Weddings Inspirations

Here you can find all the styled shoots from Greece to inspire you for your wedding in Greece.

Stars Collide at this Lunar Elopement Cover Shoot in Milos

Oh what a week! Yes, we actually spent five days on the magical island of Milos to set up this gorgeous Lunar Elopement Cover Shoot!

After many many months of planning we can finally share this gorgeous Cover Shoot with you. This Lunar Elopement Cover Shoot was actually a bit different from the rest. We teamed up with an international team of vendors all living and working in Greece. But what was difference about this one is this gorgeous and unique up-and-coming jetsetters location on the island of Milos. See more about Milos and our luxury hotel Milos Cove in the Autumn 2019 Ellwed Magazine issue!

And with Elopements and Micro Weddings taking over the world right now, let’s hear it from the team:

More and more, adventurous couples are opting to profess their vows against a wanderlust backdrop surrounded by their nearest and dearest. These intimate, destination elopements satisfy everyone’s travel itch. Greece often tops the bucket list, so it’s no wonder that “destination wedding” and “Greece” have become nearly synonymous in recent years.

While the sunsets of Santorini and the vibrancy of Mykonos never fail to impress, all too often these islands overshadow the many other breath-taking landscapes that this Mediterranean gem offers. One of our favourites is a secluded, chalky white beach hidden on the small but exclusive island of Milos. The stark volcanic rock formation mimics a lunar terrain and dazzles against the deep azure and turquoise shades of the Aegean Sea. Which is why we chose it for this Lunar Elopement Cover Shoot!

Bride sitting on the cliffs at Milos beach

Bride and Groom smiling and kissing at the sunset at Milos

Our objectives of both creating an inspiration cover for Ellwed magazine and further promoting Greece’s amazing diversity as one of the top wedding and elopement destinations for modern couples in Europe. The shoot took place at the otherworldly place known as Sarakiniko Beach which served as both the main inspiration and canvass for our celestial shoot. With the combined vision and experience of wedding planner Lily of the Valley and destination experts Shefari, all artfully captured by destination wedding & elopement photographer Adrian Wood using luxury professional film stock and medium format cameras, we recreated the stars and the moon here on earth. From the difficulty of execution to the ethereal light on the beach at dawn, this experience left us speechless.

The theme consisted of incorporating astral elements with a bohemian chic undertone.

With the goal of contrasting bold and unique with soft and organic, all the elements of the editorial revolved around the sun and its light, much like everything else. The colour palette of warm peach, coral and blush tones danced with cool hues of silvers, greys, and golds. The palette was chosen to further depict the contrast between celestial and earthly, day and night, noise and silence.

In a similar vein, the flowers used were a calculated mix of classic choices such as garden roses and orchids versus dried flowers, leaves, and pampas. The ethereal ceremony was held against a cosmic backdrop of rounded arches, skilfully crafted by Studio 7 and reminiscent of the different lunar phases. Red and yellow smoke bombs put on an epic show of dreamy clouds and a vivid burst of colours. A divine crescent moon arrangement, hanging over the dinner table completed the interstellar mood. A delicate silver tablecloth and a blush runner was covering the reception table. Glossy silver napkins and gleaming tableware consisting of gold cutlery and shimmering glasses as well as pink and glitter dinner plates on top of iridescent charger plates harmonised the celestial mood.

Star-shaped sun catchers hanging from the end of the crescent moon sparkled in the morning light. Black and pink geodes enhanced the styling’s volcanic nuances. Pillar and taper candles adornments added a bohemian romantic effect. Glitter, stone grey and moon-shaped envelopes were used to display a modern and sparkly stationery. The stone-like cake with gold streaks streaming down its multiple tiers perfectly complemented the moonscape vibes.

Behold the masterpiece bridal gown

Designed by Celia Kritharioti an internationally renowned Greek designer. This stunning airy grey gown with modern design was a tribute to local talents and vendors. Embellished with star motifs that complimented perfectly our central theme. Accessorised with the sparkly shoes by Bella Belle and star-shaped jewellery customised especially for the editorial by Mindy Lam. The groom’s slate and white outfit paired perfectly with the fairytale gown.

Natural light played an essential role in the shoot. We were up and ready hours before dawn. At sunrise we captured the sun’s array of warm colours, varying from glowing yellow to burning orange and red. This stunning palette juxtaposed the cold white moonscapes of Sarakiniko, creating light nuances especially noticeable in the bride’s portraits.

Our bride is an homage to women and all their beautiful disparities, just as nature has in perfect balance. We wanted to celebrate her uniqueness and many facets. Te potential to be a caring mother, a supportive partner, and a powerhouse entrepreneur all in a day.

An elopement is more than a ceremony

The statement that she is bold enough to reinterpret traditions and walk to the beat of her own drum. The moon is a metaphor representing the phases of the divine female, changing but harmonious. This is a celebration of the modern woman: simultaneously vulnerable and strong, romantic and bold, emotional and logical.

List of Vendors for Ellwed Mag Cover Shoot:

Styling & Planning, Lily of the Valley

Planning & Coordination, Shefari Travel

Publication, Ellwed

Photography, Adrian Wood Photography

Cinematography, Nikos Dimou

Sponsor, Bridal Expo & Bridal Fashion Week

Flowers, Studio 7

Stationery, Love Me Do

Furniture, Zazoo

Hair & Makeup, Theocharis Makeup

Groom’s styling, Its a mans class

Watch, Breitling

Jacket, Sciamat

Groom’s pants & shirt, Christakis Athens

Art de la table, White Lilac

Wedding cake, Pavlovs Lab

Wedding dress & Veil, Celia Kritharioti

Jewellery, Mindy Lam Couture

Bridal shoes, Bella Belle Shoes

Location, Sarakiniko Beach

Venue, Milos Cove

Ring Box, Je Promis

Models, Linnea Berzen, Christos Birbas

Did you like this Lunar Elopement Cover Shoot? Check out also other cover shoots we have done in the past like the THE SPIRIT OF LOVE A DELICATELY DECADENT SHOOT IN THESSALONIKI

Or the Greek Spring Wedding Trends from Ellwed

Featured on Green Wedding Shoes

Love Knows No Boundaries Lesbian Wedding in Greece

Happy Lesbian Wedding Ceremony in Greece

This Lesbian Wedding in Greece will warm up your heart! Full of colours and joy, these gals joined their union and celebrated with their friends in the Athenian Riviera.

Greece is probably the best location for same sex destination wedding! This is how Susan and Valerie travelled all the way from USA, where they are living together for more than 20 years to get married in Greece.

Lesbian Wedding in Greece Ceremony with colourful flowers

Their wedding was just the right amount of happy complimenting the Greek style and the typical Greek white and blue. Which of course, was a perfect choice for their Athenian Wedding Ceremony with the gorgeous uninterrupted views of the sea.

From Eleni Dona Photography

“Where do I even start with this lovely couple? Escaping their busy lives in the U.S.A., Susan and Valerie travelled far away in order to live a unique celebratory affair, a stunning lesbian wedding in Greece.

Their team of wedding planners from Wedding in Greece, created the vision for this urban elopement inspiration. From Colorful bouquets, warm-toned florals, garlands, to bright colors decoration elements which were beyond chic and impressive. Furthermore, pink, cream, yellow and red tones complemented the elegance of the stylish wedding venue and of the ivory, tea-length dresses of my amazing brides. But although the place was completely gorgeous, nothing compared to the beauty of the big smiles on their faces. And most guests commented that seeing two white wedding dresses together with a backdrop of the infinite blue Aegean Sea was truly unique. Yes, that was an amazing ceremony, filled with love, laughter, and happy tears!

The reception was an absolute dream. Actually, it was a great party. So full of fun that I could hardly feel I was at work! The couple had guests coming from Ireland, Italy, Paris, California, Washington, DC and London, so they really wanted to make it a fun vacation for everyone. And, yes, they totally achieved it! This wedding party had a perfect summer festival atmosphere.

Celebrating Diversity with this Same-Sex Two Brides Wedding in Greece

I strongly believe that working with a wide range of awesome couples from all over the world is what makes a wedding photographer’s job so exciting. After all, weddings and heart-warming events are the best way to celebrate the things that define us and make us who we are. Such are the things that connect us and help us shape our future. That’s why the diversity which I often get to witness is truly inspiring. Love is love and it knows no boundaries. It really is that simple. And LGBT+ weddings are the same as any wedding, after all.”

List of Vendors:

Photography, Eleni Dona Photography

Wedding Planner, Wedding in Greece

Venue, Island Art and Taste

Florist, Rosetta Eventi

See more Same Sex wedding inspirations from Two Brides Wedding Inspiration – Best Wedding Inspiration of the Year or this Same-Sex Vow Renewal Celebrating Ten Years of Marriage in Lefkada

Greek Summer Welcome Dinner Inspiration from Rhodes

Girl lying on a sunbed by the pool in Greek summer in Kalita dress

Greek Summer can be the best choice for your Welcome Dinner!

We believe it’s time for some summer inspiration from Greece! If you are planning a destination wedding, you are probably looking for some ideas. in this article, find out how can you incorporate Greek or island native objects and traditions. Make sure to plan also for the after-party by the pool!

As you probably have noticed by now, Greece is not only blue and while. Although blue plays a big role here, nonetheless, this country is so much more. Every island has its own history and its own traditions, art and aesthetics. From Cycladic to Venetian and all in between. Which one is your favourite style?

The island of Rhodes certainly has its own impressive history and style. With the gorgeous and lively old town surrounded by the wall and a majestic castle in the middle.

So let’s explore all traditions and details you can incorporate in your Greek Summer Welcome Dinner or destination wedding!

Table welcome dinner setup with orange summer colours

Model dressed in greek clothes for summer event

From George Liopetas Fine Art Photographer

Which is the best way to treat your guests when come to a destination wedding? A welcome part of course! Especially when this destination wedding takes place in the queen of Dodecanese Islands. I am talking for Rhodes Island of course, which tends to be one of the hottest Greek destinations!

Rhodes is such an interesting island. The streets hide so much history and castles with ghosts of knights strolling in their shining armor. We felt such a strong connection with the island and the substance the landscape brought to our photography. For us, interesting concepts are always what makes an editorial successful. The more interesting the style, the more visually dynamic. This Greek Summer Welcome Dinner inspiration was ticking all the boxes. We loved the unique color combination, warm tones so elegantly woven with the cool ones. It was like mixing sunrises and sunsets together to create the perfect palette.

As Golden Apple Weddings say:

“The idea was to bring together local specialities that brilliantly combine traditional, fresh ingredients, native flavors and hues. 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. Such as Rhodes artisan tiles, coasters and jewelry dishes or calligraphy postcards, And gourmet treats such as Koriandolino. A liqueur from Rhodes, which characteristic feature is the sugar-coated coriander branch that is inside the bottle. 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.”

Small traditional poetry from Rhodes island in Greece

Table setup for summer welcome dinner in Greece

For the table setting, inspired by all the colour that may remind you the most amazing summer colour pallete, the florals by Kay Creation in addition to the magic inspiration of Setty Lepida and the girls behind Golden Apple Weddings will totally blow your mind off!

Allegoria Textile Delights from Italy totally amazed the setting in their fine linen and silk fabrics while cutlery and fabrics belong to one of the rarest Rhodian collections which is dating back to the 18th century. Our bride-to-be was styled by Anna Jill, owner of Kiss from Fleur, in a so Grecian minimal gown by Ancient Kallos, golden sandals and headpieces from the amazing Hear of Gold Designs.

What we cannot live anmentioned is the so inspiring, one of a kind, Manousenia Desings’ calligraphed paper goods in a so Mediterranean style. All those textures and colors were so elegantly fused, something truly refreshing and a unique answer to the more traditional stationery of the one or two colors.

List of Vendors

Photography: George Liopetas

Editorial, Groom’s Styling: Setty Blade

Planning, Design, Florals, Styling & Furnishings: Golden Apple Weddings

Groom’s clothing: Navy and Green

Makeup: Mika Iatrou

Hair: Agis Kypraios

Headpieces: Heart Of Gold Designs

Bride Styling: Kiss from Fleur

Bride’s dress: Ancient Kallos

Second dress: Kalita

Venue: Don Mansion The Hill

DJ: Despo Mania – MDM Events

Ceramic plates, tiles, coasters and trays (flatware): Nassos Keramik

Cocktail bar & mixology: Decent Bar

Paper goods, stationery, escort tags & calligraphy: Manousenia Design

Silk ribbons, textiles and linen: Allegoria Textiles

Coordination: The Secret Owl

Did you like this article? Check out more inspirations from Greece on our blog, like this BOHEME ELOPEMENT INSPIRATION FROM MONEMVASIA

Rustic Countryside Wedding Inspiration with Baby Lamb from Naxos

Bride running amongst the ruins on Naxos Island in Greece

Innocence Regained – Α Bridal Inspiration from a Bygone Era.

Discovering the quiet, understated beauty of a unique wedding destination in Naxos Island, Greece with this Rustic Countryside Wedding.

When the whole world starts becoming too much, you can take shelter in the true raw and organic nature. As the summer is already on our doorsteps, this all natural ode to the mother earth bridal inspiration will surely take you to another, maybe even a forgotten era! So get inspired by this Rustic Countryside Wedding from the gorgeous Island of Naxos!

From Nissos Event Design:

Naxos emerges atop the thirsty rocks of the Aegean lapped by ink-blue waters. Moreover, its golden crags plunge into the sea, a hefty part of its Hora feels untouched by trends, happily snoozing away in the sun. Behind a web of cobbled alleys and hilltop Kastro. In other words, the domes of churches fill the nearby rooms with the sounds of bells, as buzzing crowds seek out the pretty wood-paneled apothecaries to buy origin-designated cheese and wine.

To first-timers, these discoveries may sound like a complete awakening to all senses. And yet, to indulge in the ease and splendor of the island’s true charm, one has to venture outside the Hora. that is to say, to tempting little destinations of enchanting villages, and age-old settlements, Metoxi and Kerami.

We push the car to its limits, pulled along by the countryside roads until they simply run out. Between the two ancient settlements, a well-hidden secret of the island lies, accessible only on foot. The 10th-century cruciform domed Byzantine church of the rarest architectural style emerges from the olive groves inside a near-perfect semicircle of stone mazes, hued like almonds and honey on a hot harvest day.

As a result, high-summer freedom sentiments transport us through time allowing us to break from reality. A coy hit of nostalgia and sunny warmth tickles the senses. The skin of the modern world begins to slough off… suddenly there’s a connection with something many people have lost, a kind of innocence from an era long past.

The sheep

Furthermore, against the vast, olive-tree dotted wilderness a herd of sheep just comes into view. Our muse resembles an exquisite vision, the transparent white of her dress searing through the midday haze. However, we are thrust into an intoxicating new world that the steamroller of human needs and desires cannot touch.

The shape of a mirror gleams in the blazing sun. No frills, but wild foraged herbs, dry florals, and fruit that nature so amply offers to the hand that reaches out, the gifts of life weaved over the vaulted walls where bees dart dizzy with the heady scents. There is simplicity and letters written by hand, chirography resembling that of Byzantine church books, love, trust, loyalty, laughter, joy, words that are not whispered but experienced, you, me…

This is the land of milk and honey, where stone-built edifices sparkle soaked in seawater carried with the breeze. Moreover, no artificial venue or modernity could match the sense of peace and purity one gains in these parts of Greece. We love to watch the effect it has on people, the innocence regained. The island has already worked its magic, even when you are back in the real world.

See the full Gallery

Vendors

Photography: Penelope Photos

Project & Event Design: Nissos Events

MUA: Despoina Vlaserou

Dress: Madame Shoushou

Floral Design: Moustakis Flower Company

Stationary: Ambletters

New Ellwed Issue No.12 The New Age Modern Romance is out now! Check out more inspirations and interesting articles in our magazine at ellwed.com/magazine!

The New Age Modern Romance Ellwed No.12

How is 2020 treating you so far? The New Ellwed is OUT!

New Age Modern Romance Issue No.12 is all about the New Beginnings!

To be honest we had a great start with our amazing Ellwed bridal party at Bridal Fashion Week in Zappion (if you missed it, see it on page 141), the opportunity to attend DWP Congress and amazing new projects like ALCHIMEIA scheduled to happen! One of them was also the issue of this magazine! Well this all got postponed now because of this new pandemic we are all struggling with!

Sure, things don’t always go to plan. But that is ok! We deal with the situations when they arise! It is no news by now that all events are postponed. Especially the big ones like the Destination Wedding Planning Congress which is finally coming to Greece this year! So yeah. 2020 can feel a bit overwhelming… I am not going to lie. This year was so busy and at some point I also felt the burnout! Did you?

Look on the positive side

So how do we deal with this? One thing I always say is to look on the positive side. See the glass half full instead of half empty. Then take the time to be grateful for what you have! Oprah said “I started out giving thanks for small things, and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased. That’s because — for sure — what you focus on expands. When you focus on the goodness in life, you create more of it.”

Be thankful for your life, for your health, your home, family, your pets, your food, even your phone and the technological advances we get to experience! Because this means we have a chance to live and thrive! Yes your life was probably turned upside down, but that doesn’t mean it’s over! This is the time for the creative souls to seize this opportunity and to create new amazing projects.

The time for new ideas new trends and new age weddings has arrived! These are some unprecedented times we are living in and the situation is difficult for many. But cherish this time you got to stay at home, be creative, be productive and spend some time with your family as you will never get it back! Take some time off and just live in the moment! Binge-watch the series and spend valuable time together with your family while cooking delicious meals! Hey, we only live once!

In this issue!

In this issue, we hope to inspire you for your new age wedding! Break the norms and do what is really important to you! And my goodness, this issue is our biggest yet and filled with so much inspiration and useful advice. Check out the article on New Age Wedding Receptions on page 53

You might have seen all the new covers of vogue with masked kisses and the just WHITE! How clever is this one? Well we want to give you some hope for your wedding! That is why we are going with this crazy fun cover of…OMG…me! I still cannot believe I am on THE COVER!!? One thing that we want to change, is to put more of real happy brides on the cover!

Therefore, if you are a real bride and think your wedding deserves the spotlight to be on the cover, send it over! So you can also get to experience this feeling like me! Or like a true celebrity! How exciting is this?! I cannot wait to see and select your wedding for our next cover! Read the full story of our intimate New Age Modern Romance on page 99.

New Age Modern Romance Editorial Story cutout form a magazine

Lately I have been listening to a lot of podcasts on wedding business and one common message coming across all platforms was to always be reinventing yourself! And so, I am super proud to share with you this new reinvented issue! Not only the design, but also our articles are filled with metamorphosis and rebirth! And when better than now, after we all went through the process of reawakening globally! Check out the new trend swooping the wedding and fashion world: Butterflies. On page 43.

Butterflies trend report for the new year cutout from the Ellwed magazine

One other amazing news to share with you is our new project! Our own podcast, the first one to talk about destination weddings in Greece! Check out Ellwed Talks on your favourite podcast platform or ellwed.com/podcast Read more on page 131.

Get this New Age Modern Romance issue at ellwed.com/magazine

Two Brides Ethereal Wedding Inspiration from Thessaloniki Greece

When it comes to weddings in Greece anything is possible. And we love it!

This Two Brides Ethereal Wedding absolutely took our breath away! Above all, the eco-conscious florals arranged in the ethereal way the ultra-modern invitations at this gorgeously romantic location in Thessaloniki!

If eerie wedding style is what you like, then this Two Brides Ethereal Wedding will be your ultimate Inspiration!

Two Brides Ethereal Wedding Inspiration getting married in Greece with Eco-conscious flowers

From Polka Dot Photojournalism

“Her eyes are pure stars, and her fingers, if they touch you, freeze you to the bone”
– Virginia Woolf, Orlando

“The concept of love is something universal. More so, the people we choose to love and create memories with, do not understand borders, forms and social conventions. Love is love.

Fondo Special Occasions underlines how the choices and manifestations of love can be elegant and certainly beautiful and memorable. Moreover, this editorial photoshoot takes inspiration from the love story of two historic women, Virginia Woolf and her lover Vita Sackville-West. The whole set up and art direction has a vintage feeling or in other words, a ghost-like aesthetic. Therefore, it’s an ode to the romantic past with a modern twist.

The beautiful building, constructed in 1919, is the best backdrop for an exceptionally realized love and marriage story. Furthermore, the neutral color pallets, with shades of beige, off whites and greys, accentuate the down to earth, simple yet elegant aesthetics of the event.

However, true to the spirit of this historic love story, the invitations use the lunaria flower on weathered paper. A reference to the love letters the two women sent to each other for years. That is to create a romantic, almost ritualistic tone for all the wedding guests.

Two Brides Ethereal Wedding Decor

Natural materials like ceramic vases and plates set the table, with linen cloths, crystal glasses and pure white candles complimenting and completing the whole concept. Above all, the mindset of everything elegant, beautiful and naturalistic.

Beautiful branches are a reference to the “still life” art form. Furthermore, the shocking white lunaria flower and the majestic pampas grass, compose the flower arrangements that decorate the eventful evening. However, lunaria and the scene-stealing berenklauw, an oversized dandelion, were chosen for the bridal bouquets.

In addition, the two beautiful brides were wear flowing ethereal chiffon and silk gowns. The dresses show the natural curves of the appealing female physique, consequently highlighting the charming and seductive nature of women. Which is certainly celebrated in this specific wedding inspiration.

Above all, an event that underlines love and the intertwining of femininity, elegance and naturalism.”

“Love, the poet said, is woman’s whole existence”
– Virginia Woolf, Orlando