This is me, Barry John, I’m an Irish Celebrant living in Malaga, Spain. I’m professionally trained and qualified through the Irish Institute of Celebrants. Being a Wedding Minister on the Costa Del Sol is a dream job. I love meeting couples, hearing their love stories and understanding their wishes for their special day. It’s a very satisfying challenge to write ceremonies that are reflective of each couple.

I believe in love, and it fascinates me how two people can come together, at exactly the perfect moment and just be so right for each other. My wish is that each ceremony is a celebration of this miracle that is love, and I aim is to do so in a warm and joyful way.

 I moved to Malaga, Spain when I was 21 years to follow my dream of becoming a professional tennis player. I trained hard for many years but didn’t reach the levels sustainable to continue on the path of reaching the top. After I stopped playing I began my coaching career in Ireland and later in Spain and I’m very fortunate to be a part of the Amor y Paz coaching team in Marbella, which also includes speaking in public in both Spanish and English.

Spain is my home now, it’s an amazing country, I absolutely love it here, and knowing the language has opened up so many doors, opportunities and friendships. Also year round sunshine is a very hard thing to leave.

In 2017 I married the love of my life, Marie, and a year later our daughter was born. Marie is an amazing woman and an incredible wedding planner. I’ve been assisting her for some years now and becoming a Wedding Celebrant in Malaga seemed like a natural step to make.

Even previously, I had been asked on various occasions to be a Minister for close friends so it was another big hint for me.

 I love being a Celebrant and hearing how the couples met and the moment they knew he/she was the one. Getting to know each couple enables me to create a besoke ceremony that’s reflective of them. It’s a privilege being involved in someones special day and having the responsibility of writing a ceremony that is both personal and memorable is something I strive on and enjoy. It brings alot of happiness to me and I aim to bring that joy in to each ceremony that I do.