The wedding ceremony of Bárbara Mirján and Cayetano Martínez de Irujo, despite being the main society event of the year in Seville, was marked by deliberate modesty. The couple, members of one of the country’s most distinguished aristocratic families, declined the traditional photo call for the press. The newlyweds behaved as if the dozens of cameras pointed at them were just an unfortunate mishap. Hopes for exclusive photos of the bride’s dress in glossy magazines were also dashed— the couple chose not to sell their story. From the very start, it was clear: this celebration was not meant for the public. However, some details intended to add charm to the ceremony, like the bride’s arrival in the ‘Duchess’ carriage drawn by two horses, only added to the already tense atmosphere.
Tense atmosphere at the entrance to the church
It was the arrival and subsequent departure of the newlyweds in this very carriage to the Las Arroelas estate, where the banquet was held, that proved to be the most challenging moments of the day. Caetano’s attempt to board the traditional vehicle turned into the morning’s most awkward scene. But even before that, Bárbara had to endure several tense minutes. The situation spun out of control when the bride, together with her father and her godfather Javier Mirian, lingered for a few moments in the carriage, allowing photographers to take their shots. This was a key moment—the bride’s first public appearance. The goal was likely to ensure her dress would be widely featured in photographs. At first, there wasn’t even any security around the “Duchess.”
Everything changed in an instant. Suddenly, the bride was surrounded by a crowd of women who began filming her with their mobile phones, trying to touch the hem of her dress, shouting compliments and asking questions. That minute felt like an eternity until security staff and the ceremony organizer rushed in to help. Only then were Bárbara and her father able to leave the carriage and head to the church.
Family bonds and the priest’s guidance
Cayetano Martínez de Irujo, on the other hand, was in excellent spirits, escorting his daughter Amina, who served as the matron of honor. It’s known that she dislikes the cameras, so she quickly slipped away into the church atrium. Her brother Luis, looking splendid, smiled and greeted the guests. Most of those attending followed the example of the newlyweds and ignored the press. The exceptions were Tana Rivera and Eugenia Martínez de Irujo, who shone in Roberto Diz outfits. The Duke of Alba and the Dukes of Huescar unexpectedly drew significant attention, giving some time to the photographers. In the atrium, where part of the family had gathered, the groom was seen warmly embracing his elder brother Carlos and cousins exchanging kisses.
If there were any disagreements between the brothers, they were set aside on this special day. At the very least, photographers managed to capture warm moments between the Duke of Alba and his eldest son. The Counts of Osorno, although present, do not appear in the photos. The situation was different with Alfonso Martínez de Irujo, the Duke of Hijar. He arrived alone, was among the first to enter the church, and did not attend the banquet. Fernando and Eugenia, much more cheerful and outgoing, served as witnesses, which suggests smoother relations within this branch of the family.
Inside the church, there was a rare moment of tenderness between the couple. Leaked photos show Cayetano embracing and kissing Barbara on the cheek over her veil in a fatherly manner as she approached the altar. Another, more intimate kiss took place just before they exchanged vows. This was unusual, since the Duke of Arjona is never publicly affectionate, often lamenting in interviews about the lack of warmth in his childhood due to his mother’s aristocratic restraint.
An unexpected outburst from the groom
Perhaps it was Cayetano’s recent public revelations that prompted a lighthearted rebuke from Father Ignacio Sánchez-Dalta, who conducted the ceremony. As the late Duchess Cayetana’s confessor, he delivered a touching speech to the newlyweds, wishing them complete openness with each other. Then, to everyone’s amusement, he jokingly scolded the groom: “And you, with your antics, with everything you’re always getting up to.” Luckily, everyone enjoyed the joke.
Alas, the groom’s good mood evaporated as soon as they exited the church. It’s not entirely clear what happened, but the Duke of Arjon’s expression darkened at the sight of the cameras crowding around the carriage. He held himself in check while Barbara, smiling and friendly with the reporters, got into the ‘Duchess.’ But then the newlywed could no longer contain himself. With a look of anger, he demanded the journalists leave them alone and show respect—at least for one day. This outburst was odd, especially against the backdrop of the radiant bride. After all, the desired privacy could easily have been achieved by holding the ceremony on their own estate rather than in a public church, even if it was so significant for the family because of the resting place of Duchess Cayetana. It was as if the duke expected the press to fall silent in his aristocratic presence. Character cannot be hidden.
