As an experienced wedding and event planning company director, Jade ensured her Anassa wedding would be nothing short of spectacular. Jade, 41, from Kemberton, and Peter, 42, a trade supervisor from Clitheroe, exchanged vows at the breathtaking Anassa Hotel, near the Akamas Peninsula in the Paphos region of Cyprus.
How they met
The couple met during a night out in Manchester, UK, and had been together for three and a half years before tying the knot on October 22, 2022. Peter proposed on Jade’s 40th birthday, organizing a party at their home shortly after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted to celebrate with friends and family in person. During the party, Peter made a heartfelt speech as Jade’s cake was brought out, then signaled the DJ, who was his best friend and later his best man, to throw him the ring box. Peter then got down on one knee and presented Jade with a stunning ‘floating’ diamond engagement ring set on platinum with surrounding diamonds. Jade couldn’t resist saying yes to the perfect ring.
Why they decided on The Anassa Hotel
The idea of a Cyprus wedding came from a parent at their son’s small village school and was later endorsed by destination wedding planner Matthew Oliver. They chose the Anassa Hotel, a recommendation validated by another parent at the school, who, as a fellow photographer, had voted for Nick, their photographer, Beziique Cyprus Wedding Photographers for an award the previous year.
The Bride & Groom
Jade selected a wedding dress by renowned designer Galia Lahav. Her silk dress featured a stunning silhouette panel, a four-tone train, and a corset. “I had already bought a dress a few months earlier but fell in love with this one,” Jade said. Complementing her dress, Jade wore a bracelet gifted by Peter on the morning of their wedding, delivered by the best man. She also wore earrings that matched her bridesmaids’, although hers were slightly more detailed, and a simple champagne-colored bow in her hair, inspired by Kate Hudson’s style in a recent Instagram photo shoot.
For her something new, Jade had her dress, earrings, and shoes, along with the bracelet. Her something old was her late grandmother’s wedding ring, sewn into her garter with a blue ribbon for her something blue. Her something borrowed was her mother’s Jimmy Choo clutch bag, which she has yet to return.
Peter looked dashing in a cream linen waistcoat and suit trousers, brown shoes, and a matching belt. “We decided against cravats or ties and just had a simple buttonhole. He looked incredible,” Jade said.
The Wedding at Anassa
The wedding theme featured peach, white, and champagne colors with lots of florals. Jade’s bridesmaids wore champagne silk slip dresses, and the flower girls donned tulle dresses with bows at the back to complement Jade’s dress and hair.
The couple fell in love with the Anassa Hotel just six months before their wedding date. “As soon as we had our first meeting with Dora, the wedding planner, we knew we were in safe hands,” Jade said.
The reception included a welcome drink with white chocolate-dipped strawberries as canapés. The menu featured scallops to start and blade of beef for the main course. “It was all perfect,” Jade remarked. The Anassa hotel chef also crafted their exquisite wedding cake, a three-tiered vanilla sponge with white icing and sugar flowers draped down one side. “The best wedding cake I’ve ever tasted,” Jade exclaimed.
The couple’s first dance, as ’80s babies, was to Eric Clapton’s ‘Wonderful Tonight,’ with Aimie, their DJ and singer, providing fantastic entertainment all night. “We left her to play what she felt appropriate, and she was superb,” Jade said.
Their floral arrangements included white and peach roses for a neutral, romantic feel. A flower arch at the altar with candles all around, low-level centerpieces, tapered candles, and tree lanterns adorned the venue.
Female guests received miniature Penhaligon perfumes in clear acrylic gift boxes with thank you cards, while younger attendees received bracelets in personalized name bags.
Reflecting on the best part of their wedding, Jade said, “All of it! We particularly loved having our photos taken. It was just us, we had fun with it, got to kiss loads, and we were soaking it all in. Nick made sure we had a glass of fizz at all times, so it was great!”
As an experienced event planner with 15 years in the industry, Jade advises, “Take people’s help when they offer it, and arrange it in advance so they’re committed. We have five children and needed more help on the morning of the wedding but were too polite to ask.”
Venue: Anassa Hotel
Bride’s Dress: Galia Lahav
Grooms Suit: M&S
Wedding Rings; Austen & Blake, UK
Wedding Cake: Anassa Hotel
Flowers & Decor: Enchanted Flower Lounge
Transport: Exclusive Wedding Transport
Entertainment: Aimie Wild
Hair: Nick Malenko
Invitations & Stationery: Peony & Rose, Nullapress and Shropshire Events
Wedding Planner: The Bride herself, Jade, Shropshire Events
