Journal

Fleur + Kazem — Vasilias Nikoklis Inn, Nikokleia

Fleur and Kazem met in 2004 doing street fundraising and had a cheeky snog on a drunken night, but lost touch and didn't go on their first date until 2012. After that it was plain sailing. They had been together five years when they got married.

Fleur and Kazem embracing on a dusty track as a herd of goats passes beneath olive trees

Aerial view of Vasilias Nikoklis Inn nestled among trees in the hills near Nikokleia

Aerial view of the inn's red roofs, pool and bougainvillea in the Paphos countryside

How they met

The proposal

They got engaged on a sailing trip in Greece in August 2016 with both of their families. Kazem had spent the whole week trying to find a good time and place to propose, but the Greek islands were beset with unseasonable gales. On the final day sailing home, the sun finally came out. Whilst snorkelling, he opened the ring box underwater. Fleur was so surprised she screamed and pulled off her mask and snorkel — which dropped to the bottom of the ocean.

The dress

The second dress Fleur tried on — a one-of-a-kind silk crepe dress from a gorgeous little vintage boutique called Days of Grace in Budleigh Salterton, Devon. A lovely Grecian style with a vintage wax flower crown in her hair from the same shop. Her mum kindly bought it for her, and she wouldn't have picked anything anywhere near so nice without her. On the day she was given a garter handmade by her best friend's family.

The groom's suit

A suit Kazem bought five days before the wedding — a grey three-piece suit kindly bought by his mother, with a tie to match the bridesmaids and handmade rustic boutonnieres from Curious Fair on Etsy.

Finishing touches

A beautiful dried flower bouquet from EnglishFlowerFarmer on Etsy
Bridesmaids' bouquets of dried gypsophila from WildFlowersWigan on Etsy
DIY table plans, seating cards and table-name signs
Swimming pool railing decorated with photos of family and friends
Rustic map favour boxes filled with Syrian and English sweets
Dried English lavender alongside the cutlery
Bagpipes playing Fleur up the aisle — all representing their nationalities

The wedding day

The bridal party had a swim in the Vasilias pool in the morning, while the groomsmen were floating in the sea at Banana Bay. Getting ready was slow and relaxed, with bridesmaids doing each other's hair, while the seven groomsmen plus groom arrived and squeezed into a room at Vasilias.

Vine-covered balconies of Vasilias Nikoklis Inn under a bright blue sky

Wedding dress hanging in the ivy-covered stone archway of Vasilias Nikoklis Inn

Bride in hair rollers having her eyeliner applied

Things only got nerve-wracking when people started to show up and Fleur was finally in her dress. Once everyone was in place, Kazem's step-father, a Scottish Highland bagpiper, played her up the aisle to a song they fell in love with whilst touring the Isle of Skye.

The ceremony

Totally unpracticed, but therefore super-chilled and easy-going. They hadn't heard each other's vows, which were really emotional, so there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

After the ceremony and during the reception, they were scooped off by the photographers and were lucky enough to be visited by a herd of goats at sunset in the field behind Vasilias — great photos.

The first dance and Greek dancing

Everyone was getting tipsy, so MC Chris (and the bride's mother) suggested they change their first dance to start with something slow and cheesy before dropping into Zorba the Greek. They last-minute agreed, and the music-man was very accommodating. Amazingly, everyone joined in the attempt at Greek dancing. A real highlight was the talented friends and family improvising the music — a beatboxer with the bagpipes and a harmonica, all totally spontaneous.

They carried the party on at The Rose Pub in Kato Paphos after the formal celebrations finished.

Favourite part of the day

The first dance — every single guest was dancing and shouting the dance steps — and the friends getting involved with the music.

Why Vasilias

It was only ever Vasilias — the rustic vibe, exclusive use of the venue in the Paphos countryside, and getting married under the eucalyptus trees in the garden. As soon as Fleur saw it on the internet she knew it was what she wanted, and it was even better in person.

Black-and-white photo of a smiling bridesmaid in a doorway, holding a drink

Gold drop earrings resting on weathered tree bark

Bouquet stems and a jewelled bridal belt with ivory ribbon on rough bark

Styling and décor

Rustic, rustic, rustic — all inspired by Vasilias itself and photos of previous weddings.

Music

The super-talented Chris Andre — a genius at the fiddle, brilliant and easy-going.

Advice for other couples

"Definitely get a good photographer and videographer — their products are the only tangible, long-lasting mementoes of the day, and are for your memories, not other people's."

On working with Beziique

"Nick and Aimie were brilliant. From the outset Nick was giving advice about what works and what doesn't at weddings, which proved to be really valuable. They both made us feel really relaxed but managed to organise us and our guests when needed. Most importantly, they took some amazing photos that we will treasure forever."