As winter’s chill begins to thaw, thoughts naturally turn to the warmth of summer days spent basking in the sun. For Anni and Aaron, a destination wedding in picturesque Kavala, Greece was the perfect setting to seal their love story. On September 1st, 2018, they exchanged vows at a private villa overlooking the sea, surrounded by friends and family. The celebration extended beyond the ceremony itself, with a cocktail bar night, rehearsal dinner, and beach party post-wedding – a truly unforgettable experience.The ceremony was nothing short of enchanting, with the turquoise waters serving as a stunning backdrop. A beautifully adorned archway, draped in fabric and flowers, added an extra layer of romance to the proceedings. The reception followed outdoors, beside the pool, where the newlyweds danced under the stars. To cap off the evening, fireworks lit up the night sky.One of the most charming aspects of their wedding was the bohemian flair that permeated every detail. Greenery played a starring role, from wreaths to centerpieces and even chair backs. And then there were the outfits – Anni looked breathtaking in Tara by Grace Loves Lace, while Aaron turned heads in his dapper blue linen suit.The real pièce de résistance was their post-wedding photo shoot, captured by Lighthouse Photography. The images are nothing short of dreamy, and it’s all thanks to their talented photographers and the expert planning of Inspired Moments that we get to enjoy these stunning visuals.
The Proposal
It all began three years ago, when I first spotted Anni walking briskly down the street as she passed by the coffee shop where my friend Michele was sipping a morning latte. The daily ritual was both familiar and intriguing to me. I confided in Michele that I needed to find a way to connect with this captivating woman. My determination was unwavering – I was convinced that Anni would be the one I’d spend the rest of my life with. Fate intervened, and we managed to intercept her as she rushed to work each day, offering her a cappuccino as she went. She promised to return during her lunch break to settle the tab. And so, I spent the afternoon waiting patiently for Anni’s arrival, which finally materialized. Fast forward two-and-a-half years, and Easter Sunday found me proposing to my beloved in the most romantic way possible – a heart-shaped arrangement of candles, with the ring nestled within. I got down on one knee, pouring out my heart to her, asking if she’d be willing to spend forever with me. Her resounding ‘yes’ sealed our fate, and we decided to tie the knot that summer. In the midst of Easter dinner celebrations, my brother unexpectedly floated the idea of a picturesque Greek wedding – a suggestion that resonated deeply with both Anni and me.
The Vision
As we envisioned our beach wedding from the start, we yearned for an unconventional celebration that blended bohemian charm with elegant sophistication. Given that many of our guests would be traveling great distances to Kavala, Greece, we wanted them to feel at ease and fully immersed in the beauty of the Mediterranean. Our dream was a beachside ceremony under a stunning arch, with our loved ones seated comfortably with their toes curled into the sand. For us, it was crucial that our special day radiated positive energy, joy, and an atmosphere of carefree revelry – a true celebration of love and life.
The Planning Process
As our 6-month planning window was rapidly closing, we recognized the need for expert guidance. Planning a wedding abroad, let alone in such a short timeframe, can be overwhelming. That’s where Inspired Moments stepped in, and we’re eternally grateful. With Anneta at the helm, we formed a strong bond with this exceptional wedding planner and kind-hearted individual. Her ability to listen attentively to our vision and offer innovative suggestions that genuinely resonated with us fostered an unparalleled level of trust. She introduced us to an elite network of wedding professionals, providing us with a crystal-clear understanding of what our special day would entail. This allowed us to effortlessly envision our celebration and make informed decisions aligned with our personality, budget, and style.Fast-forwarding 10 weeks prior to the big day, we embarked on a comprehensive wedding planning rehearsal in Kavala. We indulged in hair and makeup trials, savoring delectable food samples, and experiencing floral and décor showcases – down to the minutest details. Upon our return, we felt an unwavering sense of confidence that every aspect would be meticulously executed on our wedding day. In fact, we were able to enjoy the days leading up to the ceremony with loved ones exactly as planned, thanks to Inspired Moments’ exceptional organization and planning.
The Flowers
The floral arrangements that caught my eye were a harmonious blend of blush roses, crisp white hydrangeas, and fresh green eucalyptus. I adored my bouquet and our stunning centerpieces, which featured tall arrangements that added to the overall ambiance. The seating display was also a lovely touch, with lush wreaths made from greenery adding a natural charm. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids’ wrist corsages were delicate and understated, featuring baby’s breath, while my own floral headpiece was crafted from wax flowers and baby’s breath – a truly unique and memorable touch.
The Details & Décor
We chose blush as the cornerstone of our wedding aesthetic, seeking an understated yet refined visual identity. The first tangible representation of this was our wedding invitations, which featured a beautiful blend of silk blush ribbon and ivory wax – a perfect encapsulation of our taste. As we held them in our hands, we couldn’t help but envision the meticulous attention to detail that would define every aspect of our celebration. From the handcrafted wooden signs at the ceremony and reception to the delicate vellum paper placecards, every element was carefully curated to reflect our love of subtle yet sophisticated design. The favor boxes, adorned with ribbon and wax, added a touch of whimsy, while the lush wreath seating display and artfully arranged chair floral garlands brought an air of romance to the proceedings. Even the kids’ table featured a creative outlet in the form of painting kits, ensuring that every guest – young or old – felt welcome and engaged.
The Cake
Our vision for the wedding cake was a petite, whimsical masterpiece that would blend seamlessly with our color palette. We were thrilled to discover Papillon Colore’s offering, which not only matched our aesthetic but also wowed us with its exceptional taste.
The Readings & Music
As the sun began its majestic descent into the horizon, the beach came alive with an intimate gathering of loved ones. The ceremony unfolded against a backdrop of crystal-clear waters, where a picturesque arch stood tall, framing the breathtaking view. As guests settled in for what was promised to be an unforgettable experience, the soothing strains of a violinist filled the air, weaving a sonic tapestry that complemented the tranquil atmosphere. We deliberately timed the ceremony to coincide with the golden hour, ensuring that our vows would be exchanged beneath a sky painted with hues of blush and gold. The moment was nothing short of magical, as we shared it with our closest family and friends. Tears of joy streamed down our faces as we basked in the warmth of this special moment, grateful for the opportunity to start our new life surrounded by those who matter most.
Bridesmaids
In a harmonious display of unity, the bridesmaids opted for a shared aesthetic by selecting soft, pastel hues in shades of light pink and blush. These delicate tones seamlessly complemented the wedding’s overall colour palette, creating a visually stunning effect that tied everything together.
Beauty
I was on the hunt for a hairstyle that effortlessly captured beachy waves and a romantic flair, complete with a lush floral wreath. Giannis from Jean Pierre Haute Coiffure proved to be the mastermind behind my locks, having already impressed me with our first collaboration. Initially, I had planned to take matters into my own hands when it came to makeup, having experimented on myself before with mixed results. However, after some convincing from our wedding planner, who suggested we schedule a trial run with the talented Chrysa, I decided to leave things in her capable hands. Her natural yet elegant approach to makeup left me feeling like a true beauty.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As we prepared for our dream wedding in Greece, my mind instantly turned to a bespoke suit that would reflect the relaxed, seaside vibe of the occasion. I wanted a light, comfortable look that would make me feel confident and stylish throughout the celebration.
After some research, I discovered SUITSUPPLY, a brand that allows you to design your own wedding suit from scratch. The possibilities were endless – fabric, lining, buttons, pockets, and custom stitching all up for grabs. I opted for a bright blue linen suit with crisp white buttons and a special touch inside.
The finishing touches included Tods’ light brown loafers and a handmade bow tie from PopARTicles, discovered through Etsy.
My partner, on the other hand, had a different vision for her wedding day look. She wanted an effortless, flattering dress that would complement our beachside venue. After visiting local bridal shops without finding ‘the one,’ she placed orders for several dresses, but none seemed quite right.
Just when we were about to give up, my partner stumbled upon the stunning Tara gown from Grace Loves Lace – a true showstopper. Ordered online and promptly arrived in her correct size, it was love at first sight. She knew instantly that this was the dress she had been searching for.
Your Photographer
Lighthouse Photography truly excelled at capturing the essence of our special day. Anna’s ability to seamlessly blend in and document every moment without disrupting the natural flow allowed us to relax and enjoy our wedding celebration. Her presence made a significant difference, allowing us to feel at ease and fully immerse ourselves in the experience. The next day’s photo shoot was just as impressive, with Teo and Anna selecting stunning locations that perfectly complemented our vision. The final result was nothing short of breathtaking, leaving both of us speechless when we received our pictures.
The Honeymoon
Our dreamy getaway to the picturesque Greek island of Thassos was made even more special by sharing it with three other couples. We spent an unforgettable week at the luxurious Thassos Grand Resort, indulging in every moment of our tropical paradise.
Memorable Moments
As I settled into the charming ambiance of the Imaret Hotel with my closest friends, little did I know that an unforgettable adventure was about to unfold. The excitement began when my dad and little brother arrived to whisk me away to the harbour, where a boat awaited to transport us to our destination. Upon arrival, Aaron’s beaming smile greeted me, setting the tone for an extraordinary day. The poignant words of his uncle’s speech still linger in my mind, leaving a lasting impression on me. As Anni and I exchanged our own vows by the water’s edge, the sky erupted into a kaleidoscope of colour, illuminating our first dance beneath the fireworks’ twinkling lights.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning a destination wedding, it’s crucial to seek the expertise of a skilled and experienced wedding planner. They can help alleviate much of the stress and anxiety that comes with organizing such an event, allowing you to focus on enjoying this special moment with loved ones.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Anni and Aaron’s bohemian-inspired wedding celebration unfolded in a picturesque private villa. The couple’s love story was brought to life through a fusion of romantic details, from the lush greenery of Anthos flowers to the sweet indulgence of @papilloncolore’s delectable cake. Behind-the-scenes magic was courtesy of wedding planner extraordinaire, who worked tirelessly to ensure every moment felt like an inspired, unforgettable experience. On the morning of their special day, Anni and Aaron prepared for their nuptials at Imaret and Lucy Hotel respectively, with hairstylist @jean_pierre_haute_coiffure lending her expertise to create a flawless, one-of-a-kind look. Meanwhile, makeup artist @chrysa_korosoglou worked her magic, transforming the couple into the epitome of elegance and sophistication. With their wedding suppliers, including Bridal Fashion member, Anni and Aaron’s big day was truly a masterpiece in the making.