While much has been said about the glory of marrying in unconventional places—on the beach, in luxurious hotels, and even underwater—the church remains one of the most profound venues a couple can choose when saying their vows. Churches are, after all, anchors of family and community, a place we can return to again and again to both celebrate and mourn life’s milestones: Marriage, christening, and the laying of loved ones to rest. In each of these situations, the church is a foundation of hope, a reassuring structure which reminds us that marriage is a spiritual union and not simply a legal agreement, that children are gifts from God (and in times of need they always have Him to turn to), and that departed souls have a heavenly home waiting to welcome them. No matter how far we may journey, our family church remains an anchor, a spiritual home that remains in place for the whole of our lives.

Such was the case for Andrew and his family; while they had spent many years in Australia, when they returned to their old Ayia Fila neighbourhood in Cyprus a decade ago, the church was still there waiting to embrace them, to mark the happiest days of their lives. Andrew’s decision to marry his beloved Georgia—a talented singer he met here in Cyprus—in the local church was therefore a natural one; both husband and wife felt there was no better place to declare their everlasting love than within God’s arms.