We arranged a 14 day holiday near Barcelona to fit in with John and Cristina's wedding on 28 June 2002. A hotel was chosen at a seaside resort called Pineda about 30 miles North of Barcelona and 10 miles North of the wedding location. It proved to be an excellent choice of hotel - clean, friendly, good standards with a very good selection of food and very conveniently situated near the centre of Pineda - a small, well looked after resort with a lovely pedestrianised central avenue with lots of restaurants and shops.
After we told them of our arrangements, John and Cristina checked-out the hotel and decided to recommend it to the many friends who were coming to the wedding. The result was a grand gathering of friends and relatives from all parts of the World and as the wedding day approached so the numbers increased. Friends took the opportunity to make it a holiday with children as the hotel had good facilities for all.
They say 'it is better to travel than arrive' The 10 days before the day proved great fun as we really enjoyed the balmy atmosphere, sun, sangria and ..... song practice. Even to the extent of getting the words to 'The Spaniard that Blighted my Life' using an Internet café.
John wisely hired a coach to ferry us all to the wedding and back - a great convenience - especially returning to the hotel at three o'clock in the morning.
However, the 'arrival' proved to be really great and the wedding service and reception were splendid. The choice of music during the service was superb - John entered and walked down the aisle with his mother on his arm (Spanish tradition) to 'Land of Hope and Glory'. A stirring if unusual choice but we sang along and hoped not to create a passionate response!
The reception centre was not far from the church. Set in lovely grounds where the evening started with pink champagne and 'tapas' served outside. Gradually we drifted indoors and sat down to a grand repast with lots of jolly and activities - with over 140 guests the Spanish really know how to party.
Here are a few holiday/wedding snaps and the order of the wedding service. Thanks to Rosemary, Anne, Alan, Roy and others for the pictures.
Terry