Greece Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

Spiritual Escapism Meets Future-Forward Bridal Inspiration in Greece

Big floppy hats, a dreamy desert landscape and a white horse – I mean, what more could a gal ask for are we right? Anna Athanasiou Event Design, Jim Labraco and Thanos Asfis came together to “create something laden with meaning, beauty, and gorgeous fashion, but also time-relevant, a spark the modern bride connects to” – and that they did. Don’t miss out on the full gallery for some major future-forward wedding inspo.

From Thanos Asfis… Living in the moment is easier said than done, or at least was before the world experienced an entirely new reality dawning. This year, destination wedding plans widely took an intermission, and traveling vicariously became not only an option but a necessity. And yet, despite of what anyone might expect, more and more brides across the globe showed incredible resilience and hushed the buzzing of the mind in the most meaningful of ways.

When our creative team came to brainstorm on this bridal inspiration, our joined wish was to create something laden with meaning, beauty, and gorgeous fashion, but also time-relevant, a spark the modern bride connects to. We pondered upon one of humanity’s greatest evolutionary mechanisms “chronosthesia”, the capacity to mentally reconstruct personal events and bring forth future thinking which enables us all to prepare, plan, and shape the future. We wished to evoke the relationship between nature and our plans to get away, and thus employed olfactory, gustatory, visual, frontal, and motor notions into the styled shoot.

Traveling in her wardrobe

Balancing realism and the cat’s meow, our bride’s style is characterized by minimalist drama and sensuality. From the oversized straw hat, and the favorite of expert milliners raffia toquilla chapeau, that embody the love for proportion (it would be impossible to slip into the statement-making raffia hat whose wide-brim is more than a little reminiscent of Brigitte Bardot frolicking in 1960s Saint-Tropez) to slinky wedding dress silhouettes that reinvent cliché shapes, and from wardrobe-staple jewelry to the fashion bang of shell and geode rock creations, our muse has a strong sense of confidence, and imagination.

Away in the world in Greece

When talking about mental journeying this means “anywhere in the world” travel is possible too. Our bride takes spiritual escapism of her favorite destinations and brings them together in a landscape that could be practically anywhere on planet earth. Moroccan dunes, Arizona Rockies, Nicaraguan desserts, Montana creeks, and Umbrian-Tuscan equestrian acres meld perfectly in the Greek wilderness that became our scene.

Accents of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is at the root of Buddhism, Taoism, and many Native-American traditions, not to mention yoga. It’s why Thoreau went to Walden Pond; it’s what Emerson and Whitman wrote about in their essays and poems. Our goal was to embrace it in super-elevated finishes and play out on a palette of ease. Yellow is the summer season’s standout color, seen as much on the streets as the catwalk, and with a surprisingly wide-ranging palette, a bride can make it mellow or choose to shine bright. Ranging from supple golds to creamy peaches, hay, butterscotch, and cornsilk, to Golden Marguerite for our cake, we employed dry foliage and plume-quality grasses, lemons for their visual optimism dotting the minimalist tablescape and invitation suites with shades of pumice.

Back to Nature

As we continued to build on our living in the moment concept we thought of how the animal world has a habit of interrupting our streams of thought and helps us unstick from any mental chatter. Their minds are free to wander and when with them we become able to fully surrender to and enjoy each moment. Like them, we become curious and notice the small details and sights, sounds, and smells, like the sound of sand crunching underfoot, the feeling of light caressing our skin. Our muse is one that connects to the world, and through her benign relationship to nature cares less about destinations throbbing with blissed-out revelers. Instead, she reaches in, grounds herself to her big day, and indulges in her Greek days of heaven.

We couldn’t be more grateful for the outcome, and wish to thank the wonderful artisans, creators, and future-forward thinking team for making this happen. Our special thank you to Thanos Asfis our photographer whose delicate images became integral to our vision.

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Allow This Gorgeous Santorini Day to Make Eloping the Easiest Decision Ever

During this crazy COVID time, more and more couples are celebrating their special day with only their closest circle – or even just them two! The amount of stunning intimate affairs we’ve seen over the past few months has been a silver lining for us here at SMP. Secretly, we’re kind of excited for elopement style celebrations to continue when this is all over! I mean, how can you blame us when the results look like THIS?! We’re swooning over today’s cliffside ceremony in Santorini planned by Jennifer Fox Weddings. If you’re on the fence about eloping, please allow this gorgeous day to convince you – all captured by Molly Carr Photography!

From Molly Carr Photography… Nicole & Chris are a US-based couple whose love of travel paired with their adventurous spirit brought them all the way to the sun-drenched, idyllic island of Santorini, Greece to celebrate their elopement wedding. The mood of their elopement was gentle, intentional, gracious and romantic… Elegant and sophisticated… A coming together of two people whose love and appreciation of nature just accented the majestic beauty of the Cycladic island. This was a major inspiration behind the design and feel of their wedding. They specifically chose Oia because of its picturesque beaches, its tranquil feeling of romance and its breathtaking sunsets.

The overall design inspiration was taken from the multicolored hues of the ethereal sunset. The sunset in Oia is full of so many pastel hues that it’s reminiscent of rainbow-colored sorbet! Their ceremony took place on a private balcony at Oia Canaves Suites that looked out over the Aegean Sea. Instead of having a classic arch which would have obstructed the view, they chose to have a grounded horseshoe arch to stand in the middle of while exchanging their vows.

With beauty by Harold James Hair & Makeup Artist, Nicole looked like a Greek-goddess in her Elizabeth Fillmore gown, draped in the finest silk that perfectly reflected the majestic Santorini light. The custom calligraphy and stationery pieces were oh so dreamy. Shasta Bell Calligraphy lovingly created everything from the Greek island illustration down to the custom-made box which beautifully presented each of the handmade paper goods. Early on in the planning, Chris secretly reached out to their wedding planner, Jennifer Fox of Avec Weddings and Events, and asked advice as to how to surprise Nicole.

They came up with the idea of a handwritten love note that she would discover when they sat down for their wedding dinner. Needless to say, it was a slam dunk, and there was not a dry eye in the house! Once at their dinner venue, Mystique Hotel Santorini, the balcony was all dressed up for their private dinner for two. Glass urn lanterns were used to give the space a more organic ambiance and lemon yellow colored candles adorned the table. Each place setting was designated by a shell with the couple’s first name as well as the love note on each plate. Seafoam colored linen napkins were gently tied to accent the marble dinner plate and contemporary flatware. The finishing touch was a stunning floral arrangement that perfectly complemented the pastel-hued sunset, designed by Betty Flowers Santorini.

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This Is the Gorgeous Island You Shouldn’t Be Overlooking for Your Destination Wedding in Greece

Today’s lavender and blue hydrangea-filled wedding planned by Corfu Wedding Planner by Lorraine Young is satisfying all our European summer cravings. The darling couple tied the knot in a ceremony by the sea, the bride donning a knock-out, origami-inspired Victor and Rolf dress. The entire day was beautifully decorated by Rizos Garden’s pastel creations, in heavenly shades of purple, powder blue and pops of pink. The couple decided to incorporate a few meaningful Greek traditions to their wedding that truly made the day all the more special. Head on over to the full gallery, captured by Kostis Mouselimis, to see all the pretty!

From Kostis Mouselimis… What do you get when you blend a breathtaking origami-inspired Victor and Rolf wedding dress, Bella Belle shoes, a million lavender, and blue hydrangeas and a wedding ceremony by the sea? The most romantic and delicate wedding of the summer! Photographing Christina and Michael’s wedding was truly inspiring! These two were so in love and they made the atmosphere electric around them. Originally from Lebanon, Michael visited Greece on vacation and immediately fell in love with the country. He knew then that this would be the place where he would marry his loved one. He wanted to tie the knot in Corfu, a popular (for good reason!) destination for a wedding for its unique and cosmopolitan character!

The wedding planned by Lorraine Young of Corfu Wedding Planner was a true celebration of sophisticated details and romantic shades of purple, powder blue and pops of pink here and there! We started the day with a mini boudoir session and capturing all of the details Christina chose for her wedding day.

Our focal point was the sophisticated wedding dress that reminded us of a Japanese kimono out of origami paper with its breathtaking oversized bow! We loved the minimalistic yet extremely elegant approach of our bride to makeup and her overall styling, proof the less is more when it comes to wedding day chic! The ceremony was filled with all the greek traditions that symbolized the union of two people in love with the exchange of the rings, the shared cup of red wine, the wedding crowning and of course with tossing the rice!

The sea was the perfect backdrop to this and all the guests could not contain their enthusiasm for these two! After the ceremony, we captured Christina and Michael, now husband and wife, in the most glorious greek sunset.

Does it get dreamier? Actually, it does! After the ceremony followed a reception filled with flowers, champagne, and funky jazz tunes! What we loved the most? The milky powdery shades of the flowers, the glorious naked cake, and the hand-embroidered wedding favors! Christina and Michael’s wedding was truly beautiful! Not only because it was picture perfect but because these two were genuinely in love and could not wait to spend the rest of their life together! Don’t believe us? Their wedding portraits say it all!

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A Classic Oscar De La Renta Wedding at the Four Seasons Athens

If you’re a couple who loves all things glam, then this chic Athens wedding is about to be your latest obsession. From the bride’s one-of-a-kind Oscar de la Renta gown to the dazzling reception made beautiful by studio 7‘s floral creations – there’s plenty of pin-worthy moments to go around. Head on over to full gallery to see it all, with planning by the12events and captures by Sotiris Tsakanikas!

From Sotiris Tsakanikas… Zoe was 3 months pregnant when Chris popped the question. “We had a couple’s massage and stayed at the villa at Crown Casino, Melbourne. The room was covered in rose petals”, Zoe told me. As the two kept busy building their dreams, traveling the globe and starting their family they had to take a step back from their wedding celebrations. Once everything was in place they decided to explore the magic of Greece and had their closest and dearest fly to the sizzling city of Athens for their nuptials. Zoe and Chris did not simply involve saying I do with an Orthodox wedding but creating a perfect celebration of love for their daughter, their families, and friends.

Zoe’s choices for the big day were a classic Oscar de La Renta gown and Altuzarra heels, a fashion choice she wished to share with her baby girl who also wore a matching dress and shoes of the same designers. The big day preps began at Nafsika Resort of The Four Seasons Athens, which was also the couple’s reception venue, while the ceremony was held in a beautiful Athenian church. Chris’ choices involved Louis Vuitton, Hermes & Tom Ford, so if you’re a couple who loves everything chic you’re bound to Pin their style right away. The day rolled seamlessly planned by The 12 Events, who brought together the best vendors in Greece to make Zoe & Chris’ dream come true. One of my favorite moments was to see my bride and groom going on their first dance to George Michael’s “Moment with You” (their song) and then hugging their daughter and dancing together as one.

From The 12 Events… Once the summering den for billionaire Greek shipping tycoons, along with what used to be called the ‘international set’, Astir Palace relaunched last summer after a massive makeover as Four Seasons Athens. No sweeter spot for our uber-elegant couple Zoe & Chris to tie the knot in Athens. Swathed in scenic azure vistas, looking gloriously chic under the milky light, and appearing almost afloat in the Aegean, Vouliagmeni’s new gem instantly drew our couple’s attention. The sea-view gardens, the ravishing pièce de résistance pool which twinkles soon as dusk falls, the crisp designer furnishings and terraces flooded with retro-vibe spaces were not only a perfect canvas for the reception and party but were the A-list grounds these two sought after to spend their honeymoon after the wedding festivities. Zoe and Chris gravitated around a sophisticated celebration in classic whites.

Delicate white and pastel florals, a dash of gold, light linens, and minimal decor, all comprising wedding details that will never go out of style. Chris’ Black-tie tux and Zoe’s wedding dress design were seamlessly stylish and the very definition of the classic wedding, but so was everything else. A black-tie dress code, streamlined and elegant cocktail to the sound of jazz, & dinner settings were kept simple with a clean, contemporary feel. Utilizing a neutral wedding color palette enhanced both the venue and the overall wedding design. We brought the indoors outside and transformed the private terrace to a sophisticated dinner party setting with long statement dinner tables, plush seating, and outdoor lantern lights to set the mood. To accompany the classic wedding style, the sit-down dinner was complete with an elegant menu to highlight the sophistication of their event. Visionary plates with vibrant colors followed by elevated entrées of local ingredients to what became a stunning take on Grecian flavors. A tastefully embellished white tiered cake complemented the classic statement, without overdoing things with fancy dessert decorations. The party held indoors at the private discotheque was also imbued with stately sofas, florals, and elegant bars, while the highlight of the night was the live performance by Greek superstar singer Glykeria and her band.

This Santorini Stunner Is Everything We Love About Destination Weddings

We dare you not to swoon over every detail of this destination Greece wedding. From the breathtaking ceremony overlooking the water to the most elegant seaside reception, this is one celebration we wish we had attended! All the magic was perfectly put into place by White Ribbon Boutique Events, and Vasia Photography was there to turn all the special moments into sweet snaps that will last a lifetime. You won’t want to miss the full gallery for all the dreamy details.

From White Ribbon Boutique Events… The beautiful couple, Dana and Frank had been in a long-distance relationship, between Los Angeles and London, so they decided the best location for their wedding would be a destination wedding in Greece. They were going for killer views and a romantic ambiance so naturally, Santorini was the answer!

The décor was based on a soft color palette of pastels including soft pinks, dusty blues and pale greys paired with some gold accents and lush florals. Their ceremony took place on a balcony floating over the Santorinian Caldera along with their reception, at the stunning Cavo Ventus Villa.

It was a breathtaking wedding event with emotional speeches by the couple’s family and friends. With the beautiful location and feeling of love from beginning to end, it was definitely a party to remember!

This 3 Day Celebration in Greece Was Every Bit as Magical as It Was Epic!

A horse-drawn carriage ceremony arrival, a reception at a castle under a canopy of string lights, 2 dessert stations, a cigar bar, and a party that lasted all night long – I mean, is that not the most epic wedding day you’ve ever heard!? Not to mention the bride’s fairytale wedding dress from Atelier Loukia that’s every girls dream. Maria Maroulidou planned every detail to perfection, allowing the couple and their guests to enjoy every magical moment. Don’t miss out on the full gallery of images captured by Sotiris Tsakanikas to see all the beauty this day has to offer.

From the wedding planner, Maria Maroulidou… When Maria & Alex contacted us for their summer wedding we knew this couple of globetrotters was interested in offering their guests something exquisite. As Maria is a soul who loves everything close to nature and always seeks after new experiences that pay respect to the gifts of life, we focused our foremost attention to scoring the perfect venue for the big day. Seeking out those poplar-lined routes and stony tracks that criss-cross the Southern Greek region, we aimed for a place that would be part blissfully inured to chance, part avant-garde retreat.

Kinsterna is a Byzantine mansion cum state of the art retreat, where local history and sustainability matter big. With a straight view of the legendary castle-rock of Monemvasia, the freshness and majestic atmosphere inside the fortified 22-acre estate are the stuff of dreams. Think manicured flowering gardens and immaculate lawns, Peloponnesian citrus and orange groves, stands of ancient eucalyptus and towering cypresses, organic vegetable farms, aromatic herb beds, and lush private vineyards all giving the sloping land a truly irresistible scent. It used to be after all home to the residence of Mamluk chieftain and regent of Egypt, Ibrahim Bey.

The couple’s guests would have the chance to find out about the grape harvests, olive oil making, and tsipouro (traditional Greek moonshine) distillation, bread baking, and soap production- but also relax in the fresh spring-water pools, sample wines from the cellar at the Estate’s Belvedere, and luxuriate with some of the best SPA treatments a haven could ever offer. “We wanted them to have a thoroughly sentimental journey at our wedding” our bride confesses. With bees humming industriously on the neat hedges and the best summer weather a wedding could ever wish for, the couple’s 3day celebration rolled seamlessly. The two welcomed their friends by the beach to ease into the big day moods, enjoy a swim, cocktails, a taverna dinner and plenty of dancing.

On the day of the wedding and right after the bridal preps and portraits, a white horse-drawn carriage awaited to take Maria to church. The ceremony took place is a picturesque nearby chapel and right after it was all about beautiful portraits in the fields and all across the dotted mansion’s expanse. The reception was of course set in the estate’s most elegant terrace, among rows of pergolas strewn with light bulbs, pastel blooms, wrought-iron chairs and tabletops made of traditional handiwork lace. Our couple wished to spoil their guests a bit with a poolside signature cocktail hour, a cigar bar and two dessert stations, but one of the best parts was definitely the culinary one. All the local fruit, herbs, and vegetables which flourish in Kinsterna’s gardens and nearby Laconic fields (from sage, rosemary, thyme, wild asparagus and cherry tomatoes to pomegranates and quince) were ingeniously combined with local cheese and fresh, free-range meats and woodfire oven-baked bread, to enrich the couple’s many dishes and oranges added zest to their desserts. Needless to say that when a wedding happens in Greece, the party is bound to last till the early dawn. This inexhaustible duo and their squad of shinny dancers surely knew how to party.

A Historic Castle Sets The Scene For This Elegant Styled Shoot In Greece

This inspiration shoot is like a scene right out of your very best dream! Set at the historic Melissourgos Tower, which dates back over 350 years, the setting added the perfect amount of old-world charm to the timelessly elegant design. We can’t get enough of the rose color palette, that plays perfectly with hints of ivory and beautifully harmonizes with the backdrop. For all of this beauty perfectly shot by Sotiris Tsakanikas, head over to the full gallery to swoon!

From Vicky Galata Weddings & Events… Having a ceremony and reception outdoors is what we love to have in our weddings, reminiscent of a stylish and chic countryside setting from the Renaissance. Always respecting the surrounding area, we introduced a wooden table and chairs, both for the wedding ceremony and reception to follow up.

The flower selection was that of pale rose and white blossoms dotted with greenery and dancing leaves pouring out of the installations and the wedding bouquet. The concept felt like the perfect blend of old and new set against the astounding venue of the medieval castle in Athens Riviera.

A sublime salmon runner went from the one side of the table to the other, on its route some florals, pairs of candles, porcelain plates and delicate gold cutlery met up, and soon our food board combined with them! The details in the transparent crystals in the setting were those of thin gold lines, which give a smooth sparkle to the images.

A total edible sweet creation among the other sweet treats was like another fabric hugging
the wedding cake. This was a styled shoot that felt like time traveling, like a colored gesture framed to inspire.

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This Glamorous Greece Wedding Is So Good You’ll Get Goosebumps

When it comes to dream destination weddings, Greece is at the top of the list. How do you make it even more fabulous? Fill it with beautiful blooms, crystal accents, and two white-tie grooms! For their wedding celebration, Brian and Joseph invited their nearest and dearest to the south coast of Athens for a weekend filled with fun. Guests marveled at the land and seascapes, incredible food, and stylish touches at every turn. The couple’s beloved dog Moby even got to join in on the festivities! Beautifully shot by Anna Roussos, the entire day is a true celebration of love. Get transported to Greece in the full gallery.

From the Groom, Brian… When we first got engaged, we both knew that we wanted a destination wedding. We decided to send ballots to our guests with three dream destination options and sent them to about 40 of the guests on our list. We revealed our destination at our engagement party, which featured a beauty pageant-style contest with 3 of our good friends representing each destination. At the end of the party, our emcee announced Greece as the winner with about 80% of the votes!

We knew that the main event simply had to be an all-white affair, for grooms, the wedding party, and guests alike, which looked like a total dream when it all came to fruition. We got our wedding apparel from Enzo Custom in Washington DC; they designed our bespoke suits with gorgeous Loro Piana fabric and turned my “short suit” reception outfit dream into a reality.

We cared a lot about the floral arrangements and lighting, two décor aspects that we’d seen make or break a wedding. The 12 Events brought our vision to life with pastel blooms, crystal chandeliers, sparkling golds and of course whites.

The best advice I received is when a friend recommended that I step back from all of the craziness and take a few mental snapshots during the ceremony and reception. Those specific moments where I paused to take it all in stick out in my mind. The wedding goes by so quickly, and soon all you’ll have are the memories – and the amazing photos and videos, of course!

You Have To See These Breathtaking Santorini Views For This Romantic Villa Wedding!

As we clean up from the holiday, boy do we have a view for you! This morning we bring you to Santorini at the gorgeous Cavo Ventus, where this couple said their I Do’s and celebrated with their nearest and dearest! With a romantic color palette and Red Box Days putting together lush florals, White Ribbon Boutique Events tied it all together with gold accents and the prettiest of the pretty details! Take a look below and be sure to check out the full gallery to see all of Vasia Photography’s perfect photos!

From White Ribbon Boutique Events…Tatiana and David were set up through mutual friends while on a summer weekend in the Hamptons. They got engaged a year and a half later, at their favorite escape from New York City, in the Catskills. The groom told the bride that they were going to a last-minute wine tasting in a private cottage nearby. When they walked in, Tatiana was stunned by a room filled with rose petals, candles, bouquets of flowers and a roaring fireplace surrounded by printed photos of all their adventures together, before the groom got down on one knee and proposed.

The couple wanted to get married surrounded by breathtaking views, and with Tatiana’s family residing in Cyprus, they thought Santorini would be the ideal fit for their wedding. The bride had a beautiful vision for the wedding’s color palette – a variety of dusty pink shades, with lush florals, gold accents and romantic touches throughout their wedding details.

Apart from the heartwarming ceremony, the emotional speeches, and the candlelit dinner, guests were treated to a spectacular display of fireworks, a 6-piece band flown in from London, and the surprise appearance of a nationally-renown magician to entertain them throughout the cocktail hour.

It was a truly romantic love story of a gorgeous couple who couldn’t have imagined a more perfect setting for their fairytale than the stunning Santorinian Caldera.

You Have to Feel the Warmth of This Intimate Wedding Surrounded by Olive Trees in Crete, Greece!

As we scrolled through this gorgeous gallery from Les Anagnou Photographers, we were instantly transported to the sun-soaked streets and colorful stone houses of a little island known as Crete, Greece. The bride looked positively stunning in her tea length, off the shoulder Monique Lhuillier gown and soft, wavy curls – a beautiful twist on traditional bridal style! Don’t miss the full gallery of moments all planned by Make Happy Memories, featuring bright pink blooms, olive trees as far as the eyes can see and string lights galore.

From Les Anagnou Photographers… We travelled to a very special and picturesque island for Mata and Phil’s wedding; Crete. We could admire so many things in this location, from the cosmopolitan port to the colorful stone houses overlooking the Cretan sea.

Every corner deserved its own click of the shutter. Heading to this very special couple’s wedding, in a rather traditional farm eliciting the essence of Greek hospitality with tasty local delicacies served during dinner and surrounded with olive trees.

It was as magical as it gets and an ode to the country Mata and Phil decided to hold their wedding. Garden flowers and string lighting made a warm ambience on that summer night. We saw Mata and Phil’s friends and family getting together to celebrate love and we cannot begin to describe the joy and love that could be felt all around.

We will forever hold this wedding in Crete at a very special place in our hearts and minds as the moments we captured, the memories we have, the smiles we saw and the love we experienced were unparalleled.

Nothing Says Greek Wedding More, Then A Donkey Escorting The Bride to The Ceremony!

It is rare that we see a no-frills wedding. It is even rarer that we see a wedding with no reception, no wedding party, and no cake! Today’s wedding was simply an exchange of vows followed by a sit-down dinner with the couples closest friends and family. When Les Anagnou Photography was contacted by the couple, they were ecstatic to capture this intimate celebration at the end of their very busy wedding season. The bride was escorted to the ceremony by donkey led by her groom, which fit the Greek vibe completely. After ‘I Do’s,’ the celebration continued at Omilos where an all-white decorated dinner awaited, planned by White Events Wedding. Take a look below and see why sometimes, simple and understated can be absolutely breathtaking.

From the Bride…The wedding was very simple. No first look, no wedding party, no reception, no cake, I didn’t even have chairs or music for the ceremony. It was just vows at a villa followed by a sit-down dinner. Then we went to a local bar to celebrate. I am overwhelmed by a lot of fuss. I like simple intimate things. I think people will be surprised with how little actually went into this, but I think everyone will enjoy. It was more about a trip with friends than a party for us.

From Les Anagnou Photography…When we first read Laila and Jack’s inquiry in our inbox we were pleasantly surprised and a little intrigued to meet them and work on their wedding. Their request was as simple and as refined as their wedding celebrations.

They wanted their day to be more of a trip with their closest friends and family and less of a big party. Yet, somehow, the love they put into the details was everything. The donkey that Jack led Laila to the ceremony site, the dinner by the water all made such a huge difference for their guests. Laila was glowing in her ultra-chic white gown while her heartfelt smile finished off her look very effortlessly. Most of the couples immediate family and close friends took part in the wedding ceremony each reading a different passage or blessing that brought everyone to tears.

Minutes after becoming Mr, and Mrs, Jack and Laila headed off with lots of cheer and confetti to their wedding dinner. A restaurant by the sea where all that you could hear where the waves crashing on the shore and the vivid laughter among the guests. Documenting their love and being part of such laid back and warm ambiance was the highlight of our wedding packed summer.

How to Turn a Destination Welcome Party into a One-Of-A-Kind Experience for Your Guests

What’s the best way to get your guests ready for the most amazing destination wedding weekend ever? A welcome party of course! There are so many directions you can take when it comes to welcome parties, whether it be a formal dinner or casual cocktails, the best and most important thing to do is embrace the local culture of your destination. This way, your guests will get a truly one-of-a-kind experience! Not sure where to start? Allow Golden Apple Weddings to lend a few helpful tips! While you’re planning, take some inspiration from this colorful gallery of images captured beautifully by Sotoris Tsakanikas. We’re still not over Kay Creations‘ vibrant florals…

From Golden Apple Weddings… Turning a welcome party into an experience is the right way to go when considering a destination wedding, especially when one finds themselves on Rhodes island. It is by far the largest and most historically steeped of the Dodecanese islands, and its cultural diversity has been influenced by an alloy of peoples that have inhabited the island under different guises. Medieval charm, oriental opulence, and Italian finesse are omnipresent. The local cuisine has acquired elements from the three continents that surround Rhodes, borrowing from Asia, Africa, and Europe, but is above all Mediterranean. And these various elements were selected, filtered and finally re-invented with a very distinct local character for our wedding welcome party inspiration.

The idea was to bring together local specialties that brilliantly combine traditional, fresh ingredients, native flavors, and hues that would serve as an appetizer for the couple’s guests. Instead of having welcome bags delivered to their rooms, the couple invites their loved ones to join them for cocktails, snacks, and goodies. Each guest can pack their own basket with a selection of items provided in a traditional welcome gift, like Rhodian artisan tiles, coasters and jewelry dishes, calligraphed postcards, gourmet treats, Koriandolino, a Rhodian liqueur whose characteristic feature is the sugar-coated coriander branch that is inside the bottle and looks like a small tree, a nod to the couple’s new roots together.

Then there’s “melekouni”, a pastry made of toasted sesame seeds, thyme honey, whole almonds, orange zest and cinnamon, Ritseli” a sweet preserve made only on Rhodes of grape-must, dried figs, quinces, and watermelon peels, and “talagoutes”, pancakes made with honey, walnuts, sesame seeds and cinnamon. And of course, the gifts would be remiss if there wasn’t for the Rhodian extra virgin oil, jars of honey, fresh fruit and florals that can be combined to arrange a unique bouquet for each guest. Decent bar and their mixologists set a wonderful niche for cocktails in the garden of the luxurious villa for the guests to enjoy two signature Rhodian cocktails, one flavored as the traditional “melekouni” sweet and the other made of Koriandolino which were also included in the couple’s gifts. We do believe a bespoke sling is a must to stir up a great party and nod to the destination the bride and groom to be have chosen. We wanted to create an intimate rustic-styled dinner under the pergola that would contain Rhodian and Mediterranean accents. The charger and dessert plates, as well as the tiles we placed in lieu of a table runner, were made to order from Nassos Keramik, a native ceramics artisan whose legacy and craftsmanship have made their way into several European aristocracy homes.

Allegoria Textile Delights from Italy added to the setting with fine linen and silk fabrics while cutlery and furnishings belong to one of the rarest 18th-century collections on the island, courtesy of a private collector. For the florals, we kept things vibrant as no welcome dinner should feel overwhelming or too formal, yet it has to exude exuberance and playfulness. We worked with lush arrangements of ranunculus in fiery shades of orange, amber, and marigold, Asclepias Beatrix, wine leaves, hypericum and spray roses for all the freshness they evoke. Manousenia Design created beautifully calligraphed menus employing Italian borne patterns we come across the Mediterranean, the Amalfi Coast and Rhodes itself, which all share the same verve and spirit. Our bride to be was styled by Anna Jill – Kiss From Fleur in a Greek designer caftan by Ancient Kallos, golden low heel sandals and Heart of Gold headpieces featuring golden bees and fleurettes, for her morning-looks. For the cocktail hour, her Zoya gown was a volume of silk and ruffles in copper. Our groom-to-be styled by our creative director Setty Lepida was dressed in head to toe Navy and Green smart casuals and Gucci loafers. Agis KP and Mika worked seamlessly to give our couple spruce day and evening looks in Charlotte Tilbury and Mac Cosmetics peach-toned makeup, a relaxed updo and gorgeous loose curls for the evening. We were thrilled for the opportunity to have our worked lensed by the talented Sotiris Tsakanikas whose fine images bottled up the beauty in perfect light.

This 400-Person Nigerian Wedding in Athens Officially Wins the Award for Best Dressed Guests

Exquisite style, luxurious details and one of the best-dressed group of wedding guests I’ve come across, all makeup today’s Nigerian wedding at Island Art and Taste on the Athens Riviera. Did I mention there were 400 wedding guests?! This large group traveled from all over the world to join the bride and groom as they said their ‘I Do’s’ in front of their 14 bridesmaids and 14 groomsmen. The 12 Events along with Sandy and Odysseas Photography worked together to create the wedding of a lifetime and the everlasting photos to replay every moment over and over again. Get lost in the array of florals and delicate desserts and don’t miss the full gallery for more wedding guest attire!

From Sandy and Odysseas Photography…When Oscar Ibru’s son Ebruba is tying the knot with an absolutely elegant Nigerian beauty like Ibiyiinka you can only expect this Nigerian luxury wedding on Athens Riviera to be nothing sort of dashing! And if there is anyone who knows utter style and sophistication on a wedding day, then let us say that Nigeria does it the best! Exquisite style is what we have been dreaming of pretty much every hour of the day, and if you can’t have enough of milky whites and all-encompassing shine then this totally glam Nigerian wedding on Island Art & Taste Residence designed and styled by The 12 Events is your go to! Ibiyiinka and Ebruba came all the way from Lagos to exchange their I Do’s in Athens and to join them on this incredible journey came four hundred super-stylish friends and kin from London and the U. S.

Their big day began early in a swirl of preparations on their hotel suites while The 12 Events staged an absolutely lush ceremony on the incredible grounds of Ble Azure, a verdant peninsula that takes wedding magic to a whole new level. A sweep of mirror installations white blooms and greenery was placed before an optic-white ceremonial arch, overflowing with white florals and turned into a beautiful garden-inspired backdrop. In lieu of pews white infinity chairs- an absolute must for an ultra chic celebration- were amphitheatrically placed to engulf the couple’s pasty aisle. If you haven’t attended a Nigerian wedding then you certainly are remiss; soon this open-air venue was teeming with superb wedding guest fashion -think off-this-world headpieces and haute couture for days. The perfect accessory for this uber-hot day? An array of white wooden parasols! As the couple’s piano soloist tuned to the sweetest wedding music Ibiyiinka and Ebruba’s 14 maids of honor and groomsmen lead the way for the ravishing bride’s walk down the aisle to her groom. Nothing spells classic style more than all-enveloping whites and this bride and groom’s decor came straight out of a dream (and enough to have you think twice about going overboard with your wedding color palette).

Need more inspiration? Take it from our gorgeous bride…

Our wedding day was absolutely perfect! We chose Greece and specifically Athens because we found the venue perfect for what we wanted and that was where it was located! We wanted a luxury modern wedding with a lot of white and greens and we worked with the event planners to make sure we got exactly that. We wanted to give our guests a Greek experience seeing as the majority of them had come all the way from Nigeria, so at the welcome dinner we had breaking of plates incorporated with traditional Greek dancing and everyone loved it! For the theme and decoration, we wanted a very modern look with a lot of white and glass and we got exactly what we wanted and more. Flowers were a huge part of our wedding and were essentially part of every element of the wedding!! Mainly white flowers were used with different flower types and compositions.

For my dress, I know my sense of style really well and tend to favor more fitted outfits so picking a mermaid style dress was a no brainer. I worked with Nigerian designer Andrea Iyamah and she designed me the beautiful dress I wore on the day. My husband went with his friend to Daville row where they interviewed the finest suit makers in London and they settled for a suit that was made for the princes!

Greek Elopement Inspiration in Mykonian White Stone Church

Elopements have long had a reputation for defying tradition—or, thought of as sudden and secretive. But my friends, they can be SO much more than that. Today’s editorial from Jaclyn Journey and Tracy Burch is proof. With ancient Greek Orthodox wedding traditions in mind, this beautiful story of a private union is one that I hope will portray how truly meaningful an elopement can really be.

From Tracy Burch… We designed Sophia and Nikolas’ Mykonos elopement to look and feel true to ancient Greek Orthodox wedding traditions while being effortless, timeless and elegant. Her lace Claire Pettibone gown with cape, all About Romance tiara, and foraged nosegay along with Nikolas’s modern Zara suit and black Greek leather sandals created an elegant and modern pairing.

The elopement took place in a classic Mykonian white stone church with red door dating back to the late 1700’s. This small chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was family owned with deceased relatives buried beneath it. Upon entering the chapel you see the icons and wooden/stone architecture and smell the burning incense and beeswax candles – a feast for the senses.

The stationery, designed by High Fancy Paper and Rachel Fisher Calligraphy, was inspired by the idea of an ancient wedding along with the sea salt air and ocean surrounding the island. Styled with the suite was a photo of Sophia’s grandparent’s wedding ceremony, beeswax wedding candles, custom Orthodox wedding crowns, communion wine, and instruments used in a celebratory musical procession with locals following the nuptials. The wedding crowns, a tradition dating back hundreds and years. Tied together with a white raw silk ribbon, the wedding crowns symbolize the glory and honor that is being bestowed on them by God during the sacrament. They also refer to the crown of martyrdom, since every true marriage involves self-sacrifice on both sides- the ribbon symbolize them working together through marriage until their death.

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Outdoor Greece Oceanside Wedding on Milos Island

There’s something quite enchanting about Greece, don’t you think? I’ve had the pleasure of seeing many a wedding in this beautiful country, but none quite like today’s, planned by Think Happy Events and set on Milos Island. It’s white rock and sand made for the most magical first look for Ana and James, while the jewel-toned waters set the scene for a stunning outdoor ceremony and reception. Les Anagnou photographers and Vasilis Kantarakis Films were in attendance to document the day. See it all unfold below!

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From Think Happy Events… Before the gates of artistry’s forever and gravity’s affection, the steep hills of Milos island have placed their excellence. It is the island that rises welcomingly out of the sea in the southwest corner of Cyclades. Ana and James chose to get married in Milos, in the abrupt coastline of Psaravolada Venue. A jewel with sinuous coasts and incredible colors. There, at the northern side of the island, the beloved couple swore internal love facing & staring the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

On a stone-build veranda with magnificent views, full of blue and white spots and familiar atmosphere, an organic, rather rustic, yet delicately pure ornament accommodated that destination wedding in Greece, while seascape painted pictures of them with all the shades of aethereal blue! The menu was complemented with traditional side dishes and delicious Greek treats. The moment the sky kissed the sea, beneath the pearly-green flora arch, all we saw was them. Following that transparent and organic, yet monumental settlements, their ensembles taste the pallets of oily gray and raf blue.

Wandering from shore to distant north shore of the island, upholding the elements of lunar nature, imposing as nothing else could be, Sarakiniko, obtains the couple’s footprints. Shaped by Aegean waves and strong winds, touched by tides, that majestic white seafront landscape, absorbs all the colours from the rise to the set of the day. In that environmental monument; tides will come and go, footprints will be erased, yet, this wedding will stay forever.

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Blue-Hued Hydra Island Wedding at Castello Hydra in Greece

The first place I ever remember adding to my travel bucket list was Greece, and for good reason. There’s nothing quite as alluring as the blue hues of the Aegean Sea. So, when you have a wedding on Hydra Island, it only makes sense to mirror that beautiful blue like Jenny and Tassos did for their Big Day, with the help of Rtevents on planning. Les Anagnou made sure to do that gorgeous color palette justice with their imagery, not to mention, the sweet love of these two.

From Les Anagnou… What can we say about this gem? An Hydra wedding always seize to amaze us. Like Jenny and Tasso’s three-day long celebrations in this traffic–free island. Hydra is the island where you can get anywhere on foot or a donkey! The most picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf and just 2 hours away from the busy capital, Athens. What better background ask for when creating impeccable imagery than traditional stone mansions, narrow cobblestoned streets and that crisp Aegean blue?

Jenny and Tassos fell for this island and they knew instantly where they would like to celebrate the beginning of their life as a couple. Flying from the US with their families and friends, they planned a wedding weekend in all its glory. A sunset yacht ride around the island and cold drinks led to amazing moments filled with lots of love and laughter. We cannot put in words what an amazing crew this was and the coolest vibe you would get from this couple.

Having an island wedding, would not be complete if blue was not one of its colours. And what a harmonious décor this one was, all dressed in bright white with hues of blue. Something borrowed; something blue was definitely a sensation in this wedding! Following an intimate ceremony where different customs of both the groom and bride’s background were incorporated, was a lively party like no other at magnificent Castello.

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Romantic Summer Wedding at Island Art and Taste in Greece

For a couple who became inseparable after their first date, a destination wedding in Greece was the location of choice. From an intimate first look to handwritten vows, captured by Les Anagnou Photographers, James Escobar and Alain Mbouche, you can feel the love radiating from these two. Think Happy Events planned the perfect day filled with an array of green and white floral arrangements by Studio 7 and just the right amount of gold details. Take a peek below as these two take their place beside one another and watch their heartwarming and fun video by Vasilis Kantarakis Films.

From the Bride…Jason and I were introduced on a hike through a mutual friend. It was a friendly meeting, but nothing more. The following weekend we reconnected at an event where feelings more than friendship began to develop.

I went on a trip to Europe for three weeks, and Jason asked me on a date promptly upon my return. We were inseparable after that. Then, on a seemingly normal Thursday in May, Jason and I were having dinner at a French restaurant in San Francisco before a show.

Jason seemed on edge, but I thought he was excited for the show. Not five minutes into dinner, he says, “I’m sure you can tell that I’m quite nervous. It’s because I want to ask you to be my wife.” He set the ring box down on the table, and I was speechless (which is a rare occurrence). Instead of immediately saying yes, the first words out of my mouth were, “Can I put it on?!”

After some happy tears and laughter, along with actually saying YES!, we headed downstairs to leave. On our way out, our families surprised us. Jason had been planning this for months! More happy tears ensued and we celebrated the evening with our loved ones. It was perfect. Fast forward a few months, and we had the most magical wedding day in Greece.

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Lebanese Wedding In Athens, Greece at Kefalari Suites

When this Bride approached her planner, Sand+Lace Events, she sought a wedding with an “Alice in Wonderland” vibe and without feeling too themed, that’s exactly how this gorgeous Greece fete reads. From the ‘maids in their floral crowns to the wildly beautiful tablescapes set below ivy-wrapped trees, Sotiris Tsakanikas had plenty of pretty to document. See it all, right this way in the full gallery!

From Sand+Lace Events… Mohammed and Lara are the sweetest couple living in Dubai, with Lebanese, Syrian and Irish roots which all came together in their beautiful enchanted garden wedding at a vineyard just outside of Athens on a beautiful warm day in May.

Lara contacted us with the wish to have a completely styled wedding, she saw the venue as a blank canvas and wanted to create an intimate wedding with an “Alice in Wonderland” kind of vibe to it. We choose a rich color palette with lots of greenery, a lot of lush flowers, long wooden tables, string lights, chandeliers and even a few rabbits.. We put a lot of thought into the small details, for example by using little dear heads as table number holders and napkins recreated from the famous “Flower Still Life” by Dutch painter Jan Davidsz. de Heem.

For the ceremony, we went for a stunning floral garland beautifully decorated around a fig tree by the team of Studio7 Florescense which certainly wowed everyone! After the ceremony, the guests moved on to the cocktail area guided by talented Louis Vlahakis performing acoustically on his guitar and singing “Stand by Me” from music legend Ben E. King. While guests were all singing their way into the cocktail hour it didn’t take long before they awaited another bombastic surprise. The bride and groom secretly prepared a grand Lebanese Zaffe entrance with loud music accompanied by percussionists to honor their roots. This definitely set the tone for the rest of the evening!

As the evening moved along and the night started to fall guest took place at the enchanting dinner area. The dining tables were covered by the leaves of tall trees, string lights and chandeliers. This all lighted up the setting as Mohammed, Lara and their guests dined underneath the stars.

Intimate Cliff-Side Wedding at Canaves Oia in Santorini

Can you imagine not only saying ‘I Do’ on the side of a cliff, but also on a Greek island? We couldn’t either! But, this couple did and Les Anagnou Photographers was there to capture every magical moment from their intimate ceremony to their jaw-dropping first look. Betty Flowers Santorini incorporated subtle touches of blush and burgundy into the floral arrangements which paired perfectly with a sea of blue as the backdrop. With Canaves Oia showing off everything Santorini has to offer, our only wish was that we could have been there! Keep scrolling to see a truly unforgettable wedding…

From the bride…Before I even knew Wally, he knew he wanted to marry me. He had seen me years before we had connected, at my best friends’ wedding; leading to our first date. After dating for a little over a year, to my surprise, Wally proposed during my family’s annual portrait.

When it came to planning a wedding, we knew we wanted something different. Wally and I love the memorable experiences that come with traveling, so eloping in Greece seemed like a dream. The iconic blue domes and beautiful views attracted us to Oía and we instantly knew that is where we wanted to profess our love for each other. Upon telling our family, the plans to elope quickly became an intimate party of 10; we were thrilled they were so excited to be a part of our special day.

We wanted a simplistic and romantic vibe with Greek influences. We didn’t want to detract from the natural beauty of the island, which was the inspiration for the entire wedding. We chose the color palette of romantic white and blushes with pops of burgundy. The dinner table was decorated with an olive leaf tablecloth and floral arrangements similar to my bouquet; which was tied with a gold silk ribbon. We loved the idea of having the Caldera as our backdrop, so we chose two floral arrangements on each side to frame the breathtaking view. Our brother in law was the officiant, adding a personal touch and to my surprise, my husband hired a lovely guitarist who played “Can’t Help Falling in Love” as I walked down the aisle.

Our memory of running through the streets of Oia to get married on the side of a cliff was undeniably unforgettable. My favorite memory was my husband surprising me by singing “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur during our reception; there wasn’t a dry seat in the house. They say when you’re in love you want to scream it from a mountain top; that is exactly what we did. It was important for us to have a unique memory to tell our grandchildren and for us to truly enjoy every single moment of the day.

Our advice to future brides and grooms would be to make this memory yours, a couples wedding day should be what they both dreamed of. When planning a wedding, it is easy to settle for things you may not want to in order to please others; focus on what will make you happy.

Intimate Greece Wedding at Poseidonion Grand Hotel

Not only are we getting a peek inside this gorgeously intimate soiree planned by Deplanv today, we’re also getting a dose of amazing advice from the beautiful Bride. Set in Greece at Poseidonion Grand Hotel, this duo wanted a fete that would feel completely and utterly them. With a few pointers below, they achieved just that – all captured by Les Anagnou Photographers and Jim Grillas Films.

From the bride… We wanted a celebration that would be a true and authentic reflection of ourselves and of our love story. I think that was the motto that Samuel and I defined from the very beginning, when we started planning our wedding. We had been to too many weddings that, although often very beautiful, seemed to be someone else’s doing, rather than the bride and groom (be it a wedding planner, a family member, or – often – the couple trying to please or impress other people). We wanted something that would scream “this is us”.

All the choices that we made were guided by that idea, starting with our wedding planners — we made appointments with six different planners and met with all of them. We then made a decision based on our personal feeling and on the impression (and hope) that they would be able, regardless of their personal opinion, to deliver the wedding that we wanted. And they totally were. Our planners were the best allies and support we could have dreamt of, and we often talk about how happy we are to have done it that way instead of relying on wedding planner recommendations from other couples which, although certainly great too, were likely not right for us.

And so we applied this method to basically all of our decisions (and trust me, there are A LOT to make). We made sure that we chose providers (photographers, videographers, music band, etc.) that we truly liked and whose work we admired. We made it a priority to talk with each of them before the wedding and clarify our needs, our taste, what we liked and did not like.

In addition, we made sure to put in as much personal time as we could to work on small details which seemed like nothing but would make our friends and family feel like this was really us, Sam and Diane, welcoming them into our celebration. So, for example, we ordered colored beach towels for everyone as a wedding favor, but instead of just randomly giving the towels to everyone, we spent hours choosing a specific color for each guest, with their own personality and taste in mind. We signed each welcome letter by hand rather than simply doing it on a computer, and visited each hotel before the guests’ arrival to drop the letter and wedding favor in the rooms. We replaced the traditional seating place cards with printed pictures of the two of us and wrote the guest’s name on the card, making sure that each guest had a picture that would make sense to them (so for example, all our friends from New York had cards with pictures taken in New York).All these small things might seem worthless and very time consuming, but they add up and make your guests feel at home, which is what we wanted. For us, it was a way to show them how grateful we were that they had made that trip to come and celebrate our love.

Looking back, I have to say that this wedding was more amazing that we could have imagined in our wildest dreams. And if I am asked why, or how we achieved it, I would give the following advice: first, choose providers that you trust and who believe in your wedding and share your vision. This is the foundation for any successful wedding — if you have to start arguing with your wedding planners, the rest is going to be even tougher. Second: prepare, prepare, prepare. Everybody tells you “enjoy every second, it goes by in the blink of an eye” — and that is SO true. But in my opinion the only way to be able to enjoy every second is to work on every little detail in advance and make sure that you will not have to deal with anything on that day. Third (and most importantly): remember it is YOUR wedding. I feel like you get that advice from everybody and it sounds generic, but it really is SO IMPORTANT.

Be strong, be focused on what you want for that day, and have the courage to voice it and stand by those choices. So many people (everyone, actually) will come to you with advice, saying that you “cannot wear red nail polish at your wedding, you should have a French manicure”, that you “must invite that cousin even though you don’t know him, because it is your cousin” or that “those glasses are not nice enough, you should pay the additional price to have crystal glasses “, etc. — it never ends. And if you agree with that advice, then by all means, go for it. But if you don’t: have the courage (it does actually take courage) to say no. It is your wedding and 20 years from now, you will likely regret choosing purple flowers although you hate purple just because your mother or wedding planner thought it would look nice; but I am pretty sure you will never regret wearing that red nail polish.