Real Weddings Cyprus: Danielle and John’s beautiful wedding abroad

A harbourside location in sunny Cyprus was the ideal setting for this happy couple. Our WED2B Real Weddings Cyprus feature reveals more:

Danielle and John met through Facebook. “We initially met a few times to get to know each other but our first proper date was a night away in Aberdeen,” says Danielle. “We were both trying to act the best version of ourselves but after a few drinks ended up in a pub watching the boxing, which is actually both of our favourite sports!”

Popping the question

John proposed just before Christmas in 2015. “He asked my Mum if she could help find out my ring size by getting me to try on some of her rings, but I didn't take the hint,” smiles Danielle. “He also asked my Dad if it was OK to marry me and he said, ‘Take her, when do you want her!’”

Finding the dress

Danielle visited WED2B’s Edinburgh store with her mum just to browse. “I wasn’t expecting to find my dress that day, as my Gran was away on holiday and I wanted her to be involved in the decision,” she says. “But I saw Christabelle and fell in love. It was only available in the wrong size but I loved it so much I added it to my selection.”

“I tried on lots of dresses that day, as well as lots of dresses in other bridal stores, but I new Christabelle was the one. It was perfect and had all the princess puff, shimmer and bling I wanted.” In the end Danielle FaceTimed her gran for her approval before she put down a deposit. “Then I dragged her to the shop for a proper look the day she got back from her holiday!” she laughs. “Needless to say, she loved it too!”

A picturesque setting

The couple married in Ayia Napa in Cyprus, in a beautiful harbour setting overlooking the sea. “We booked through TUI and most of the wedding planning was done by its advisors,” says Danielle. “However, John and I organised the open top bus, reception and photography ourselves. I also made all my own stationery for the wedding.”

The wedding day

The big day started with Danielle and her bridesmaids – her little sister Kayla and her sister-in-law Laura - travelling to a hair salon for hair and makeup while enjoying a bottle of champagne. Afterwards they went back to the hotel to finish getting ready. Her maids changed into their floor-length, deep purple gowns, which complemented Danielle’s dress perfectly.

A stylish way to arrive

An open top bus collected all the guests to take them to the harbour venue. “The open top bus was the most memorable experience by far! It was absolutely unforgettable and all the guests loved the surprise,” says Danielle. “My Dad and I travelled to the venue in a Mercedes wedding car and, as per Cypriot tradition, the driver beeped the horn at each and every passer-by!”.

Take the tour

After the ceremony, everyone got back on the open-top bus for a two-hour tour with champagne. Then they were dropped off at a local restaurant for the wedding breakfast. “Later John and I left with the photographer for photos and our guests all headed back to our hotel for drinks and a dance, where we joined them later.”

If we could do it all again…

“…we would definitely recommend going abroad to be married,” says Danielle. “Doing little things like your own stationery really adds a personal touch to the day too. Also, keeping the open-top bus as a surprise for the guests was a big hit and we loved giving them a special surprise. It was a nice thank you to them for travelling abroad for our wedding.”

Did your wedding have the wow factor like our Real Weddings Cyprus feature? If you would like to be a part of our real weddings feature send your favourite photo to real.bride@wed2b.co.uk  and we’ll be in touch.