Barcelona Beauty: Lauren and Eric's Timeless Wedding at Masia Casa Del Mar
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Wedding date: 06/05/2024
- City: Barcelona
Lauren and Eric's love story began in the most unexpected of places - a luxury hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. "I was working at my very first job at a Hotel (Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass) in Phoenix, Arizona," Lauren recalls with a smile. "I was working at Kai Restaurant as a Hostess and Eric was working at the Valet."
Little did they know that chocolate deliveries would lead to stolen glances and, eventually, a lifelong commitment. "Kai Restaurant is the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant in Arizona," Lauren explains proudly. "Part of my role was to place chocolate in the cars of the guests prior to them leaving. I got to know Eric because I had quite a few trips to Valet with chocolate deliveries. The rest is history!"
Their love for each other blossomed alongside their shared passions. "We love Formula 1," Lauren shares, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she recounts their engagement. "Eric proposed to me when we were flying on a helicopter from Nice to Monaco for the Monaco Grand Prix. I was definitely surprised as I was not expecting it. That day is definitely unforgettable."
Lauren's career has taken her on quite a journey, much like her relationship with Eric. "I work for Red Bull!" she says enthusiastically. "I was previously leading the HR team for Red Bull Canada in Toronto, Ontario, but have recently relocated back to Phoenix, Arizona (still with Red Bull) as their new Director, Talent Acquisition."
When they're not planning their dream wedding or working, Lauren and Eric embrace an active lifestyle. " I have a 24 year old Thoroughbred Horse (Crown Jewel) who I used to show in Jumping," Lauren shares. "We no longer compete but I spend a good amount a time at the stables." Her face lights up as she continues, "Outside of that, Eric and I love to travel and hike - anything outdoors. We also love exploring good cocktail places and restaurants." Their shared interests and zest for life have clearly been the foundation of their relationship.
Lauren and Eric's dream wedding was a beautiful fusion of their love for travel and their cherished memories in Spain. "I always wanted a destination wedding," Lauren confesses. "Some of our favorite memories have been made in Spain which is why we selected it as the location for our wedding."
The couple's vision was clear - to create an unforgettable experience for their loved ones. "My vision was to bring our closest friends and family together, and to make it memorable for them through incredible experiences," Lauren explains. Their efforts paid off, with 100 guests joining them for their special day at the stunning Masia Casa Del Mar in Barcelona.
Lauren's eyes light up as she describes the wedding style: "I would say timeless, coastal, natural," perfectly complementing the breathtaking Spanish coastline. This aesthetic choice reflected not only the beautiful setting but also the couple's desire for a classic yet relaxed atmosphere.
What inspired them most during the preparation? "Our guests," Lauren says without hesitation. "Almost all traveled from afar so we wanted to make their experience special." This thoughtfulness extended beyond the big day itself. "The day prior, we invited everyone for wine and tapas at Finca Viladellops winery," Lauren shares. "It was a stunning location and a good opportunity for everyone to spend more time together."
The couple's attention to detail was evident in every aspect of their wedding, starting with the invitations designed by Sesame Letterpress. Lauren's family played a crucial role in the wedding stationery. "My sister designed the day-of wedding stationary (cocktail menu, seating chart, welcome sign) and my mom designed the dinner menus," Lauren says proudly. " I could not have done it without them - they are so creative and I’m happy they were able to play a big role in making the day come to life!"
Lauren's oval engagement ring, chosen for its timeless elegance, was complemented by special jewelry from Mejuri for the big day.
With the oval ring as its heart and personalized stationery as its soul, every element harmonized to create a stage worthy of the love story yet to unfold.
The bride's room at Masia Casa Del Mar buzzed with excitement as Lauren prepared for her walk down the aisle. Surrounded by her mother, mother-in-law, sister (maid of honor), grandmother, and her husband's niece, Lauren slipped into her dream dress from Grace Loves Lace.
"I tried on about 6 dresses from Grace Loves Lace and knew ‘the one’ when I put it on," Lauren remembers fondly. "It was such a great experience as their dress collection is gorgeous and the options are not overwhelming since they only have a select number of gowns to choose from given that it’s a Boutique." Her eyes light up as she continues, "Their wedding dresses are thoughtfully designed with a blend of comfort and luxury, woven into a timeless piece."
Lauren completed her bridal look with carefully chosen accessories. "I chose a longer veil," she explains, "and prioritized comfort for my shoes! This didn't mean a smaller heel, just thicker so I could get around easier!" This practical yet stylish choice was a testament to Lauren's desire to enjoy every moment of her special day.
The bride's bouquet, a stunning arrangement crafted by Atmosfera, was a vision in white. "I opted for all white flowers - a mixture of Roses, Hydrangea and Estomas!" Lauren shares, her face glowing with happiness as she recalls the beautiful blooms.
Adding to the joyous atmosphere, Lauren's bridesmaids surrounded her in elegant champagne-colored dresses. "Purchased them from various places," Lauren notes, emphasizing the individualized approach they took to the bridal party's attire.
As the photographer captured these precious moments in the Bride's Room at Masia Casa Del Mar, the air was filled with laughter, happy tears, and the unmistakable buzz of anticipation.
While Lauren prepared with her bridal party, Eric and his groomsmen got ready in the groom's room at Masia Casa del Mar. Surrounded by his father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, best man, officiant, and a close friend, Eric donned a sleek tuxedo from Indochino, ready to meet his bride at the altar.
As the sun shone down on Masia Casa Del Mar, Lauren and Eric exchanged vows by the sea. The breathtaking coastal backdrop set the stage for a ceremony that was as beautiful as it was meaningful.
Lauren's walk down the aisle was a moment that left everyone breathless. "I chose 'Oceans/Canon in D Remix with Violin and Piano' as my processional song," she shares, her eyes misting at the memory.
The ceremony itself was filled with special moments that the couple will cherish forever. "There were so many," Lauren says, her face glowing with happiness.
Following their vows, the newlyweds posed for photos on the cliff behind the ceremony location. "We chose the cliff (behind the ceremony location) off the Mediterranean Sea. It had amazing views of the water and made for a beautiful back-drop," Lauren gushes. "We could not have found a better place! We also did video to which captures the fantastic views of the coast. It looked like it was out of a movie."
The choice of Masia Casa Del Mar as their venue was serendipitous. Lauren's eyes sparkle as she recounts the story: "Funny enough, we have friends that live up the hill from the venue. We always saw this beautiful white Masia from their balcony and wanted to tour it one day. This was before we were engaged so we were not thinking of it as a wedding venue. However, let’s just say I didn’t look at any other venues! I fell in love!"
The decor was a vision in white and neutral shades, creating a timeless and elegant atmosphere that perfectly complemented the coastal setting. Every detail was carefully chosen to reflect the couple's style and story. Lauren shares a particularly touching detail: "On my bouquet, I had a picture of my horse (Crown Jewel) and family dog (Ruby). They were with me in spirit!" This personal touch exemplifies how Lauren and Eric infused meaning into every aspect of their celebration.
The reception was a celebration of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Lauren and Eric shared their first dance to "You are The Reason - Duet Version" by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis, a beautiful moment that set the tone for the evening.
When asked about the key moment they’ll remember from the wedding, their faces light up. "Dinner," they say without hesitation. "The music was fantastic, the wine / food were impeccable and the people made it so special. We opted for 2 long tables which was more intimate, and we loved."
The couple treated their guests to a culinary adventure. "During cocktail hour, we had had 13 unique appetizers served, and a ham leg which was being freshly sliced for guests," Lauren recalls. "We also had a cocktail bar which included a ‘his’ and ‘hers’ drink. Mine was a spin off of a Sour and his was a Skinny Mezcal Margarita."
The night was filled with joyous moments that the couple will cherish forever. Lauren reminisces: "We loved the Champagne Tower, cutting our cake with a sword, dancing with friends + family in the disco, and late night hamburgers." Speaking of cake, the couple's beautiful wedding cake was crafted by Mericakes, adding another touch of sweetness to the celebration.
Lauren and Eric's attention to detail and careful planning paid off in spades. "I could not have been happier with the vendors I went with for my wedding. I definitely did my research which proved to work well pre, during and post wedding. I am so appreciative of all of them!" Lauren shares.
As the sun set on their perfect day, Lauren and Eric looked back on their journey with gratitude and love. The reception wasn't just a party; it was a beautiful culmination of their relationship and the start of their new life together.