection in every way, Allie was the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. The dress, the veil, her hair, impeccably perfect and unique to her own style. After a year of pandemic restrictions, having your Spain trip postponed to this year. Couldn’t have fallen into a best timing. I can see this was written in your families’ destiny. Just to show that God has his plans for us way before we know. Enjoy all the rest of your time in Spain and have lots of Iberico for me. Congrats again to you and the newlyweds. Lots of love !!
Thanks so much, Li. I do feel really blessed! Perhaps the timing really was all for the best. I love your outlook on life.
Thank you for sharing such joy, beauty and love! Your family is beautiful!!! ❤️
Thanks so very much!
Beautiful pictures I loved seeing this!! Lovely couple many blessings to them!!!
Thanks, Karen!!!
Looks so amazing and fun! You all look beautiful. Thank you for sharing. ♥️
Thanks so much, Melba!
Congratulations to the happy couple, and to both families (now one big happy family!). Everything looks so beautiful, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your memories of this day for years (and years!) to come. Thank you so much for sharing it with us Mary Ann.
I’m still smiling!
Thank you for sharing this joyful event. everything about the day looks lovely!
Thanks Margaret!
Wow a beautiful and personal wedding in such a magical city. Congratulations to the beautiful couple. The bride is adorable and great to be surrounded by the special people in their life. Thank you for sharing.
What a beautiful wedding! Your daughter looked gorgeous! There is nothing like your childs’ wedding.
Congratulations!
I know, Judy. First child married.
So exciting Mary Ann! As a first generation American of Spanish decent I have spent many wonderful times in Madrid while visiting family. I’m sure that will be in your future as well. I have been going to Botin since I was a tiny girl and wrote a blog post about it here: http://afterorangecounty.com/2013/12/02/dinner-at-the-oldest-restaurant-in-the-world-madrid-spain/. I will never tire of eating there. What a wonderful place for the wedding dinner!! Sorry to hear your purse was stolen! I had mine stolen in Barcelona. This is not a reflection on Spain, I don’t believe, as I always feel very safe there and Spain is my very favorite place in the world. Did you get to eat Churros at Chocolateria San Ginés, the best!!?? My mouth is watering! Congratulations!
That’s so interesting, Celia! I think I read that blog post but will read again! We saw the famous churros place (Luca’s dad pointed it out). But we didn’t have time. Next time!