A Spanish Fairytale: A Magical Wedding in Cuenca
Arrival in Cuenca
As we stood at the train station waiting for the taxi, we could see the El Parador Hotel in the distance, surrounded by endless sunflower fields, beckoning us toward this charming walled city.
The taxi approached the old monastery of San Pablo, built in 1523 and now home to The Parador de Cuenca. Standing tall and grand on top of a hillside, it is surrounded by rolling hills and historic buildings, all wrapped in lush green trees and foliage. The iconic metal bridge of San Pablo stretches across the gorge, linking the monastery to the medieval town.
A Historic Stay at The Parador de Cuenca
This stunning historic building has been transformed into a 21st-century hotel while preserving the monastery’s timeless beauty. It reminded me of a box of chocolates—you’re struck by the beauty of the outside and can’t wait to see what awaits inside!
We collected our key at reception and wandered through the corridors, eager to take in our new surroundings.
Cloisters connect the open courtyard to various wings of the old monastery, with corridors adorned with religious paintings. Large windows overlook the courtyard, allowing sunlight to pour in, casting a warm glow on the walls. Each hallway has its own unique character, decorated with traditional furniture and an air of history.
Our bedrooms featured elegant wooden shutters that opened onto the courtyard. The rooms combined old-world charm with modern comforts, offering traditional furnishings, tea and coffee facilities, a mini-bar, and sleek contemporary bathrooms. From our window, we watched as the staff prepared for the wedding, carefully arranging tables, cream-coloured umbrellas, and fresh flowers around the fountain.
A Relaxing Afternoon by the Pool
On the afternoon of our arrival, the day before the wedding, we sat by the pool at the back of the hotel, sipping drinks from the poolside bar. The bride and groom-to-be, along with their families, gathered around, sharing laughter as we watched the sun dip behind the trees. As evening approached, it was time to get changed and look forward to our dinner in the old town of Cuenca.
Crossing the San Pablo Bridge
As you know, I’m not keen on heights, so walking across the San Pablo Bridge was a challenge. I kept repeating to myself, Don’t look down, Sam! My legs turned to jelly at the thought, so I focused instead on the Casas Colgadas—the famous hanging houses clinging to the rock face on the opposite side of the gorge. I could never live there; I’d be too terrified to leave the house!
An Evening in Plaza Mayor
Climbing the steep cobbled streets toward Plaza Mayor, we were greeted by the sound of a local band—drums, trumpets, and saxophones filling the square with lively music. People danced and clapped, carefree and lost in the moment. I loved how nobody was self-conscious; they were simply enjoying life.
As we turned into the tiny main square, the Gothic cathedral stood in all its grandeur, its colonial architecture a striking centrepiece. Cafés and restaurants spilled onto the pavements, where locals sat, watching the world go by—what a wonderful, unhurried pace of life.
The bride-to-be led us through the winding streets, past old-fashioned houses and charming buildings. As the sun set, we found ourselves at a tiny Spanish restaurant perched on top of the hill, gazing down at the beautifully illuminated Parador de Cuenca. The view was breathtaking, and I managed to capture it in a perfect photograph.
The Morning of the Wedding
On the morning of the wedding, we flung open our wooden shutters to a clear, crisp blue sky. Down in the courtyard, waiters and waitresses were busy assembling tables, white umbrellas, and stunning floral arrangements around the central fountain. There was a buzz in the air.
We bumped into the groom as we headed to breakfast—he was pacing the corridors, trying to calm his nerves. The excitement at breakfast was contagious, the anticipation growing with every moment. Back in our rooms, my youngest daughter busily steamed our outfits while we rushed between rooms, helping each other with hair and makeup. Naturally, my husband didn’t need any help in that department—he wisely stayed out of the way! At last, we were ready, pausing for a quick selfie before heading out.
The Wedding Ceremony
As we stepped into the corridor, the groom and best man stood suited and booted, looking every bit the part. I felt a lump in my throat as we wished them luck. Tottering in our high heels and flowing dresses, we made our way to the courtyard. Latino music filled the air as guests gathered, dressed in vibrant colours. Drinks flowed, and a charming old-fashioned stand provided hats for the men and elegant fans for the ladies—a thoughtful touch in the warm midday sun.
The setting was exquisite, and as guests mingled and posed for extra photos, my husband—despite his usual reluctance—was all smiles. Of course, he didn’t mind the photos later in the evening, surrounded by beautiful women on the dance floor. Mmm…
We took our seats for the ceremony, fanning ourselves to keep cool. The lively chatter hushed as we all rose to our feet, turning to see the bride for the first time. Tears welled in my eyes and spilled down my cheeks—she looked absolutely beautiful, carrying a bouquet of sunflowers, a touching tribute to her hometown of Cuenca.
The newlyweds walked back up the aisle as husband and wife, and in true Spanish style, the groom was thrown into the air by his groomsmen as friends erupted into song and celebration. The party had officially begun!
A Day of Celebration
The seating arrangements were beautifully displayed on an old-fashioned record player, with guests’ names handwritten along the edges of vintage vinyl records—a charming and creative touch.
As the bride and groom entered the reception, the Spanish guests burst into song, waving their napkins above their heads and stamping their feet to Bamboléo! The energy was electric. This was a party like no other—full of laughter, dancing, and joy. Wow! The Spanish took the word party to another level—we laughed and danced all night, we had a ball.
The wedding was a traditional Spanish wedding, a beautiful backdrop of the medieval town of Cuenca. We were very lucky to have been a part of such a special day. A heartfelt thank you to the newlyweds for allowing us to be a part of their day.
Farewell to Cuenca
Cuenca is a truly authentic Spanish town, with little English spoken but endless charm. I fell in love with it, but all too soon, it was time to leave.
We headed back to the train station, but our goodbyes weren’t final just yet—the English wedding party was also joining us for the next leg of our adventure in Valencia.
The train sped ahead to our final destination, Valencia. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for my next blog, where I reveal an unexpected twist at the end of our trip. I can’t wait to share it with you!
Stay tuned for my next blog on Valencia—there’s an unexpected twist at the end of our stay that I can’t wait to share with you!
