Being referred by clients to their friends is always special. We met Laura at two of our weddings (each within a week of the other!). First at Mel and Lee's rocking medieval wedding at Portland Castle (everyone in full costumes, including David and I), and I remember Laura singing karaoke (yes, I do remember you singing Laura, LOL). We met up with Laura again the next week at Gemma and James sweet English vintage countryside wedding in Weymouth. We laughed about meeting again at another wedding, and she mentioned that when she gets married to her fiance Darren, it would be in Cyprus where they have connections.
I half joked with her that we'd love to come shoot it. Fast forward to a year later, and we were sitting with them discussing their amazing plans to get married in Ayia Napa at the Grecian Sands Hotel.
We did a little pre-wedding session before heading off to Cyprus, and right away, I knew that this was going to be one of the most fun couples we have worked with. Full of sunshine and laughter. A few of those images can be viewed on
our facebook page.
I have so much affection and love for Laura and Darren, as well as their family and friends who embraced David and I the week we spent with them in Cyprus. It was definitely a very special experience being there with them. Darren's sister and her family currently live in Cyprus, as does Laura's Grandmother, so it was a nice family reunion of sorts as well as a wedding. We had some wonderful nights out getting to know everyone. I almost feel I should do a report of what a great time we had with them in Cyprus, but for now, let's just jump ahead to the day of the ceremony.
David was meeting up with Darren and his best man, Tom at our hotel, The Bella Napa, across the road from where Laura was getting ready at the Grecian Sands. From the photos David took, he and the guys had a blast before the ceremony, I don't know what was going on with the oversized sunglasses, apparently wedding guest Joel from Bournemouth produced those, and they now have legendary status, lol.
Back at the Grecian Sands, I applied Laura's make up, and bridesmaid Karen styled her hair. The atmosphere was happy and calm. Louise, Laura's mom made Bellini's for us all, which was much appreciated! Claire, Laura's sister and bridesmaid, along with her adorable little girls kept the party lively with their sweet laughter. To protect the innocent, I won't mention the bouquet incident, but will just say Karen is hysterical!
Laura was an absolute vision in her stunning Maggie Sottero wedding gown. I loved the men in their creamy beige linen suits and flipflops!
The ceremony itself was lovely, with the gorgeous Cyprus sunshine and blue waters as a backdrop. I loved how the white tarpin over the ceremony area diffused the sun, and created the perfect sort of light. Laura was the epitome of calm, until the music "Heaven" started to play, signaling her entrance thru the garden toward where Darren was waiting to marry her. But only a tiny wobble, and she was on her with with her father Grahame by her side. I think it can be said they looked amazing as they came down the garden stairs. The smile Laura flashed Darren still makes me smile as I look at it again. The ceremony was performed by family friend Maria, who the family have known for 20 years in visiting Cyprus. Her brothers own Tofini's and Evinos, the latter which Laura and Darren used for their evening reception. The food was amazing! But I'm jumping ahead there, lol.
By the time the happy couple were pronounced 'man and wife', there was not a dry eye in sight. It was very emotional.
Inside the Grecian Sands, drinks and canapes were set up, while we waited for the rooftop terrace to signal that it was time to head up for the wedding breakfast, which was a gorgeous spread and a barbeque. We kept the little ones entertained with 'tickle sticks' while we waited,, lol. The wedding breakfast was epic! I don't think I have ever seen so much meat! I suspect all of us brought back a few more pounds on us than when we left, lol. Speeches were emotional, with father of the bride, Grahame revealing a bit about Laura's childhood, he had everyone both laughing and crying at the same time. The blissful groom, Darren was next, and his love for Laura was evident throughout his emotive words. Gifts were given to the special people involved in their day, and then it was time for Bestman Tom's speech. Something he had been really looking forward to,, hehe. He did a fabulous job, and was rewarded with a kiss by his own fiance Kate.
After the wedding breakfast, everyone headed to their rooms to refresh and then head to Tofini's to gather for drinks before going down the road to Evino's for the evening meal and a bit of dancing.
We snuck off with Laura and Darren to make good use of the beautiful Cyprus sunset to capture the romantic wedding images of them. If you look closely at the image of them standing on the cliffs, you will see another couple sitting below them,, the man was serenading his girlfriend while playing his guitar, and happened to be playing Laura's entrance song 'Heaven' when she and Darren were just above them, that my friends is serendipity :) I joked that I planned that for them, LOL.
It's such a joy when two people so in love trust you to capture their day as Laura and Darren trusted us. From David and I, thank you again for bringing us into the fold and trusting us to document the wedding. I know you will have a long and happy life together, and look forward to seeing your family grow.
Congrats again to Laura and Darren!
Teri
