A Cyprus Wedding.
It is said that the Goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, was born in the city of Paphos in the southwest corner of Cyprus. The natural beauty of the island, with its picturesque quayside and early Christian sites, make a Cyprus wedding as beautiful as the Goddess herself.
Location: Paphos, Cyprus
From: Stockholm, Sweden
No of Guests: 20
Nearest Airport: Paphos International
The Natural Decision
During a trip to Cyprus a year before their own special day, Afshan and Guy had seen a number of weddings taking place and to them it seemed a wonderful place to get married. So when Guy popped the question a Cyprus wedding was an easy decision to make. Paphos, with its air of holiday charm combined with history and older-day elegance, also had balmy weather to recommend it. The couple, originally from the United Kingdom, but living in Sweden, yearned for warmer temperatures than either of these countries could guarantee, for their wedding ceremony.
Perfect Planning
Afshan chose Anna from Paphos Wedding Belles to take care of the preparations for their big day, knowing that it would be difficult to get everything organised herself, from Sweden. “From the very first day I contacted her she made me feel special, treated my ideas and thoughts with great consideration and provided me with great support.”
Although the thoughts of getting married in Cyprus had crossed their minds the year before, they hadn’t actively searched for a location whilst they were there. But Afshan placed her total confidence in the wedding planner and was delighted with the romantic ceremony and wonderful reception Anna created for them.
“A Princess from the First Moment”
Before the ceremony, surrounded by family and friends who helped with last minute preparations, Afshan felt like a princess. When she walked down the aisle outside Peiya Town Hall, and locked eyes with her soon to be husband, the rest of the world just blended into the background. Together they giggled at the sweet and funny civil vows.
Afshan looked beautiful in an empire line gown, in champagne coloured crushed silk, modelled in the style of Jane Austin. Guy felt comfortable, despite the heat, in a smart linen suit, white shirt and tie.
After the ceremony, they took an open top vintage car to the reception venue. Their guests followed behind in a decorated bus. Driving down the winding roads towards the beach they felt like famous movie stars, as strangers waved and cheered, hooting their horns as they drove past the happy couple.
Sunshine and Sparkles
They reached The New Horizons roof terrace and bar in Paphos where the reception was being held, and marvelled in the stunning views of mountains to one side, and the sun beginning to set over the sea on the other. Nearby was the hotel where the newly-weds, and many of their guests, were staying.
Canap’s and pre-dinner drinks were served whilst three speeches were made and the cake was cut. “It was a very relaxed atmosphere – exactly how we had envisaged it.” Afshan said. The tables were decorated with Swarovski table diamonds which sparkled in the late afternoon sunlight and then, as the day drew to a close, lanterns and candles in large iron holders were lit, highlighting centrepieces of burnt orange and cream roses.
Every Moment was Amazing
The theme of the reception was of decadent Georgian romance, emphasized by over 500 roses creating a touch of luxury. A traditional Greek Meze was served for dinner, followed by wedding cake, fresh fruit and espresso. After the meal the decorations and flowers were moved to the bar terrace where the lit candles enhanced the spectacular sunset. With music carefully chosen by Afshan and Guy the Cyprus wedding party continued into the early hours.
Personalised Preparation
One of the things that can make a wedding abroad successful is providing guests with plenty of information about the wedding location ahead of time. Two weeks before the wedding Afshan hand-made and sent out a “Welcome to our Wedding” booklet to every guest. Each booklet explained the procedures for the wedding day, described every guest attending, invited the guests to a gathering the night before the wedding, described the hotel and gave some tourist info about the area. The idea was to give their Cyprus wedding a more personal touch. Afshan shared, “Every person made it so special.” It truly was a perfect day.
The Perfect Partners
Wedding Planner: Paphos Wedding Belles Wedding Ceremony: Peiya Town Hall // Wedding Reception: The New Horizons Roof Terrace and Bar // Bridal Gown: Vita by Milo // Bridal Shoes: LK Bennett // Bridesmaids Dresses: Monsoon // Groom’s Attire: Next and Mark Wallace
