Sun-drenched hills and panoramic views of the Catalonian countryside set the stage for Katia and Brian's rustic destination wedding at Almiral de la Font near Barcelona, Spain. Planned by Peach Perfect Weddings and beautifully photographed by The Art of Us, the celebration embraced the relaxed elegance of Mediterranean style while weaving together meaningful personal touches from the couple's shared story.

From a heartfelt handfasting ceremony to Puerto Rican-inspired cocktails and DIY wedding details, Katia and Brian hosted a wedding abroad that felt down-to-earth and intimate.

From Barcelona Proposal to Destination Wedding in Spain

Although Katia and Brian had known one another for years through mutual friends, it wasn't until they reconnected at a friend's wedding that their relationship truly began. An evening spent catching up and talking about recent travels quickly revealed how much they enjoyed each other's company outside of group gatherings.

When it came time to propose, Brian planned a surprise that perfectly reflected one of their favorite experiences: food and travel. During a trip to Barcelona, Katia believed she was attending a group paella cooking class. Instead, Brian had secretly booked every class ticket, transforming the experience into a private culinary adventure before asking her to marry him. Hello, relationship goals!

After "saying yes," returning to Spain to say "I Do" felt like the perfect way to honor the place where their next chapter began.

Relaxed Mediterranean Style at Almiral de la Font Near Barcelona

Perched among the hills just south of Barcelona, Almiral de la Font provided a breathtaking backdrop for the couple's destination wedding. The restored Catalan manor house, with its rustic stone architecture, lush gardens, and sweeping views of the Catalonian countryside, embodied the relaxed Mediterranean aesthetic they envisioned. Guests stayed onsite throughout the celebration, allowing everyone to fully embrace the beauty and slower pace of the Spanish setting.

Bright Florals and DIY Wedding Details

To complement the venue's natural beauty, Katia wanted bold color to pop against the rustic tones, so their wedding design featured a cheerful palette of orange, magenta, blue, and coral. Katia described her florals by Flowers for Nice People as a "dream come true," with colorful blooms including anemones and ranunculus appearing throughout her bouquet, the ceremony decor, reception tables, and even the wedding cake.

The couple also infused the day with thoughtful personal touches. Katia paired her minimalist wedding gown with a veil embroidered with vines and flowers, while a sentimental bouquet charm carried photographs of beloved family members and pets. Their creativity also shone through several DIY projects, including agate place cards personalized with a Cricut machine, hanging seating chart tags tied onto one of the venue's trees, and custom linen vow books.

A Celtic Handfasting Ceremony with Puerto Rican-Inspired Touches

Set against the stunning Spanish countryside, Katia and Brian exchanged vows during a simple outdoor ceremony that incorporated a traditional Celtic handfasting ritual. The braided rope used to bind their hands was one they had crafted themselves, making the symbolic moment even more meaningful.

The wedding also honored Katia's Puerto Rican heritage with signature cocktails inspired by Ron Del Barrilito, the oldest Puerto Rican rum brand. A playful custom "Salud! Drinks on us!" cocktail sign featuring illustrations of the couple's beloved pets — Lupo the husky and Leo the fluffy orange cat — added adorable charm to the bar.

An Intimate Reception Overlooking the Catalonian Hills

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds stepped away for a private moment together, creating one of the day's most emotional memories before joining family and friends for an alfresco dinner on the patio. And of course, they served paella and local wine to give a nod to their proposal!

With an intimate guest list and every loved one traveling to Spain for the occasion, the wedding felt exactly as the bride Katia described it best: "simple yet big in all the ways we wanted."

A Romantic Mini-Moon in Sitges, Spain

Rather than ending their adventure after the wedding, Katia and Brian continued celebrating nearby with a mini-moon at ME Sitges Terramar along Spain's Mediterranean coast. Their getaway included a sunset cruise, tequila tasting, and plenty of time to soak in the beauty of the region. It created the perfect ending to a destination wedding inspired by the country where Brian first asked Katia to marry him, and we think that's just the loveliest way to get married.

VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: The Art of Us | Venue: Almiral de la Font | Planning: Jill Canney of Peach Perfect Weddings | Florals: Flowers for Nice People | Celebrant Services: Ibiza Ceremonies | Catering: Gau Catering | DJ: DJ Colin Peters | Hair & Makeup: Lola Boucau