The recent union of Cayetano Martínez de Irujo and Bárbara Mirján, celebrated in the heart of Andalusia, has sparked not only enthusiastic reviews. The lavish event—unquestionably the social highlight of the season—was followed by a wave of gossip and critical remarks. Behind the glittering spotlights and the happy smiles of the newlyweds were details now actively discussed in society, adding a bittersweet note to this long-awaited occasion. While the ceremony itself was moving and the banquet and party will long be remembered by guests, certain moments left attendees genuinely puzzled.
At the center of attention was Amina Martínez de Irujo, the groom’s daughter from his marriage to Genoveva Casanova, who served as maid of honor. Many noticed her subdued mood and distinctly saddened expression. According to one account, her demeanor was due to natural shyness and fear of being in the spotlight. However, journalist Beatriz Cortázar offered a much more dramatic theory. She suggested that Amina’s somberness was a kind of tribute to her mother—the young woman did not want to openly show joy in escorting her father to marry another woman. The contrast was especially striking when compared to the radiant mother of the bride, Lourdes Allende, who made her first appearance before cameras and looked stunning. It is known that she comes from an influential Basque family that founded a major company in the woodworking industry.
The bride’s attire, created by the designers of the Navascués atelier, also came under fire. For example, renowned designer Juan Avellaneda was not impressed by the dress. He found it somewhat old-fashioned, but not in a good, classic way—instead, he described it as rather tasteless. He was particularly critical of the waistline, which he considered too sharply cut, giving the impression that the dress was made from two fabrics of different colors and textures. The expert even called the famous embroidery on the belt “a cheap sticker.”
The couple’s carriage ride through the city streets raised no fewer questions. For the trip, they chose the “duquesita” model—a very small and cramped carriage. The bride in her voluminous dress, her father, and the driver barely fit inside. Why the couple didn’t rent a more spacious and fitting phaeton for the occasion remains a mystery. Strangely, several main streets were closed off for the ride, but the journey itself was almost completely solitary. Perhaps the intense heat was to blame, but the spectacle was a rather cheerless one. In the end, to return to the villa where the banquet was held, the couple switched to a car, leaving the carriage behind after a short route through the city center.
As a result, the dress and carriage became the main topics of gossip after the celebration. To be fair, it’s worth noting that the bride looked stunningly beautiful. Even the oddly placed hair accessory—worn more like a headband than a tiara—couldn’t spoil the overall impression.
