Lauren & Johnathon’s Cyprus Wedding
As a wedding planner every couple should capture your heart, and Lauren & Johnathon certainly did that for me. I feel so lucky to have been a part of their Cyprus Wedding.
From their beautiful design ideas to the First Look before the ceremony, special vows and everything in between – including our brush with Covid!
Let me share my take on their special journey…
THE COUPLE
Teenage sweethearts, and one of the nicest couples you could ever hope to meet. Lauren & Johnathon are two people who are both so kind, caring, and thoughtful. The love they shared became clearer to me every time I chatted with them.
Over many messages and several video calls between the three of us, I had the privilege of getting to know them. And it was during our calls that I got to see the amazing dynamic they shared. From the impromptu kisses they gave each other to the friendly banter while we discussed their plans. It was clear that this couple was very much in love.
THE VISION
Lauren & Johnathon had their heart set on something beautiful from the get-go. They chose the most amazing wedding venue and destination for their holiday in Cyprus – the Olympic Lagoon Resort, Agia Napa.
A beautiful ceremony and making sure that everyone had a great time was top of their list. Alongside this, I got a real sense of them wanting to do this for themselves. Everything they chose was because it was important to them rather than wanting to please people.
At the same time, there was a big emphasis on their guests with special gifts individually chosen for each person. Another really important factor was wanting everyone to stay together, allowing them to celebrate the wedding and an incredible holiday together.
The balance between the consideration of their guests and what they wanted for themselves was just perfect.
THE JOURNEY
The planning journey was just as it should be, thanks to Laurens own natural organisation skills. We were right on track for the perfect day at least a year before they arrived.
And then, out of nowhere, came the dreadful news of Coronavirus. At first, their Cyprus Wedding seemed ages away and we were sure it would all be a distant memory by then. But as the months drew closer it just wasn’t going away. We all stayed positive, despite our deepest concerns. Surely this wouldn’t still be affecting us more than a year down the line?
I know that for Lauren & Johnathon the last few months were the hardest, causing so much uncertainty and anxiety. As a Wedding Planner, it’s my job to have answers and solutions for any problems you might face – but this was a situation none of us could predict. It was heart-breaking to watch this excited couple-to-be become nervous and unsure of their plans. The exact opposite of everything I wanted to provide for them.
After a last-minute postponement from June to August, we even reached the point of discussing Plan B in the UK. It wasn’t until around two weeks before their departure that we were even sure they might be able to fly.
Circumstances meant that some of their guests couldn’t join them, but the heart-warming part of this story is that they didn’t want to wait any longer. They just wanted to be married and start their life together. They had plans for their future and didn’t want to put them off any longer.
I know this must have been one of the most difficult decisions they’ll have made together. It made me want their day to be even more perfect and special. To make all their sacrifices and worry worthwhile.
THE DESIGN
We came into contact more than two years before their wedding and from the very beginning Lauren’s vision was clear. She knew what she wanted and stuck to everything she initially chose!
A tropical combination of green palm leaves against an all-white wedding highlighted with subtle touches of gold was her goal. And more than two years later in the middle of a global pandemic, that’s exactly what we achieved.
It was such an exciting concept to work on because it was so unusual. The idea was so striking and fitted the style of their Cyprus wedding so beautifully.
There was a definite wow moment when their guests arrived and saw everything come to life!
THE BIG DAY
From the moment this day began I knew it was going to be extra special. In part due to the uncertainty we had faced, and because the planning and preparation was about to reveal itself. Lauren & Johnathon would finally become the married couple they had wanted to be!
It was my job to make sure everything was exactly as it should be, which comes with an amount of pressure. You only get one chance to make it right! The details had been triple checked and nothing was left to chance.
Officially starting with the arrival of the freshly steamed wedding dress and the spa preparations for the beautiful ladies. There was so much anticipation in the air! The boys were more chilled, but their time soon came as the suits went on and the buttonholes were pinned.
Bridal flowers arrived and gifts were exchanged between Lauren & Johnathon – just another example of the thoughtfulness between them. Nerves obviously began to heighten at this stage, as they usually do.
And then the moment came when Lauren & Johnathon would meet for the first time. Not at the ceremony, but as part of the First Look they had planned together. A chance for them to see each other alone, without the pressure of everyone watching. A moment when they could anticipate what was about to happen together and take in how amazing they both looked! It was an incredibly special moment that I will never forget.
Following this amazing moment between the couple, the ceremony took place without a single hitch. And their greeting at the aisle was no less significant. I am certain it was even more enjoyable because they didn’t feel the pressure they would have felt without the First Look. It was so right for them.
The ceremony included special vows followed by a beautiful cake cutting and a fabulous ride on the open top bus. The perfect way to break up the formality of the ceremony and the dinner while having lots of fun!
Dinner, speeches and first dances naturally followed proceedings. Highlighted with Stage Fountain Fireworks this couple danced like they were in love! And their guests were thrilled to take part in a sparkler send off.
The end of the night saw them all dive into the sea, for some amazing photos and memories together. Have you ever been to a wedding in the UK which ended with the couple and their guests dancing amongst the waves under a moon lit the sky?! You’ll need a Cyprus Wedding for that kind of finale!
SPECIAL MOMENTS
I will never forget the first look. It was a privilege to share this from afar. And looking back to the planning stages, the memories of us chatting together will always stay with me.
Throughout the process, receiving all the lovely images of the special items that Lauren had ordered. Talking through dress alterations and groomsmen outfits – it was so lovely to be part of these special moments.
Being able to see the couple exchange their personal vows was another truly special moment. I remember such a mixture of happiness and relief that they had finally reached this point.
But my biggest take away from the whole day was all the love, from every angle and every guest. It wasn’t just Lauren & Johnathon that loved each other – it was every one of their guests that loved them both so much too. There was a special happiness in the air, and it was such an honour to be a part of it.
FINAL WORDS
When you plan a beautiful wedding, it will be beautiful. But there is something magical, that you cannot plan which Lauren & Johnathon captured without even thinking about it. Their love for each other and the love of their guests.
For a long time I have been convinced that their Cyprus Wedding would not be the end of their celebration. It is just the start – the beginning of a new chapter. The rest of their life starts now, and I cannot wait to hear what this holds for them both.
THE GALLERY
SPECIAL THANKS
Alone we are a river, but together we are an ocean! Without an amazing network of suppliers who helped bring this dream to life, none of it would have been possible. A huge thank you from me to everyone involved.
Planning – Perfect Weddings Cyprus
Photography – Christodolou Photography
Decor – Paper Flowers Cyprus
Fresh Flower Bouquet – Rostrata Flowers
Ceremony Venue – Olympic Lagoon
Fireworks – Prygos Fireworks
Wedding Bus – Exclusive Wedding Bus
Signage – Richie Roo Designs
Happy Planning & Lots of Love
Sally x
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW