While the idea of a destination wedding is exotic and romantic in theory, for many it can be a little stressful. Without pre-planned activities, guests may feel a bit lost in a new city. Why not host a welcome event and set a sweet tone for the entirety of your wedding? But instead of a standard arrival cocktail party, Cherry on Top Events took it about three steps further and planned a pre-wedding lunch at the picturesque Cavas de Codorniu, a historic cava vineyard complete with an underground cave cellar and authentic Gothic architecture.
Guests were thrust into the festive Spanish culture with sips of fresh cava made onsite, delicious tapas and flamenco dancers, ensuring the wedding weekend would be one to remember. For A+ photographer A Fistful of Bolts, Cavas de Codorniu stood out because of the vast range of striking scenery literally everywhere. The vineyards and bright sunshine were a perfect backdrop of natural beauty, while the underground caves created the perfect blend of light and shadow, creating some of the most stunning photos we’ve ever seen.
As Roula Theodory of Cherry on Top Events would agree, this vineyard has it all. Rich in history, activity and beauty, this unique Spanish vineyard served as the flawless backdrop for this little love celebration. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Theodory to get the inside scoop on why this scenic space was the picture-perfect choice to jumpstart such a joyous weekend.
Words + Design by Cherry On Top Events, Photography by A Fist Full Of Bolts
Cavas de Codorniu is surround by vineyards, lush gardens and ponds. The main structure houses the museum and grand cellar. The museum has an old well and a model of the historical wine production while the grand cellar is an amazing mix of grand architecture with a gothic feel and has huge arches and columns. A vintage train takes guests on a tour of the underground caves that span the entire length of the building and cover several floors. The twisty caves display all the cava vintages.
Why did the couple choose this venue?
The venue is only a 30 – 40 mins drive from Barcelona city centre and was the perfect location to create an experiential day for guests where they could roam around the property, visit the caves, taste the different wines and then dine in a beautiful hall.
Tell us about the venue in general? Location, capacity, etc.
The vineyard is located in Sant Sadurni – just outside of Barcelona city centre. The vintage train tours can accommodate 30 people at a time while the grand cellar can accommodate 400 – 500 people.
Tell us a little bit about the event you photographed?
The event that took place was a pre-wedding lunch. Guests arrive at midday and enjoyed a glass of cava as they explored the gardens. The train tours took guests on a tour of the underground caves and then dropped them off at the grand cellar for lunch. A mix of Spanish tapas – including olives, croquetas, pimentos del padron and pan con tomate were served to guests along with the winery’s own collection of white / red wine and cava. A Spanish flamenco / salsa duo were on hand to teach guests some moves and help break the ice before the main event the next day.
What made this venue an ideal location for the event?
(1) proximity to Barcelona city centre (2) it can accommodate a large number of people (3) has both an indoor and outdoor area (4) provides some activity for guests to enjoy through wine tasting, bicycle tours of the vineyards, train tours of the caves
What do you think makes it a great venue in general?
(1) proximity to Barcelona city centre (2) it can accommodate a large number of people (3) has both an indoor and outdoor area (4) provides some activity for guests to enjoy through wine tasting, bicycle tours of the vineyards, train tours of the caves
Were there any areas you thought lighting was the best?
The lighting in the grand cellar was very soft as there are a few, small but high windows that let natural light in without it being harsh. We took the couple down into the dark caves for some photos under a skylight and the lighting was magnificent then too.
What made the venue a great setting for photos?
There are so many different areas within the property – there is the natural and organic feel of the vineyards, the more polished gardens and pond, the dramatic grand cellar with high ceilings, arches, and walls of wine barrels and then there is the more gritty and raw underground caves. So many different backdrops with so many different lighting options.
What additional types of events do you think this venue is ideal for?
This would be great for a rehearsal dinner, wedding, brunch / lunch, gala dinner or even as part of a retreat. The winery offers bike tours of the vineyards, wine tasting as well as train tours of the underground caves. Also the grand cellar is a stunning indoor location that because of its exceptionally high ceilings and small windows maintains a cool temperature throughout the year.
Did you have any favorite design elements of the venue?
The high ceilings of the grand cellar hall, the walls of wine barrels, the curved glass windows, the dramatic arches – its gothic grandeur at its best.
Any special drinks or eats you had in the surrounding area?
The vineyards are a bit out of the way – so there aren’t many attractions in the immediate vicinity.
What makes both the area + the venue a good destination for a group getaway or event?
Barcelona is a great multicultural city that has something for everyone – beaches, good weather, stunning architecture, shopping, delicious food and amazing sites. In terms of accommodation there is something for every budget – from 5* star and boutique hotels to furnished apartments and youth hostels.
Any inside tips??
Cavas de Codorniu is offered as just a space along with the sommeliers and tour operators. The furnishing / catering / décor requirements need to be brought in through independent vendors.
Venue: Cavas de Codorniu | Event Designers: Cherry On Top Events | Photographers: A Fist Full Of Bolts
