Journal

Fiona & Paul's Rustic Vasilias Nikoklis Inn Wedding in Cyprus

Not many couples can call themselves teenage sweethearts, but for Fiona and Paul that is how it all began. "We met at school 15 years ago and have been together ever since," smiles Fiona. "Paul proposed four years ago on a candlelit beach in Mexico. It was very romantic."

Fiona and Paul on a dry hillside as a herd of goats grazes around them, near Vasilias Nikoklis Inn

School sweethearts

Choosing Vasilias Nikoklis Inn

"We started researching wedding venues abroad just before a holiday in Cyprus. We contacted Vicki Squirrel from Tie the Knot Cyprus, who sent us details of a number of venues. Vasilias was the one we wanted to visit and we fell in love when we did. We had the most magical day at our Vasilias Nikoklis Inn wedding."

"The couple did not have a definite brief in the beginning, so I asked them to share some simple information about what they wanted from their day and suggested venues to consider," adds planner Vicki.

Choosing Beziique

"Once we had decided to have a wedding in Cyprus, we started researching Cyprus wedding photographers. I had narrowed it down to three and sat down with Paul to find out his thoughts. Beziique were already my favourite and Paul instantly chose them too. Before our wedding day, we had not realised how much time you spend with your photographers on the day. Nick and Aimie were fantastic — it was lovely to have time together as a couple during the shoots and we had so much fun with them."

The dress

"My dress was by Enzoani. It was a full-length ivory gown with a strapless, sweetheart neckline. It was covered in Guipure lace and corded Chantilly lace over a tulle mermaid skirt, with a scalloped hem. I borrowed a cathedral-length veil from a bridesmaid and accessorised with a Pandora heart bracelet that Paul gifted to me on our wedding morning. I also attached my grandma's ring and a blue crystal that belongs to Paul's mum to my shoe."

The groom

Fiona and Paul in an olive grove, her long lace veil and train spread across the path

In keeping with the rustic venue and hot Cyprus sun, the groom wore grey chinos, a white Oxford-style shirt and a Hardy Amies navy checked waistcoat, finished with a navy bow tie and braces. "I gifted Paul a Tudor watch for our wedding, which he wore on the day too," adds Fiona.

The bridal party

Fiona asked seven bridesmaids to join her for the big day. "They wore grey multiway dresses that were all made by my mum." The best men wore stylish bow tie and braces combos to complement the groom.

A rustic theme

"Each couple brings their own uniqueness to their wedding," explains planner Vicki. "I pride myself on making the wedding as individual as the couple are. The venue has a big effect on the style of décor you choose, so Fiona and Paul chose a rustic décor theme in keeping with the venue."

Country décor and food

"We had bunting and hanging hearts over the dining tables, with lace table runners and log centrepieces. Guest name settings were made from wood, with matching wooden wine charms of our initials. In the evening, fairy lights, lanterns and candles made the venue extra magical." The couple opted for a barbecue feast to make the most of the open-air dining.

Greenery galore

"We did not want any strong colours in my bouquet, so we kept it rustic with lots of greenery. The bridesmaid bouquets, buttonholes and table decorations were kept simple with fluffy gypsophila." Reas Flower Studio created the floral arrangements.

Groom dipping the bride for a kiss in dappled shade, her bouquet in hand

The cake

Love Island Cakes created a rustic masterpiece. "We had a tier of carrot cake and a tier of Victoria sponge. It was a semi-naked cake with a white chocolate drip, decorated with heart-shaped shortbread cookies and gypsophila. Jo at Love Island Cakes did a perfect job creating our vision, which was inspired by a cake in a local café in our home town."

Sparkling entertainment

"We had a DJ in the evening and our guests danced the night away. We also had a sparkler entrance for our first dance, which was magical — thanks for the recommendation, Nick and Beziique."

"There are so many amazing photos from our day. If we had to choose our favourite, it would be the picture with the goat looking at us. We now have it framed above our fireplace. Receiving such special photos after the wedding was amazing. Nick and Aimie are very talented and the photos allow us to relive the memories."

Honeymoon

Returning to the country where they got engaged, Fiona and Paul jetted off for an exotic honeymoon. "We spent two weeks in Mexico after the wedding — our third time visiting the country. It holds a very special place in our hearts."