After getting engaged in front of a Cypriot sunset and falling in love with a beautiful ruined abbey, there was no doubt where Lauren and Stuart Jones were going to choose for their special day. With a modest budget, an experienced event company and a little help from their friends, they created an unforgettable wedding day in front of a stunning backdrop of sea, mountains and stone arches in North Cyprus.

The Couple

Lauren 28 and Stuart 28 Jones, from Wales, married on 21^st October 2011.

The Venue

After seeing pictures of some friends renewing their vows at Bellapais Abbey, there was no doubt in their mind where Lauren and Stuart wanted to get married. “We completely fell in love with the place,” says Lauren, “the whole wedding was within the grounds of the Abbey, surrounded by ruins and stone arches, over-looked by mountains and with views of the sea.”
“We had visited the North side of the island regularly and loved it, plus we knew that we would get a lot more for our money than on the South or within the UK.”

The Big Day

With such a breath taking backdrop already in place, Lauren and Stuart wanted a traditional theme with ivory, champagne and pearls as the main colours to compliment the venue. Lauren also wore a classic ivory silk dress by Maggie Sotero, with corset back and diamond and pearl details, accompanied by a bouquet of off-white roses.
“I know it sounds cheesy, but my favourite moment of the day was the first kiss. I could wait for her to say ‘you may now kiss the bride’ and we through our arms around each other.”
Guests were treated to a delicious spread of local dishes, including meze-style starters, grilled chicken and vegetables and Turkish style cheesecake, followed by their traditional 3-tier fruit cake.  “I honestly wouldn’t have done a thing differently” says Lauren.
“The best thing about getting married in Cyprus was that it felt completely unique, very relaxed and informal, which was exactly what we wanted. Plus of course you have guaranteed great weather, and the views were amazing!”

The Honeymoon

Having the wedding in North Cyprus allowed the couple to spend two weeks around the big day with family at a hotel in Kyrenia. “We had planned a honeymoon the year after, but within 12 months we found out we were expecting a baby, so unfortunately we couldn't go."

Top Tips

“Definitely use an events company,” says Lauren, “it was the best thing we did. We had no idea where to go or who to enquire with, plus we had the language barrier dealing with Turkish suppliers, but we gave our ideas for decorations, flowers and cake to Angelic Events, and they were all exactly what we wanted. It was also great to have someone local you can trust when money transactions were needed.”
Lauren believes it also pays to shop around, “Don’t just go for the first nice hotel you see – Cyprus has so much more to offer, and there are some amazing, interesting places to get married.”

Lauren and Stuart’s wedding was organised by Angelic Events, who specialise in arranging personalised events in some of North Cyprus’ most eye-catching and unique venues. For more details go to www.angelic-events.com