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Minimalist Charm and Mediterranean Magic in this Cyprus Destination Wedding

April 10, 2025 | justine

When Georgia and Joe set their sights on a Cyprus destination wedding, they knew it had to reflect their love, culture, and the stunning Mediterranean landscape. Georgia envisioned a minimal, classic, and timeless celebration—one that would be beautiful now and unforgettable for years to come.

“I didn’t want too much going on,” Georgia shares. “I wanted the location to do most of the talking, with the decor complementing the natural beauty around us rather than competing with it.” This approach let the stunning Cyprus backdrop shine, with elegant touches enhancing the setting without overwhelming it.

Selecting the venue was their first priority. “We had a clear vision for our wedding from the start.” After considering several options, they found the perfect spot, setting the stage for a seamless celebration.

Instead of hiring a wedding planner, Georgia used her detailed planning skills and her mother’s organizational expertise to bring their big day to life. “It was a true team effort.” Pinterest mood boards, a comprehensive PDF, and plenty of spreadsheets guided them. With recommendations from family and friends in Cyprus, they sourced many of their own vendors, ensuring every detail was just as they imagined.

What We Love About This Cyprus Destination Wedding:

Featured Vendor:

Louis Gabriel

Setting the Tone by Welcoming Guests in True Cypriot Style

Hosting a destination wedding meant their guests were there to enjoy not only the wedding day but also the beauty of Cyprus. “We hosted a pre-wedding dinner at our favourite taverna on the island—Vorea’s, a traditional Cypriot tavern in the village,” says Georgia. The evening kicked off the celebrations with traditional meze, local wine, and Greek dancing that kept everyone going until the early hours.

Celebrating Heritage and Love Through Personal Traditions During Their Ceremony

For Georgia and Joe, the ceremony was about more than just vows—it was a celebration of family, heritage, and cherished memories. They chose a church that held deep sentimental value for Georgia’s family. “It was at the top of the village where my family lives, and it held so much sentimental value.” The church had been a place of quiet reflection for her grandfather, making it the perfect setting for this special day. The significance grew even more when Joe proposed to Georgia outside the church at sunset, a moment they would always hold dear.

Opting for a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony added another layer of meaning, allowing Georgia to share her culture with their loved ones. “It felt so special and emotional to share that moment in front of all our loved ones,” she says, reflecting on the richness of the ceremony.

One of the most memorable parts of the day came after the ceremony. As they left the hilltop church, the sunset created the perfect backdrop for a ride in a retro Mercedes, making the moment feel straight out of a dream. “It was pure magic—one of those moments you just want to freeze in time.” These meaningful traditions and moments made the day truly unforgettable.

Fusing Tradition with Timeless Elegance in Their Cyprus Destination Wedding Fashion

Georgia’s wedding dress was another reflection of her vision—something classic and timeless. After trying on nearly 50 dresses, she found the perfect one. “As soon as I did, it was confirmed—it was the one. The shape was sentimental because both my mum and grandmother wore similar styles for their weddings.” She also added a personal touch by wearing her mum’s original wedding dress to the pre-wedding dinner, tailored into a chic mini.

Joe’s outfit was just as thoughtfully chosen. He wore a green suit that complemented his green eyes and tanned complexion. The color choice was his from the moment he proposed, and he paired it with Gucci loafers and a khaki-faced watch. His groomsmen’s green attire matched the theme, bringing together the look with a coordinated yet timeless touch.

Crafting a Personal and Elegant Celebration at Dafermou Winery

Choosing the reception venue was a bit of a journey. But once Georgia and Joe discovered Dafermou Winery in Lefkara, they knew it was the perfect fit. The winery’s stunning mountain views and minimalist design aligned perfectly with their vision. “It had stunning mountain views combined with a modern, minimalist feel, which fit perfectly with our vision.” Plus, the fact that it’s a winery gave guests the chance to enjoy wine made from the venue’s own grapes. Adding a meaningful connection to the local culture.

The decor was kept simple yet sophisticated, allowing the natural beauty of the venue to be the star. Personal touches like flowers, candles, and fairy lights added a warm, intimate feel, creating a welcoming atmosphere for their guests.

The celebration kicked off with a champagne tower, followed by a delicious dinner and hours of dancing. “It was everything we could have hoped for—full of love, laughter, and the best vibes!” One of their favorite moments was opting for a sweetheart table, allowing them to enjoy a quiet pause together while everyone else dined. “It was such a beautiful way to sit back, take it all in, and just enjoy each other’s company.”

Personalizing Their Cyprus Destination Wedding Day with Meaningful and Fun Details

Georgia and Joe made sure to infuse the celebration with personal elements that captured the joy and energy of the day. A Polaroid camera and guest book became a cherished keepsake, allowing guests to snap photos and leave messages. “It’s such a wonderful way to relive those moments. And we now have such a fun collection of memories to flip through.” The selfie mirror was another hit, giving guests the chance to get creative while adding fun to the celebration.

Some moments truly stood out. “One of my favorite highlights was when a friend of ours sang for us. Joe and I just couldn’t resist joining in. And before we knew it, we were having a full-on bride and groom karaoke session!” The Greek money dance, a traditional part of their culture, provided another unforgettable moment. Neither Georgia nor Joe knew exactly what they were doing, which made it all the more fun. “Then, in true Joe fashion, he decided to give a speech during it. (And yes, he was wearing a vest, as only Joe would.)”

Georgia sums it up perfectly: “Honestly, every single moment was lovely. We really felt like we got to soak it all in, enjoy the time with our guests, and dance the night away. It was perfect!”

Why It’s the Big Moments, Not the Small Details, That Count

As much as the couple meticulously planned every detail, they realized that the small things weren’t as important as the overall atmosphere. “Whether the napkins are Lefkara lace or cotton don’t matter. You remember the incredible time you had, and trust me, your guests won’t even notice those tiny details.”

Her advice for couples planning their own destination wedding? “Create a day that feels right for both of you but also keeps the guests in mind. You want everyone to feel the love and joy, and set the tone for a magical day.”

In the end, it wasn’t the minor hiccups—like a blowing veil—that defined their day. It was the love, joy, and connection Georgia and Joe shared with their guests. Their story is a reminder to focus on what truly matters: the moments that make the day unforgettable.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Louis Gabriel
Ceremony Venue – Prophet Elias
Reception Venue – Dafermou Winery

 

Sponsors
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This Monforte de Lemos Wedding Featured a Custom Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dress

April 8, 2025 | justine

When you know, you know—and for Sabela and Alessandro, their love story started with a twist of fate that led to a timeless celebration in the heart of Galicia. Their romantic Monforte de Lemos wedding brought together vintage charm, cultural nods, and heartfelt personal touches, all set against the dreamy backdrop of a historic manor.

The couple’s journey began in London back in 2016. “We met in the most unexpected way,” Sabela shared. “I’m Spanish, Alessandro is Swiss, and we worked in the same department of a luxury hotel. We were also neighbors!” Alessandro fell first, but it was their official first date that made Sabela realize he was the one.

A few magical months later, Alessandro returned to Switzerland to continue his studies—but they knew distance wouldn’t break what they had. “Some relationships are simply meant to last, and ours was one of them. We were soulmates, and no miles between us could ever break that bond.”

As their love grew stronger across countries, so did their vision for a celebration that felt elegant, timeless, and romantic. “We envisioned our wedding with an elegant, timeless style infused with a romantic vintage feel,” Sabela said. “The color palette featured soft pastel shades of pink, salmon, burgundy, and orange, creating a warm and dreamy atmosphere.”

What We Love About This Monforte de Lemos Wedding

  • A tailor-made vintage-inspired gown with silk and organza details
  • A champagne tower and live 70s music during cocktail hour
  • A personalized pocket square made from the bride’s dress fabric
  • A welcome event featuring a live concert for out-of-town guests
  • A unique watercolor seating chart printed on fabric

Featured Vendor:

Sam Ponsford Bodas

Making Their Guests Feel Welcome Right From The Start of Their Monforte de Lemos Wedding

The couple’s top priorities were clear from the beginning: the venue, music, and food. With guests traveling in from Switzerland and all over Spain, they wanted the wedding weekend to feel like a shared experience from day one.

To set the tone, they hosted a casual welcome event at the Hotel Parador in Monforte de Lemos. A flying food dinner and live music by The Peppermints created the perfect atmosphere. “We had a blast!” Sabela said. It gave everyone a chance to connect, relax, and ease into the celebration.

Choosing a Venue That Let Them Personalize Every Moment

The couple knew they wanted a venue that felt intimate, romantic, and full of character. “We fell in love with the Pazo de Treilán, especially with the dining hall. It is a gorgeous location—romantic, rural, and chic. It’s a small estate compared to others in the region but has many areas to create different ambiences.” Renting the entire property gave them creative freedom to design a day that felt true to them.

“Walking down the aisle with my dad was so beautiful,” Sabela recalled. “Seeing all my loved ones looking at me with tears of joy in their eyes. And seeing the love of my life waiting to marry me!”

Finding the Right Wedding Look That Represented Their Personal Style

Sabela had a strong vision for her look from the beginning—and finding the right designer made all the difference. She worked with Spanish designer Sara Lage to bring her dream dress to life.

“I wanted to give my look a retro flair, with the high neck and puffed organza sleeves, evoking a style from the 60s or 70s,” she shared. The custom gown featured a stunning mix of silk satin, muslin, organza, and bambula in ivory tones.

To complete the look, she wore ivory patent leather shoes from Stuart Weitzman and pearl earrings from her grandmother—sentimental and stylish. Alessandro’s wedding day outfit was just as intentional: a tailor-made dark blue silk suit by Canali, ivory shirt, and a pocket square crafted from extra fabric from Sabela’s dress.

It was thoughtful, personal, and perfectly in sync with the day’s aesthetic.

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Keeping Their Monforte de Lemos Wedding Reception True to Who They Are

Their Monforte de Lemos wedding was full of music, personal details, and regional flair. A traditional Galician bagpipe performance kicked off the celebration, followed by an outdoor cocktail hour with food stands, fresh seafood, and a champagne glass tower.

One of the most unique details? The seating chart—hand-painted in watercolor and printed on fabric for a soft, romantic touch that tied in with the venue’s charm.

Throughout the evening, friends and family shared heartfelt speeches, and the newlyweds hit the dance floor to live 70s music by Lexter. “We danced the night away until my feet got numb.”

There Will Be Hiccups—Plan Anyway

Even the most organized couples face last-minute changes. That’s why Sabela brought on a wedding planner in November, after booking their venue and saving design inspo in September. “I found most of them through recommendations and Instagram. My main requirements: aligned on aesthetics and style, experienced, responsive, and resourceful.”

She offered this advice for future couples: “Keep your cool the week before because there will be so many eventualities and unexpected changes that are out of your control.”

JB Tip: Thinking of planning a destination wedding like this Monforte de Lemos wedding? Prioritize communication with your vendors, trust your planner, and don’t forget to carve out time for those once-in-a-lifetime memories—like dancing ‘til your shoes give out.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Sam Ponsford
Event Planning – I Do Me Too
Ceremony Venue – Pazo de Treilán
Reception Venue – Hotel Parador Monforte de Lemos
Floral Design – La Constanza Flores
Catering – Josmaga
DJ – Ayman
Live Music – Lexter
Videography – Lobos Video
Invitation Design – Alexandra Motovilina
Makeup + Hair Styling – Vicky Vargas
Wedding Dress – Sara Lage
Bridal Accessories – Stuart Weitzman
Groom’s Apparel – Canali
Rings – Cartier

 

Sponsors
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Florals Take Center Stage in this Spring Backyard Wedding Inspiration

April 6, 2025 | justine

Spring is the perfect time to take your celebration outdoors, and this stunning spring backyard wedding inspiration proves just that. With a breathtaking backdrop of 200 acres, a replica of Mount Vernon, and a peaceful pond, this styled shoot is nothing short of magical. Caitlin & Co. Events, along with a talented team of vendors, brought this dreamy vision to life, showcasing how a backyard wedding can be both elegant and bold.

What We Love About This Spring Backyard Wedding Inspiration:

  • The vibrant, color-blocked floral arrangements made a bold statement, from the centerpieces to the stunning overhead installation
  • The lakeside ceremony backdrop provided a peaceful and intimate setting for exchanging vows
  • The “Take a Treat” seating chart brought a fun and interactive touch, making the guest experience even more memorable
  • A stylish lounge area beside the checkered dance floor offered the perfect spot for guests to relax
  • Wedding fashion added to the charm, with the bride’s tiered gown and the bridesmaids’ floral mismatched dresses creating an effortlessly chic look

A Dreamy Lakeside Ceremony Setup

Set against a picturesque lakeside backdrop, the ceremony was designed to feel effortlessly romantic. Plus, a pair of asymmetrical floral arches, overflowing with pink, red, yellow, and lavender blooms, framed the altar, creating a natural focal point for the vows. Also, the intentional use of color and shape gave the design an organic, whimsical touch while blending seamlessly with the surrounding greenery. Meanwhile, rows of modern wooden chairs lined the lush lawn, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience for guests. Finally, with the calm water reflecting the sky and the vibrant florals adding texture and depth, this setup is a perfect example of how a spring backyard wedding can be both breathtaking and inviting.

Fashion that Complements the Romance

The wedding fashion was just as dreamy as the setting. The bride stunned in a tiered wedding gown, exuding soft romance and modern elegance. Bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses in floral patterns and complementary pastel hues, adding to the overall whimsical charm. The groom and groomsmen looked effortlessly stylish in a classic suit. Every fashion choice was carefully curated to enhance the aesthetic of the day.

A Spring Backyard Wedding Reception Bursting with Color and Texture

From the moment you step into the reception tent, it’s clear that florals are the star of the show. The tablescape is a bold, vibrant display of arrangements in rich yellows, oranges, deep reds, and purples. Above the head table, a stunning overhead installation seamlessly blends flowers and woven lamps, adding drama to the design. Even the ceremony arch, now repurposed as a statement piece framing the entrance, continued to add charm with its lush mix of pink, purple, yellow, and green blooms. Every detail feels intentional, proving how flowers can set the tone for a breathtaking spring backyard wedding.

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The color blocked palette, lush blooms, and enchanting setting can easily be adapted to any backyard wedding style. Whether you’re planning an intimate soiree or a grand celebration, this inspiration is proof that fresh, vibrant details can make all the difference. For more ideas to elevate your big day, check out our list of refreshing spring wedding ideas!

The Wedding Team:

Photography – SoulShine Photo & Film
Event Planning – Caitlin & Co. Events
Venue – Magnolia Way
Floral Design – Hola Lola Floral
Catering – Southern Way Catering
Invitation Design + Signage – Hartsy Designs
Makeup Artist – The Lex Designs
Wedding Dress + Bridal Accessories – Elegant Bridal
Groom’s Apparel – Simons Formal Wear
Rentals – White Birch Rentals + Crisp Event Rentals + The Prissy Plate Company + Stradley Davidson Linen Collective
Calligraphy + Engraving – Macie Kendall Co.
Flower Preservation – Darling by Darian

 

Sponsors
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