Grecian Sunshine & Happiness

Most people know Ayia Napa as “the new Ibiza” or the “Club Capital of Europe”. Almost everyone associates it with its Nineteen-club Mile and lively young clientele. But beneath the colourful, stereotyped overlay are the remnants of the quaint, sleepy fishing village it was just 25 years ago, with crystal clear waters and magnificent, sparkling, sandy beaches.

The Bride & Groom:
Louisa Read to Dave Rosbotham

From:
Hexham, UK

Wedding Location:
Ayia Napa, Cyprus

The Date:
18 September 2004

No. of Guests:
40


“I knew they could arrange the perfect day”
It’s something of an understatement to say that Louisa knew Ayia Napa before she planned her wedding to Dave. In fact, if you’re thinking of planning a wedding in this area, you’re in for a treat because it’s not often we get wedding reports from local wedding co-ordinators. “I chose Ayia Napa because I was a holiday rep there for four years, and also worked as the company’s wedding rep so I definitely didn’t need a planner”, explained Louisa. “From experience I knew the suppliers and venue that could arrange the perfect day for us”.

Tranquil Monastry
The Anglican ceremony, which lasted approximately one hour, was conducted in English in the air conditioned Anglican section of the tranquil, 16th century Ayia Napa Monastery. The bride, in a strapless, chiffon dress and heavily beaded bodice sparkled in the sun next to Dave, a dashing counterpart in a lightweight black suit with lilac waistcoat and cravat. After the ceremony and professional photographs in the Monastry grounds the couple took their 40 guests to the famous Grecian Sands hotel, which provided the perfect backdrop to the wedding photographs, with sunset views over the landscaped gardens to the dazzling clifftop views of Ayia Napa beyond.

Lilac and White
The wedding breakfast was served in a private room, decorated in co-ordinated white and lilac with personalised confetti, overlooking the gardens and sea. “The guests were waiting in the bar for us to arrive so that they could shower us with confetti”, described Louisa, “Then we cut the cake and served champagne to the guests before we had the most fantastic meal overlooking the bay. After the speeches we had a disco and took over the hotel bar until 2am!”

Sunshine & Happiness
For anyone considering a wedding in this destination, Louisa’s advice is “just do it!”. As many of our other Cypriot brides have confirmed, the legal process is straightforward and the country is wonderfully accessible. “It was a lovely day, and I’d do it all again tomorrow”, says Louisa. “Our aim was for our guests to experience sunshine, happiness and Cypriot hospitality and I know we succeeded in that.”

Story: Callie Copeman-Bryant

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