The Ultimate Chic and Stylish Wedding in Skopelos
Brittany & Michael’s chic and stylish wedding became a reality on the island of Skopelos. They celebrated their glamorous black-tie event with their closest family and friends who flew to Greece for this micro destination wedding from Canada.
It was a warm autumn day in late October when this stunning celebration of love took place. The couple flew to Skopelos Island with their closest friends and family. This stunning micro wedding with stylish couture dresses and custom-made bridal accessories happened right on the sea, underneath the cliffs of the ever-so-famous Greek island!
“Getting married in Greece was nothing short of kismet.”
Said the bride
And can we mention that this stylish bride hiked up the mountain to reach the Greek Church on top of the hill with her super tall Pearl Jimmy Choo Sacaria platform sandals with 12cm heels!
Their ceremony was held under the cliffs between the two islands on the platform in the middle of the sea! How romantic is that? Now, read their story!
How They Met
Living amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, we both often felt the pull towards Collingwood, Ontario. A sanctuary where we could immerse ourselves in the tranquility of nature. For Michael, the slopes of Collingwood were a nostalgic playground from his youth, while I would frequently escape with my friends to the inviting surroundings of Blue Mountain. Our paths serendipitously merged one evening when a mutual friend introduced us. That encounter marked the beginning of our shared journey and we’ve been together ever since.
Engagement Story
As you can imagine, Collingwood is a big part of our love story and holds a significant place in our hearts. We would find ourselves travelling up each weekend to escape the city and enjoy all the outdoor activities Collingwood has to offer. Eventually, we decided to purchase a house there. Dividing our time between the city and the serene landscapes of Blue Mountain. Collingwood offers us the natural escape that the city lacks. Where weekends are filled with snowboarding, hiking, and summer adventures on Georgian Bay with friends.
One Sunday in December, Michael and I embarked on our favourite hike. Little did I know what he was planning. In Michael’s backpack alongside our usual hilltop treats were not just refreshments, but also a ring and a bottle of Champagne. At the pinnacle of our hike, with the breathtaking vista before us, Michael surprised me with a proposal. Without hesitation, I said yes!
The Planning Process
Our shared love for travel, the great outdoors, and hiking led us to the perfect destination for our wedding. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Greek island and its breathtaking views, we envisioned a romantic seaside celebration. And that’s how the idea for our intimate wedding in Skopelos was born.
With the help of Kalli from Majestic Events in Volos, Greece, and Hilary from Wildwood Floral & Events in Toronto, Canada, our dream became a reality. Despite being on opposite ends of the world, my talented planners flawlessly executed our vision. They demonstrated professionalism, kindness, and unwavering dedication throughout the planning process. Planning a destination wedding in a foreign country wouldn’t have been possible without such a truly spectacular team to help make the day so magical for us.
The moment we laid eyes on our wedding table, we were in awe. It surpassed our expectations, bringing our vision to life in a way that exceeded our wildest dreams.
Planning a destination wedding in a foreign country came with its challenges, including navigating legal paperwork and coordinating with local vendors. Fortunately, Kalli’s expertise and assistance were invaluable, guiding us through the process with ease. From the administration, red tape, and speaking to all the local vendors, she was our saving grace. We could not have had the wedding we did without all her expertise and assistance.
Photography & Cinematography Team
Our photographer, Lisa Vigliotta Photography, captured the essence of our love story with her romantic vision and unique approach. Her fashion editorial style and cinematic flair added a timeless elegance to our wedding photos, highlighting even the smallest moments with beauty and grace. The composition and use of light was spectacular. Lisa is not only an artist, but the best human and a joy to be around.
Similarly, videographer Jayson Manalang’s talent excelled through in his cinematic and grand style, perfectly complementing the vast and epic landscape of our wedding location. From sweeping drone footage to capturing our most intimate moments, we were so thrilled to have Jayson on our team. Together, they captured the most important moments of our day flawlessly, leaving us with cherished memories to last a lifetime.
The Wedding Day
At the beginning of our relationship, Michael and I had planned a trip to Greece, but harsh weather prevented us from boarding the plane. When the opportunity for getting married in Greece presented itself, we knew it was nothing short of kismet. Adventure, travel, and mountains have always been integral parts of our relationship, and we wanted our marriage to reflect that spirit of exploration. With 20 of our closest friends and family, we embarked on a journey to the stunning island in Greece for our Wedding in Skopelos. Also famously known as Kalokairi, the setting of the film “Mamma Mia!”
Underneath a perfectly blue sky, surrounded by the sound of crashing waves, we said “I do” with the gentle melodies of a solo violinist filling the air. Choosing to exchange vows at the base of the Agios Ioannis church in the picturesque region of Kastri felt like the perfect homage to our love for adventure and natural beauty.
After the ceremony, we embarked on a symbolic journey, climbing 110 steps to reach the summit. It wouldn’t be us if we didn’t throw in a big hike up a mountain! It was a nod to our adventurous spirits, reminding us that every great endeavour requires a climb. Despite the hairpin turns and winding roads leading up the mountain, we were rewarded with an epic and breathtaking view from the famous church on top of the hill.
The reception took place at Evlalia Villas, next to a sparkling pool, beneath a canopy of twinkling lights and stars in Skopelos Town. The same violinist seamlessly transitioned to the reception, playing an electric set alongside the DJ. Our first dance, to the tune of “Beautiful Crazy” by Luke Combs, felt like the perfect soundtrack to our love story.
Couples Wedding Attire
Crafted by Greek-Canadian designer Rita Vinieris from the Rivini collection, my wedding gown exuded timeless elegance. Its simplicity was matched by its dramatic elements, including an open back and an exaggerated train, which perfectly complemented the picturesque setting of our seaside ceremony. After trying on numerous dresses, I knew this was the one! It truly made me feel like a bride.
We knew our location was not an easy one! On top, we had the hike of the 110 steps carved in stone. So as you can imagine I gave much consideration to my choice of footwear. Opting for Jimmy Choo Pearl Platforms gave me both style and comfort. I can only say those Choos were made for walking!
Michael’s navy tux was custom-made by Garrison Bespoke in Toronto. His shoes were from To Boot New York. I gifted Michael a pair of custom cufflinks that had the geo coordinates and the date engraved along the edges with a message “ See you there” engraved on the inside of the cufflink.
Michael’s groomsmen’s attire matched our black-tie dress code!
Bridesmaid’s Dresses
My two beautiful bridesmaids wore striking custom-made gowns by Noor Alkalili of Chic Bridal. I knew I wanted the silhouette of bridesmaid’s dresses to mimic my wedding gown, with extra-long train and structured ruffles. I loved the dramatic look the designer created in these gowns!
Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories
For my wedding accessories, I incorporated sentimental and meaningful pieces. My “something old” was a platinum and diamond eternity band. It once belonging to Michael’s late grandmother and designed by his grandfather. As for my “something new,” I was gifted stunning white gold, diamond, and pearl earrings by Michael, designed by Canadian Jeweller Daniel Goldberg. To complete the tradition, my “something blue” was discreetly embroidered into the hem of my dress. It was our initials and wedding date, serving as a subtle yet meaningful touch.
Bridal Hair & Makeup
As our wedding was in late October, we were not sure what weather to expect, but we anticipated strong winds. So, I opted for a high ponytail to complement the open-back design of my gown. We elevated the ponytail with pearl accessories, adding a touch of elegance to my overall bridal look.
This hairstyle was not only the perfect choice for the seaside ceremony and mountain hike but also ideal for dancing the night away. Allyssa Helm Beauty + Co did my bridal hair and makeup. Her mastery of wedding makeup ensured a flawless look that perfectly captured my vision. She attentively listened to my preferences, resulting in a makeup style that was nothing short of perfection.
Aesthetics of this Chic and Stylish Wedding in Skopelos
In crafting the aesthetic for our wedding, we aimed for an concept that reflected both our personalities and the grandeur of the setting. With this in mind, we invited our guests to dress in voguish black tie attire, – the more “extra” and opulent the better, which they happily accepted!
Since we had a destination wedding abroad, we made sure to infuse elements of our Canadian heritage into the celebration. Working closely with a Canadian team who traveled with us to Greece, we curated a wedding experience that seamlessly blended our roots with the majestic surroundings. It was important to us to embrace the talented Canadian designers for our wedding, From my modern gown by Greek-Canadian designer, Michael’s tuxedo to our wedding bands. Every detail reflected our connection to Canada. Even the custom bridesmaid dresses by Noor Alkalili of Chic Bridal and my mother’s ensemble by notable Canadian designer Wayne Clark added to the cohesive theme.
The small guest list brought the intimacy and the idyllic location brought the romance, which was all we ever wanted. For the reception, we opted for a single long table adorned with cascading lights, candles, and soft neutral florals, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance.
Embracing the natural beauty of the landscape, we opted for minimal yet elegant decor, allowing the scenery to take center stage. An outdoor reception illuminated solely by twinkling lights, candles, and the moonlight created a magical ambiance as we dined poolside at one long dinner table. Waterfall-like floral arrangements and flickering candles adorned the table scape. While Lucite menus and sea glass place cards echoed the natural elements of the island, mirroring the theme of our wedding invitations.
Wedding Flowers
For my bridal bouquet, I wanted different textural elements featuring my favourite flowers: orchids and white roses. Hilary of Wildwood Events & Florals totally understood my vision and created a unique waterfall-shaped bouquet without any greenery. It matched my gown and stood out perfectly against the temperamental and raw nature of Skopelos.
Similarly, our wedding arch and reception table were also decorated with modern and stylish white floral arrangements. Dry florals accompanied the softer white roses for contrast, representing the white houses of Skopelos town and the rough natural rocky cliffs.
The Stationery for this Chic and Stylish Wedding in Skopelos
Our wedding invitation suite was clean and minimalistic, designed by Melissa of Statue Rue. For sure our favourite detail of the stationery was the stamp! It had a picture of our unique wedding location, the Church of Agios Ioannis in Kastri at the top of the cliff.
The neutral pearlescent palette of the invitations reflected an ongoing theme in both my bridal accessories and wedding decor. The beauty was most certainly in the details. The invitation suite set the tone for the wedding. From the moment our guests received the invitation, we wanted them to feel like this was going to be an experience like none other. And Melissa’s talent helped communicate that!
The Wedding Cake
Our custom-designed wedding cake, crafted by Glyko Styllas in Volos, echoed the rugged beauty of the island’s rocky landscape. It was designed to mimic the natural rock formations and cliffs of the setting.
Beyond its artistic exterior, the cake delighted our guests with layers of rich chocolate, complemented by smooth vanilla buttercream icing – Michael’s favourite!
Wedding Entertainment
For our wedding entertainment, we enlisted the talents of DJ Vagglelis Sidas and violinist Jason Toufexis, who set the perfect tone for our celebration. As guests arrived at the reception, they were greeted by the enchanting sounds of Jason’s live electric violin, seamlessly blended with organic house music spun by DJ Vagglelis. Our entrance was a magical moment, as we walked through a tunnel of sparklers, surrounded by the joy and energy of our loved ones. After dinner, the dance floor came alive with all of our favourite songs, courtesy of our talented DJs.
Most Memorable Moments of this Chic and Stylish Wedding in Skopelos
One of the most memorable moments was when I arrived to our wedding ceremony and I first saw my future husband standing at the altar against the backdrop of the jaw-dropping scenery. It was a moment that will forever be etched in my memory as one of the happiest of my life.
And surely we will never forget our adventure! When the entire wedding party and all our guests in black-tie attire, hiked up the seaside mountain cliff and the 110 steps to reach the top! Surrounded by breathtaking views, it was a truly unforgettable moment, with everyone coming together in shared awe and excitement for our contemporary black tie wedding in Skopelos.
EVENT COST: 60-80k
See the full love story of this Chic and Stylish Wedding in Skopelos
Get this look:
Photographer, Lisa Vigliotta Photography
Wedding Planner, Majestic Events
Videographer & Aerial Photographer, Unfolded Tales
Florist, Wildwood
Stationery, StatueRue
Bridal Hair & Makeup, Allyssa Helm
Destination Wedding Island, Skopelos
Venue, Evlalia studios & villas
Wedding Gown, Rita Vinieris
Custom-Made Wedding Cocoon, Kleinfeld Bridal
Custom-Made Wedding Earrings, Lou Goldberg Jeweller
Wedding Bands + Custom Engagement Ring, Lou Goldberg Jeweller
Hair Pearls Bridal Accessories, Bridal Glamour
Bridal Shoes, Jimmy Choo
Custom-Made Grooms Tux, Garrison Bespoke
Grooms Shoes, To Boot New York
Custom-Designed Bridesmaid Gowns, Chic Bridals
Chair rentals, Après Vous Event Rentals
Tableware, White lilac rentals
Violinist, Jason Toufexis
Caterer, Anna’s Restaurant Skopelos
Canopy Lights: ABCstudio
Cake + Dessert: Glyko Styllas