Crafting Unforgettable Celebrations: Monica Coumbe – Gibraltar's Premier Wedding Planner

Monica Coumbe, notably featured on 'Gibraltar: Britain in the Sun', has become the go-to wedding and events planner, making celebrations exceptionally memorable, as detailed by Belinda Beckett.

Feeling somewhat frazzled and a tad weary, Monica jests about her hectic demeanour as she hastily pushes a Morrisons trolley filled with delicacies to the stars’ dressing rooms at the Gibraltar Music Festival. The cart is laden with assorted requests, from apple cider for Lawson to Haribos for Olly Murs and miso soup for Emeli Sande, all while being observed by a troop of Barbary macaques from the rooftops.

“Blimey! There’s a monkey, and I’ve got bananas!” exclaims Monica as she races in high heels, dodging inquisitive apes. It’s a humorous moment from the Channel 5 reality show that has endeared her to nearly two million British viewers. Even the programme’s sardonic narrator, Timothy Spall, is an admirer.

“It’s fate; there’s always a bit of a kerfuffle whenever I’m filmed!” she exclaims. Monica’s televised endeavours have generated substantial PR for her wedding and events business. Her venture has orchestrated grand affairs for prestigious firms like Barclays Private Banking and Interbuild.

Monica's journey has been marked by distinguished events, including high-profile weddings like that of John Galliano’s niece, Elizabeth, and Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo.

The allure of Gibraltar as a wedding destination has soared, owing to its hassle-free proceedings and stunning venues. Monica’s clientele is diverse, from Scandinavia, America, and Australia. Her adaptability in organising varied wedding events, whether in a church or al fresco, has made her a popular choice.

“People are opting for grander celebrations in Gibraltar,” Monica observes, noting the evolving trends in wedding styles. However, the essence remains the same, a profound connection with the couples and a dedication to making their day splendid.

Monica, reminiscing about her own experiences, envisions her dream of an Indian wedding on the beach, paying homage to her heritage, and recounts her thrilling experiences catering to various stars at the Gibraltar Music Festivals.

For further details, you can reach Monica Coumbe at 5 Convent Place, Gibraltar, or at 0035058009685 or info@hourweddings.com.

Wedding Trends 2021

With most 2020 weddings more or less cancelled, we look towards 2021 and consider how COVID will shape future weddings. Hour Weddings Gibraltar has been in the industry for nearly 20 years now and although Gibraltar has not been as badly affected as the rest of Europe, we certainly feel the pain of our neighbouring countries and brides. 

Trend 1- Smaller crowds and outdoor venues

When investing in such a potentially expensive day, risking cancellation due to large numbers is something you do not want to dabble with. Keeping parties small mean you are more likely to go ahead with plans without last minute having to cut out beloved guests who may have paid to travel a long way to see you. Also, outdoor venues = circulation and comfortable guests who wont be terrified to come to a poorly ventilated party.

Trend 2- Elopement

Hour Weddings has already seen this trend picking up in Gibraltar. More couples are choosing to elope and travel alone abroad to get married? The prospect of cancelling, postponing and stressing is so 2020, couples are preparing with a romantic trip to a safe beautiful venue- Gibraltar anyone?

Trend 3- Live Stream + entertainment

Hour Weddings couples are asking to stream! Zoom and other popular sites which provide streaming services are becoming an ever more popular way to invite all your guests to your beautiful day. Another popular trend is entertainment via streaming services too, these include the first day and even live music. 

Trend 4- No canapés or buffets

I could not think of anything more 2019 than buffets and canapés, how could we ever go back to this method of serving food?! Hour Weddings have seen more sit down preferences and in most instances it has been removed from most wedding venues in Gibraltar. 

Heres to hoping for a better year, Hour Weddings x

Gibraltar promises wedding memories with a difference

Gibraltar’s Leading Wedding Planner - Monica Coumbe

Gibraltar is open for business to couples looking for an ideal place to wed that is steeped in history amid a backdrop of natural scenic beauty.

Situated in the Mediterranean, this British territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula is a natural choice for saying “I do.” Couples looking for a stress-free and memorable place to get married or enjoy their honeymoon have long been drawn to Gibraltar because of its rich heritage and fascinating flora and fauna.

The country’s tantalising cultural blend of European nationalities, Moorish and Jewish heritage has drawn well-known couples that include John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who got married there in March 1969; and Prince Charles and Princess Diana who started their honeymoon there in August of 1981.

Getting married in Gibraltar is a simple and streamlined process for foreigners. The residency requirement for getting married there is a stay of one night before the wedding or one night after. And couples can book their wedding with the country’s Registry Office for up to a year in advance.

A honeymoon in Gibraltar offers a great many delightful attractions. Of course there is the tasty and varied cuisine available because of its unique blend of cultures.

But Gibraltar has also transformed some of its historical monuments into fine dining, entertainment and shopping areas where visitors can both enjoy a sense of history and typical holiday activities. Among these is the Chatham Counterguard, an important bastion built in the 18th century to provide protection for the territory, which now features restaurants, bars and musical events.

Shopping for souvenirs is also VAT-free and newly-weds can choose from a range of mementos to take home, including high street brands of cosmetics, jewellery and electronics and local artisanal goods.

It is also possible to enjoy the blend of architecture the country has to offer while walking hand- in-hand on designated, signposted trails. One of the trails named “The History of Gibraltar’s Street Names” even includes a road known as “Lover’s Lane”.

A visit to the St. Michael’s Cave would likewise make for fond memories. Formed many millennia ago, this cave comprises beautiful, shimmering stalactites in various colours and a crystal lake.

For animal lovers, there are numerous opportunities for viewing dolphins and other wildlife, including the country’s famous wild monkeys which should be seen and photographed but not touched.

And, of course, no visit to Gibraltar would be complete without an aerial view of the Rock, as Gibraltarians fondly call their home; this can be enjoyed on board a cable car accessed at the base station on Main Street.

There is no question that its ease in arranging weddings and the numerous attractions available make Gibraltar the ideal choice for couples wanting a wedding that is filled with wonderful and very special memories.

You can start planning your wedding in Gibraltar Hour Wedding is the by far the most reliable company around with an amazing reputation.

Gibraltar looks forward to welcoming you.

info@hourweddings.com

Bodas En Gibraltar

Una vez tomada la decisión de casarse en Gibraltar, hay que decidir dónde realizar la ceremonia:

• La oficina de registro es la opción más habitual para ceremonias rápidas o de pocos asistentes. Con años de historia, la oficina de registro puede acoger hasta 20 invitados en su salón.

• La Marina, en uno de los enclaves más exclusivos de Gibraltar, la ceremonia puede realizarse en uno de sus restaurantes con vistas al puerto y así poder disfrutar de la gastronomía mediterránea para celebrar el enlace. 

• Sunborn Yacht Hotel. Poder grabar en el recuerdo que el día más importante se celebró en el único hotel flotante de Europa es posible en Gibraltar. Un hotel de 5 estrellas con vistas a la bahía, casarse en su timonera (Wheelhouse Terrace) no dejará indiferente a nadie. Una de las grandes ventajas de este lugar es el poder dormir en sus lujosas habitaciones, realizar el convite y tener todas las comodidades como Spa, estética o gimnasio en un mismo lugar. Su salón puede acoger convites de hasta 220 personas, sin duda una boda para no olvidar.

• Caleta Hotel, con su terraza en el acantilado en la Bahía de los Catalanes con vistas al peñón y África permite la posibilidad de realizar una ceremonia íntima o una gran boda. También es una opción para poder realizar la boda en un mismo lugar. 

• Rock Hotel, el hotel con más historia de Gibraltar, sus habitaciones han alojado a personajes ilustres como Winston Churchill o Hemingway. Casarse en este lugar es simplemente hacer historia. 

• Jardines Botánicos, este lugar es simplemente mágico. Sus jardines acogen plantas tropicales, flores, el verde follaje y su estanque y fuentes hacen de este lugar un sitio de ensueño. La ceremonia se puede realizar en el conocido como Dell, un valle precioso para una ceremonia íntima. El merendero es otra de sus opciones. La más exclusiva quizás sea su teatro, casarse en medio de su estanque es maravilloso, incluso se puede celebrar el convite en él. 

• Mons Calpe Suite, en pocas zonas del mundo puedes decir que te casaste en la parte alta de un peñón, en Gibraltar es posible. Sus vistas de los tres países son alucinantes. Es sin duda una opción muy original. Su restaurante presenta una carta exquisita de la cual los comensales pueden disfrutar. 

• Cuevas de San Miguel, la joya de la corona de los posibles enclaves. Simplemente un espectáculo de estalactitas centenarias. Puede llegar a acoger 600 personas. Sin duda, una opción que deja boquiabierto a los invitados.

Todos las opciones,a excepción del registro, acogen la posibilidad de decorarlas al gusto de las parejas para hacerlas exclusivas e inolvidables. 

Tips to enjoy your elopement in Gibraltar

Tips to enjoy your elopement in Gibraltar

Enjoy each other

This may go without saying but doesn’t always happen. Take time and slow down to let your feelings of your new spouse come to the surface and embrace it. 

Make it special

There are a number of ways you can make this elopement special, from personalising your vows to splashing out on a fancy limousine. Go to Gibraltar's lovely Marina’s restaurant for dinner, do whatever makes the two of you feel special to make this day truly memorable. 

Write a wedding day timeline

It may seem like you don’t need one, but thinking about the structure of your day is the best way to make the most out of it. If the ceremony takes fifteen minutes and the dinner takes two hours- what’s the plan for the rest of the day? Take time with your hair and makeup, have a long, relaxing breakfast, a couples massage or a photo session. Make sure there is a nice flow to your day so you can keep up the excitement. 

Have a candlelit dinner or picnic

Eloping doesn’t mean eating cereal bars at gas stations. You can have a private chef or even cook for yourselves. This means you get the entire choice of what you want to eat on your wedding day. 

Outdoor activities

An adventure wedding is a good way to immerse yourselves in what this beautiful world has to offer. After tying the knot, why not try stand up paddle/boat tour, walk Gibraltar’s famous med steps or climb through the lower St Michael’s Cave, horseback riding in Tarifa or a helicopter tour around Gibraltar. There really is no end to how much fun and excitement you can create.