Journal

Jade & Peter's Anassa Hotel Wedding

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 Anassa Hotel, near the Akamas Peninsula in the Paphos region of Cyprus, with Beziique as their Paphos wedding photographer.

Jade and Peter walking hand in hand through the white arched colonnade at Anassa Hotel

How they met

The couple met during a night out in Manchester 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, organising 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 signalled the DJ — his best friend and later his best man — to throw him the ring box. Peter 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.

Peter placing the ring on Jade's finger as guests watch the terrace ceremony

Sweeping twin staircase beneath a domed ceiling at Anassa Hotel

Jade seated in a tulle gown with puff sleeves, holding white roses

Jade smiling in her armchair with her bouquet beside louvred shutters

Delicate bracelet on white leather embossed with the date 22.10.22

Bride's embroidered robe hanging on a wooden door

Bridal sandals, rings, a pink orchid and cologne laid out on cream fabric

Blush and ivory rose bouquets resting on a table

Bridesmaids in lace-trimmed monogrammed robes, seen from behind with arms linked

Why they chose 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 of Beziique Cyprus Wedding Photographers for an award the previous year.

Peter in a beige waistcoat standing on stone steps among bougainvillea

The bride and 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-coloured bow in her hair, inspired by Kate Hudson's style in a recent Instagram photo shoot.

For her something new she had her dress, earrings, shoes and 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."

Groomsman helping Peter into his waistcoat on a terrace with bougainvillea

Ceremony terrace with white chairs and a floral arch overlooking the sea at Anassa Hotel

Reception tables with wooden cross-back chairs beneath olive trees by the sea

Round reception table with white flowers, gold candlesticks and glassware

The wedding at Anassa

The wedding theme featured peach, white and champagne colours 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."

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. The Anassa 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."

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 centrepieces, 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 personalised name bags.

Garden reception laid out under olive trees with the sea beyond

Place setting with a glass charger, folded napkin and name card

Jade and Peter laughing as they cut their sugar-rose wedding cake

Three-tier white cake cascading with ivory sugar roses

Jade and Peter cheek to cheek on the terrace among cypress trees

Peter kissing Jade's forehead as the evening sun glows behind them

Jade smiling with her rose bouquet as Peter kisses her cheek

Jade and Peter facing each other on the balustraded terrace at Anassa Hotel

Jade and Peter standing together on a stone garden path at Anassa Hotel

Close-up of the couple's hands, wedding rings and watch on her tulle sleeve

Reflections

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."