Set on the aesthetic cliffs of Santorini, Greece, Connor and Ashley’s intimate wedding was a dreamscape of timeless elegance and romantic touches. With just 12 cherished guests, their celebration felt like a scene from a Jacquemus runway, reimagined with breathtaking views of the caldera and candlelit charm. Their talented planners, Julia and Evita, brought the couple’s dream to life, creating a celebration where every detail was perfectly on point.
Location: Santorini, Greece
Style: Ethereal, romantic, timeless
Number of guests: 12
Setting: Seaside
Connor and Ashley’s love story began through mutual friends in 2020, and despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, their bond grew stronger with each passing year. Fast forward two years and plenty of FaceTime calls later, Connor made the big move back to their hometown. He didn’t waste any time and popped the question soon after, setting the stage for the unforgettable celebration of their love in Santorini.
Location & Planning
The couple chose the stunning Cavo Ventus Villa in Santorini for their celebration. The venue, perched high above the Aegean Sea, offered a picturesque backdrop that was both serene and striking. Its clean, modern lines and unobstructed views perfectly complemented the couple’s vision of an ethereal and romantic wedding.
"With any destination wedding, there is always a sense of unknown if you cannot visit the location beforehand. We are so thankful we had Julia and Evita to guide us with their suggestions. The venue was breathtaking, the location was stunning, it was truly the venue of our dreams."
Moment alone
Their day started with a sweet twist: no traditional “don’t see each other before the wedding” rules here. Connor and Ashley exchanged their vows privately in the morning, just the two of them. Before parting ways to get ready for the ceremony, they spent time together capturing stunning pre-wedding photos with their talented photographer Anna Roussos, creating memories they’ll treasure forever.
"This was so special, and looking back on the day, we don’t only have the evening to reflect on but all the little moments spent together throughout the day that made our wedding day so special."
Fashion & Style
Ashley wore a custom Galia Lahav dress, a shimmering masterpiece inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Mr. President” dress. The sparkling details and open-back design brought just the right mix of glamour and grace. Her bouquet was something extra special — a gorgeous mix of white orchids, roses, and delicate amaranthus, with a butterfly charm featuring photos of her grandparents, making it not just beautiful but incredibly meaningful.
She kept her hair simple and chic in a sleek low bun, while her makeup by Jozefina went for a soft, glowing look that highlighted her natural beauty. Connor matched her elegance in a sage green suit that perfectly echoed the soft, natural tones of their island setting.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place on a gorgeous terrace with sweeping views of the caldera, where the deep blue of the Aegean Sea met the soft, earthy tones of Santorini’s cliffs. The setup was modern and full of heart — a minimalist white platform and pastel blooms spilling effortlessly around.
The centerpiece was a floating frame backdrop inspired by the effortless sophistication of a Jacquemus runway show. This striking yet understated frame served as the focal point and created a visual harmony with the stunning natural surroundings.
Guests were seated in a relaxed, slightly unconventional layout, with white cubes doubling as both seats and stylish accents. The floral decorations felt like growing naturally around the space, making every seat the perfect spot. As Connor and Ashley exchanged their vows, the atmosphere was filled with love, beauty, and a sense of calm that only a place like Santorini could create.
"The surreal moment of watching Ashley walk down the aisle, feeling so overwhelmed with love and joy that the day had finally come to become one"
Private Moment
Throughout the day, Connor and Ashley prioritized spending meaningful moments together. Following the ceremony, they stole away for a private photoshoot. The photographer Anna Roussos captured it all, from the candid smiles to those quiet, dreamy moments against the golden Santorini sunset. These quiet minutes added a layer of intimacy to their celebration as the couple dreamed.
Decor & Setting
The reception decor was a perfect blend of modern elegance and romantic charm, brought to life by planners Julia and Evita and their talented vendor team. Long tables draped in soft pink linens created a warm and inviting ambiance, while delicate floral arrangements of blush and ivory roses, paired with lush greenery, cascaded down the center. Floating candles in tall glass holders added an enchanting glow as the evening unfolded.
Above the tables, suspended candles seemed to float in the air, casting a magical light that danced against the night sky. A mirrored surface beneath the tables added a touch of glamour, reflecting the candlelight and enhancing the romantic vibe. Every detail, from the timeless chairs to the personalized oyster shell place cards, was thoughtfully curated to reflect the couple’s style and create an unforgettable setting.
"Throughout the planning process, I knew I wanted candlelit lighting to set the mood rather than large floral displays. As a childhood Harry Potter fan, the floating candles had the exact wow factor we were looking for! Julia and Evita executed the floating candles and candlelit dinner to perfection."
Reception
As the sun set and candles began to glow, Connor and Ashley’s reception became the heart of the celebration. Guests gathered around beautifully styled tables to enjoy a gourmet dinner featuring local Greek flavors from Spicy Bites. Laughter and heartfelt toasts filled the air as family and friends honored the couple’s love story.
A blush-hued cake by Petranart adorned with fresh strawberries became a centerpiece for the evening. The couple shared a sweet moment during the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, surrounded by cheers and smiles from their loved ones.
The night transitioned seamlessly into dancing beneath a canopy of string lights. Connor and Ashley shared their first dance to “Sweet Symphony” by Joy Oladokun and Chris Stapleton, a moment filled with love and joy.
The energy soared as traditional Greek music played, culminating in a lively plate-smashing tradition—a playful nod to the island’s vibrant culture. It was a reception that perfectly combined elegance and fun, leaving everyone with cherished memories of an unforgettable evening.
Advice from the couple:
• Go into the day with a sense of peace that it doesn’t need to be perfect. Time delays, minor imperfections, last-minute changes — go into the day knowing that none of it matters. The day is a celebration and declaration of your commitment; everything else is background noise.
PLANNER & DESIGN Julia and Evita | PHOTOGRAPHER Anna Roussos | VENUE Cavo Ventus Luxury Villa | MUAH Jozefina | CATERING Spicy Bites Catering Events | CAKE Petranart | LIGHTING & SOUND Santorini Events | RENTALS White Knots, Weddings and Whimsy, Maison Trilogie
