If I could jet set away to ANY place in the world, it would be the stunning isles of Greece. It’s been on my bucket-list for who know how long, and today I’ve got all the more reason to go. You see, Yiannis Alefantou sent over the most beautiful captures of this destination fête, and if I’m being honest? I might be looking up flights right now. Get your swoon on here!
Their love for Greece is what they made them start thinking of having a destination wedding since they live in Seattle. They wanted an island, that was certain. From all the beautiful islands the one that they were feeling very strong about was Paros. Angela had spend most of her childhood vacation there and it was her love of this particular island and Greece that made Jason to see through her eyes that this was the best place to celebrate their wedding. A place full of wonderful memories!
Paros has the same architecture as all the Cycladic islands. Blue details to match the color of the sea on all the small white houses that are getting brighter when the sun is shining. The venue and the chapel finally selected, were at the same premises, next to the sea. They agreed to follow the traditions of an Orthodox ceremony and be more romantic and modern as far as the party and the decoration was concerned. Been so close to the sea we thought it would be nice to add few matching details to the decoration.
White tends and chairs were placed outside of the small white chapel that was decorated with arrangements of white hydrangeas, white and light pink peonies as well as David Austin roses. During the ceremony the couple followed all the steps of the typical Orthodox ceremony something that was different but impressive for the guests coming from abroad. Everything said and done during the ceremony is symbolic and “prepare” the couple for their common life. The candles, the wine even the three rounds around the table that represent the first steps of the bride and the groom as a married couple.
After the ceremony, guests enjoy their Mimosa cocktails while waiting to enter the reception. At the entrance there was a nicely decorated table with small local candies and the “wish pebbles”. Sea pebbles inside a sandy colored burlap bag for every guest to write a wish for the couple. A small gift was placed at each guest’s place on the table, few sugar coated almond candies wrapped with white and light pink cloth. Every table was named after the name of a Cycladic island and written on a big white pebble placed in the center of the table along with the minimal arrangements of flowers that was surrounded by candles. As the sun was going down the candle lighting was creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
While the sun was setting the couple entered the reception. After dinner and before the party they cut the cake and danced their first dance in front of everybody that joined them to the dance floor after a while.
Beautiful island, beautiful venue and scenery, nice decoration and details but most importantly beautiful people. What made this wedding special wasn’t the details. Was the people. The couple, their families and their friends. The wishes given to them either individually or through their speeches made the day unique and emotional and us very thankful for been part of all this.
Photography: Yiannis Alefantou | Event Design: Mood Effects | Event Planning: Mood Effects | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang