It’s not every day that I get the chance to photograph a wedding at an actual fortress built in the 1600s… let alone one as breathtaking as La Fortaleza on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

This exclusive wedding venue hosted tennis pro Rafael Nadal in 2020 when he married his childhood sweetheart Maria Francisca Perello. In 2023, actress Joey King married her husband Steven Piet there too. 

Needless to say, it was nothing short of magical to capture every breathtaking moment of Caroline and Ryan’s weekend-long wedding celebration at this historical site overlooking the ocean. 

Keep reading to see this gorgeous wedding in Mallorca unfold.

A Welcome Party to Kick Off the Weekend’s Celebrations

We started the weekend with a cozy and sophisticated welcome party inside the Tunnel Hall at Can Axartell Winery. 

Surrounded by green vineyards, the landscape and architecture were equally impressive with captivating views wherever your eyes landed.

Naturally, the to-be bride and groom pulled out all the stops for a pre-party photo session, wearing one of the many elegant yet fun outfits we would see throughout the weekend.

Canapés and Food Stations

Beautiful canapés made the rounds and guests helped themselves at the various food stations spread throughout the Tunnel Hall. 

From traditional Spanish gazpacho and Iberian pork croquettes to cheese, tortilla, paella, and meat stations, the food was as delicious as it was stunning to look at.

The Unforgettable Wedding Day at La Fortaleza

With excitement building from the previous night’s welcome party, the bride and groom were ready to start their next chapter as husband and wife. 

Getting Ready with the Bride

Caroline prepared for the best day of her life in the Main Tower of La Fortaleza – a stunning suite overlooking the bay. 

The bride wore a show-stopping couture wedding dress made by Galia Lahav. Complete with lace accents, a flowing train and a custom headpiece, she looked like she stepped straight out of a magazine.

Getting Ready with the Groom

Ryan got dressed and ready for his wedding day in the Formentor House at La Fortaleza. He stepped out looking dapper in a custom Hadleigh’s suit and bowtie.

P.S. If you’re looking for fashion inspiration for your future hubby on your wedding day, check out my 19 groom attire ideas. 

The Magical Wedding Ceremony In the Water Arches

The view of the Mallorcan Bay is indescribable from behind the ancient fortress’s arches. It was the perfect backdrop to this momentous occasion in Caroline and Ryan’s lives. 

The mirrored aisle and serene waters inside the fortress walls bounced off the blue skies above, turning this wedding ceremony into an ethereal experience I will never forget.

Cocktail Hour In the Main Gardens

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed canapé and cocktails in the main gardens facing the bay of Puerto Pollensa. 

The seating chart was playfully created using acrylic cubes with white vinyl writing and the same vibrant flowers from the reception.

Sneaking Off for a Romantic Just-Married Session

While guests were sipping on cocktails and enjoying the food, the newlyweds commemorated their I-do’s by exploring the lookout points and gardens of La Fortaleza. We had a beautiful couple’s shoot with no shortage of breathtaking views.

Celebrating the Happy Couple with a Luxurious Wedding Reception

The al fresco wedding reception took place on the terrace facing the water arches. 

A bright and airy marquee was furnished with hanging florals, modern gold metal and crystal pendulum chandeliers, and winter blue crockery. Every table was beautifully decorated with vases filled with flowers in shades of purple – the perfect ode to this vibrant couple.

Champagne Instead of Cake

Instead of cutting a traditional wedding cake, the newlyweds surprised guests with the sabre opening of a magnum champagne bottle. Now, this is my kind of wedding!

A night of dancing, laughter, and celebration continued with the Lexington Allstars’ 16-piece band entertaining everyone with their live music performances.

A Quick Dress Change Before the Afterparty

You know I love a mid-party outfit change! And this bride did not disappoint, entering in a short Danielle Frankel dress just in time for the garter toss and afterparty. 

Ending the Night with a Disco Afterparty 

At 1 am, we headed down to the Dance Hall below the bamboo arches for non-stop dancing and satisfying midnight snacks. 

The fun never stops with this couple and shoes are not mandatory at afterparties. Everyone had a blast continuing this Mallorcan wedding celebration into the wee hours of the morning. 

A Pool Party to End the Weekend In Style

The next day, we ended the wedding weekend on a high note! The bride and groom hosted a fun pool party at Carrer de Formentor – the poolside terrace and garden at La Fortaleza.

Once again, the bride knocked it out of the park with her poolside outfit! 

Guests lounged in and around the infinity pool, enjoyed delicious foods, and played lawn games to wind down after an eventful wedding weekend. 

This wedding in Mallorca is one I won’t ever forget. Everything about this weekend was simply magnificent – from the stunning venue to the energetic and fun couple. I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of it. 

Looking for more wedding day inspiration? Explore the destination wedding photography blog!

Mallorca Destination Wedding Vendors: 

Wedding Planning: Alago Events

Photography: Lilly Red

Videography: A&Y Videography

Wedding Venue: La Fortaleza

Wedding Gown: Galia Lahav

Party Dress: Danielle Frankel

Groom Suit: Hadleigh’s

Beauty: Rebecca Spendlove

Catering: El Catering d’Calvache

Floral Design: Brigitta Norrenbrock

Music: Harp & Base, Soriana Quartet, Toni Cruz Guitar, Lexington Allstars, LoMusic