In recent years, a strong trend for “back to basics” weddings has emerged: Whether it’s a simple modern ceremony or a small, deeply traditional family affair, more and more people are veering away from large, luxurious weddings. The reasons for this are understandable: Most of us are already busy, habitually stressed out, and short on funds. Naturally, we want our weddings to be enjoyable—not a cause of more stress!
However, while a “low key” approach can result in truly touching, intimate celebrations, this elegant and romantic wedding at Elias Beach Hotel proves there’s something to be said for the opposite route as well: Taking the time to plan, fund, and prepare for a truly “five star” ceremony can in itself be a way to escape the pressures of everyday life and do something that’s just for you and the one you love. As Christiana and Angelos demonstrate, with a bit of time and dedication, it’s possible to create your own fairytale.
Like most fairytales, this story has humble beginnings: In the early 2010s, Limassol natives Christiana and Angelos were two young Cypriots among thousands studying abroad in the UK. Like so many of their peers, they discovered—in between study dates, long conversations, and late nights—just how easy it is for friendship to quietly transform into love. Though it wasn’t part of their plans, they found themselves living out the truth of author Robert Brault’s popular saying: They realised that if you’re lucky, “One day, in your search for happiness, you discover a partner by your side, and you realize that your happiness has come to help you search.”
For Christiana and Angelos, this search would span several years in between their proposal (on Christmas day, 2013) and their wedding (on October 8th, 2016). It even would see the couple geographically separated while Angelos completed his studies in the UK and Christiana came home to Cyprus. All throughout, however, Christiana and Angelos held onto the belief that Christiana espoused to me: “We are each made of each other.” In the end, the distance only made them stronger as a couple… And all the more ready to take the plunge with this beautiful, elegant and romantic wedding at the Elias Beach Hotel.
Here they found everything they were looking for: A perfect blend of modern style, Mediterranean scenery, and Cypriot traditions. From the stunning vista provided by the sunset pier to the traditional white Cypriot chapel on the premises (and the ultimately sleek Blue Paradise restaurant), Christiana and Angelos found everything they needed to bring their fairytale wedding to life at the Elias Beach Hotel. It’s therefore little wonder that the celebrations carried on until dawn, ushering in with the rising sun a brand new chapter in this couple’s life together.
Just when I thought that this wedding photography session couldn’t get any better, I discovered there was a special “happy ending” in store for me, too: The Elias Beach Hotel decided to feature some of my images from this wedding on their blog! Join me there in celebrating the magic of this romantic beachfront venue.
