Journal

Raya and Adhib — Thalassines Beach Villas, Cyprus

Thalassines is a gorgeous Cyprus wedding venue, and we were very lucky to be asked to photograph Raya and Adhib, not just for one wedding but for three over two days. On the first day, we captured their civil ceremony. On the second, their Bengali and Sudanese weddings and the traditional celebrations associated with both.

Raya and Adhib dancing on the rocky shoreline at sunset, Thalassines Beach Villas, Ayia Napa

Pine trees shading a path down to the beach ceremony set-up at Thalassines Beach Villas

Wooden fishing boat and thatched parasols on the beach seen through pine branches, Ayia Napa

A two-day wedding at Thalassines

Day 1 — the civil ceremony

Raya and Adhib both got ready at the Thalassines Beach Villas, in their own separate villas. Raya had her hair and makeup done at the villa. She looked truly amazing as she got into her stunning dress and added all the final touches. The light at this wedding venue is truly stunning.

Adhib also got ready in a villa away from his beautiful bride-to-be. He looked very dashing in his suit and bow tie.

The guests began to arrive at the beachfront venue where the ceremony was to be held. Vows were exchanged in front of family and good friends — a very beautiful "I do" moment.

After the ceremony, we took group photographs while guests mingled during the reception, also held on the beach. Their evening reception was filled with fun speeches, good food and laughter. They cut their cake and had their first dance at the end of the meal. Shortly after, there was a spectacular firework display by Nicos from Pyrgos Fireworks. A gorgeous day, and we feel very honoured to have been part of it.

White ceremony chairs set out on the sand beside thatched parasols as a guest looks on

Ceremony chairs being arranged on the beach beneath a pine tree, Thalassines Beach Villas

Man in red shorts standing by the villas, seen past a blurred foreground

Day 2 — Bengali and Sudanese celebrations

Raya and Adhib got ready in their Bengali outfits in their individual villas. We love the vibrancy of these traditional outfits and the guests in all their finery.

The Bengali celebrations

In the afternoon there were Bengali celebrations and games. One game saw Raya enter the beach area via the path first and enter the gazebo. She was surrounded by her friends and family, almost protecting her.

The groom then followed with his groomsmen and attempted to gain access to Raya at the gazebo by playing a bargaining game with her family. Once he gained access, flower garland necklaces were exchanged, along with food and drink between the happy couple. This part of the day was full of fun and laughter. Everyone then joined the couple for an early evening meal.

The Sudanese Jirtik

Rustic wooden welcome sign for Raya and Adhib's wedding hanging from a pine tree with fairy lights

Shaded garden path leading to the beachfront at Thalassines Beach Villas, Ayia Napa

Swimming pool with blue loungers and a thatched parasol among cypress trees at the villas

The couple went back to their individual villas and got changed into their Sudanese outfits, returning to their guests for the Jirtik. Once again they looked amazing — such ornate details and colours. This Sudanese celebration took place under a gazebo in the dinner area at sunset, with plenty of fairy lights draping above the couple as they took part in Sudanese customs for newlyweds.

After dessert, there was an awesome fire-dancing and fire-breathing show — the party really got started.