The Real Destination Wedding of Sophia & Sam at the Anassa Resort in Cyprus

Who would've thought a pinched bottle of Prosecco all those years ago would lead to this stunning Cypriot celebration

These days it's difficult, and daunting to meet people for the first time in IRL. Not all of us have the chutzpah to stride across the room and begin a conversation with someone we've taken a fancy to. We worry more about how they'll react, whether they'll think we're crazy, or if they'll even respond to our advances. Which is a shame because 9 times out of 10 people would be so flattered, and impressed that someone has come over to speak to them! Well, we would be! Which is why we loved hearing the story of how Sophia and Sam first met! A couple who had a very analogue, and somewhat cheeky start to their romance.

Sophia and Sam recently tied the knot on the stunning island of Cyprus, and today we're so pleased to be sharing some beautiful pictures from their big day. Along with a few words from the bride herself.

The Real Destination Wedding of Sophia & Sam at Anassa Hotel in Cyprus

Prepare to have your wedding plans inspired by this beautiful destination wedding at Anassa Resort.

How did you two meet?

Once upon a time in a bustling city, Sophia and Sam serendipitously met at Old Street Records in Shoreditch. Sam approached Sophia from across the bar and came over for a chat. On his way over, he nabbed a bottle of Prosecco from a hen party's table - what an entrance. Sophia thought this was hilarious because it's probably something she would do too (it turns out they are both very cheeky). When they got to chatting, Sophia realised Sam was a very sweet guy and that he wanted to exchange numbers. So after a lot of questionable dance moves, at the end of the night Sam gave Sophia his business card (very 007) and she texted him the next day - obviously in the late afternoon to keep him on his toes! Ever since their first date, where Sophia beat Sam at Crazy Golf, it was clear that there was a connection, and the rest is history!

(FYI this was taken from Sophia and Sam's wedding day newspaper hence why it's written like this!)⁣

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How did you get engaged?

Sam whisked me away to Barcelona for a few days and popped the question at the rooftop bar of the hotel we were staying in, which had a beautiful view of the city. He had the best table reserved, got down on one knee, and presented me with my dream ring. It took me a while to say yes because I was so enamoured by the ring! But eventually, I did say yes and it was such a magical evening! The hotel staff came over with a cake and champagne for us, and we lapped it all up, while making some calls to our families who were all so excited for us!⁣

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What was your favourite moment(s) from the wedding?

It's so hard to pick, but walking down the aisle with my Mum & Dad was amazing, and seeing all of our guests together, smiling from ear to ear. I also couldn't stop smiling! Getting to the end of the aisle and seeing Sam looking so emotional was such a special moment.

We also loved doing the first look of our reception area once it had been fully decorated, and it looked absolutely MAGICAL. Beyond anything we could have expected. We knew it was going to look good, but nothing could have prepared us for how amazing it was when it all came together. Especially the fairy lights, there were sooo many, and it really made the space look incredible.

I was also so impressed by all the speeches, my sisters, Sam, Dad and the best man, really were all so great - very entertaining, emotional, heartfelt and genuine. My Dad especially wowed me, he's not the type for public speaking, but everything he said came from the heart, and it was so endearing and cute.⁣

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Tell us all about your wedding dress!

I loved how my Essense of Australia dress made me feel, especially how cinched it was at the waist, how subtly sparkly it was, the long train and all the lace and floral detailing was so stunning. I honestly felt like a princess. ⁣

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What was the general decor for your big day?

It was classic decor with a variety of stunning white flowers including hydrangeas, roses and other seasonal florals, with green foliage. Sage green was the main colour of our day with the bridesmaids dresses as well as the tablecloths, seating plan and welcome sign all in that colour. We had loads of fairy lights, candles, and fireworks to add extra sparkle to the day as well. The suits were classic too with neutral jackets, navy trousers and tie with tan shoes - they looked amazing.⁣

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Do you have any advice for future Bellissima Brides?

Definitely be open to the suggestions made by the wonderful bridal stylists. I had a wishlist of wedding dresses I'd seen on the website, but Lucy actually found me the dress I ended up going for. She was so good at listening to what I loved, changing dresses I'd tried on and in the end finding me one that ticked all the boxes. She knew the rails so well and understood exactly what would suit me best.

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Do you have any local suppliers you would like to recommend?

We got married in Cyprus and would 100% recommend our wedding venue, the Anassa Hotel - it was incredible. All the staff were so attentive, professional and the venue itself was breathtaking.⁣

Wedding Venue: Anassa Resort - instagram.com/anassa_resort

Wedding Photography: Karina Leonenko - karinaleonenko.com

Wedding Videography: Mo Films - mofilms.studio

Flowers & Decor: Luciana Weddings - lucianawedding.com

Content Creation: Socially Michelle - sociallymichelleandco.com

Make Up: Kassandra Christodoulou - instagram.com/makeupbykassandra

Lights: Christos Soleas - instagram.com/christossoleas

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How was your Bellissima experience?

It was amazing, everyone I met was so lovely and really made me feel so special and excited at every stage. The positivity from the team was really lovely and every time I visited Bellisima Weddings, it was such a nice experience. Mariana in alterations was also great, my wedding dress fitted me like a glove!⁣