“Our theme was tropical with rose gold which stuck throughout the 2 years of planning.”
Names: Donna & Darren Byer
Engagement length: 13 years
Wedding date: 2020-09-29
Wedding location: Olympic Lagoon Paphos
Photographer: Daniel James
Planner: Marry Me Cyprus
Donna and Darren met at a football match. Darren was playing football and Donna was there, watching with friends. They hit it off straight away and started dating.
“After Darren was unfortunately made redundant from his job, we met on my lunch break for a cheeky McDonald’s where he surprised me with a gorgeous ring and proposal to which I said yes. Best McDonald’s ever)!”
Donna and Darren’s wedding plans had ups and downs because of Covid. Unfortunately, their numbers dropped, but they made the decision to go ahead and get married anyway! Their ceremony was held by the sea, surrounded by palm trees and under the sun.
“Our theme was tropical with rose gold which stuck throughout the 2 years of planning. When visiting my Nan in Cyprus in May 2019. we decided to pop into Marry Me Cyprus. From the minute we walked in, the passion that the team had to make your day everything you dream of just shone through. That day we made a big decision to change to Marry Me Cyprus to plan our wedding and this was the best decision made. We had mink rose gold chair sashes with tropical leaves and orchids. The reception decor was incredible! We had rose gold trumpet vases and orchids, along with a runner and rose gold candle holders across the top table.”
Darren wore a light stone 3 piece suit with a tan belt and shoes. Donna wore a sweetheart neck dress which has lace at the top. The dress had straps, which Donna added, and ruffles at the bottom. Donna’s earrings were pearl drop design, to match the pearl drops on the veil.
The groomsmen and Donna’s father wore the same suit as Darren. They wore theirs as a 2 piece (waistcoat and trousers) along with the same tan belt and shoes. The two bridesmaids wore blush floor-length dresses. And the flower girl had a white lace dress and white sandals.
“The ceremony was surrounded by sea and palm trees and in 43-degree heat. It was stunning! We had a decorated arch entering into the ceremony area which had tropical leaves and orchids. Each chair had a mink rose gold chair sash and at the end of each row, the same material from the sash and a group of orchids were placed. The guests had personnel fans. The ceremony table had orchids and tropical leaves. The ceremony was short but perfect and included one of our daughters singing Donna down the aisle.”
“We chose Olympic Lagoon Paphos. They have stunning grounds and you do not want for anything. We went through Marry Me Cyprus and each area used throughout the day was stunning. The ceremony, cocktail reception and evening reception. They couldn’t do enough. If your drinks were half-empty they were topped up. We went for the BBQ buffet and it was incredible. So much food and really tasty, no one will go without. The hair salon and Serenity spa are located in the hotel and both amazing. Fantastic grounds for photos and staff are incredible all around. Between the hotel and wedding planner, there was not a thing missing. So accommodating.”
Right after the ceremony, Donna and Darren had a cocktail reception with canapes. They entertained their guests with a DJ playing while they ate, and then a full on party afterwards. For the favours, Marry Me Cyprus organised rose gold bottega for the ladies and JD miniatures for the men. The children had special kids bags.
Darren’s favourite memory from the day was the first dance. Donna loved the first dance and seeing Darren waiting for her at the end of the aisle.
“If you marry abroad it makes the whole experience more intimate. We would do the same all over again if we could. Definitely get in touch with Marry Me Cyprus if you are in Cyprus. Honestly, everything was thought of and on the day you don’t have to worry about a thing. It was made more perfect than we ever expected.”
Suppliers
Photographer: Daniel James | Videographer: Island Films | Ceremony and reception venue: Olympic Lagoon Paphos | Planner: Marry Me Cyprus | DJ: Marcos Davro | Hair: Tips & Toes Cyprus | Makeup: Serenity spa – Olympic Lagoon Paphos | Couple’s outfits: Moss Bross, David’s Bridal | Wedding party outfits: Moss Bross, Ever Pretty | Cake: Love Island Cakes | Celebrant: Paphos town hall | Stationery: Wedding Pod | Jewellery: H Samuel | Accessories: Jon Richards, Top Man | Flowers: Maria Vamvasouli design & Flowers
