Set high above the Aegean Sea, this intimate Santorini celebration unfolded on a sun-drenched August, a mirrored aisle catching the last light, and chandeliers glittering above the dinner table. Designed by Irene Eliades of Santorini Sky Weddings, every detail — from the ceremony timing to the color of the napkins — was carefully chosen to reflect the couple’s elegant, modern vision while honoring the breathtaking setting.
Location: Santorini, Greece
Style: Sophisticated, modern, intimate
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 20
Setting: Wedding venue
Season: Summer
Anastasia and Stanislav met on what was supposed to be a casual double date — but their friends arrived late, giving the two an unexpected hour alone that sparked something instant and lasting. Just months later, Stas proposed during a trip to Cyprus, on a mountaintop next to an old monastery with sweeping sea views — and a touch of dark humor, proposing beside a monk’s grave. Though they married civilly in 2019, their dream of a seaside wedding had to wait. After years of delays and searching for the perfect location, they finally found it in Santorini — the place that felt like it had been waiting for them all along.
Bridal Look
The bride stepped into her wedding day in a gown that needed no introduction — nor a single alteration. Designed by Milla Nova, the dress featured a square neckline, a corset-inspired bodice, and delicate beading cascading through soft layers of tulle. It struck the rare balance between regal and weightless, creating a silhouette that shimmered with every step and floated with the island breeze. The intricate floral embroidery added depth without overwhelming the softness of the fabric, allowing the gown to shine against the clean white architecture and endless sea views.
Her look was finished with a long, sheer veil that extended beyond the gown’s dramatic train, catching the light as it moved across the rooftop. With her hair styled in a low, sleek ponytail and her makeup fresh and luminous, the bride kept her beauty minimal — letting the dress and setting speak first. A pair of sparkly bridal sandals by René Caovilla, found after a long search from Italy to Dubai, became her final statement: elegant, comfortable, and perfectly suited for both the ceremony and her second look later that night.
First Look
Their first look unfolded on a whitewashed rooftop, with the caldera stretching endlessly behind them — just sky, sea, and that quiet moment before the ceremony. The groom, in a sharp black Karl Lagerfeld tuxedo and sunglasses, turned to see his bride walking toward him in the sunlight, her gown moving softly with the breeze. He kissed her hand, she smiled wide, and for a few minutes, the world faded to just the two of them. It was tender and light — a moment as timeless as the view surrounding them.
"A white interior, a lighthouse-inspired design, the sea and a volcano down below. It was unreal."
Ceremony
The ceremony took place just before sunset, on a glassy terrace overlooking the cliffs of Santorini and the deep blue sea. Rather than a traditional floral arch, the couple opted for modern, asymmetric gold stands topped with all-white florals — roses, orchids, and hydrangeas arranged in soft, cloudlike shapes. The mirrored aisle reflected the sky above and the flowers below, creating the illusion of walking on light. White chairs framed the aisle, each tied with a single rose and a ribbon, keeping the palette minimal and refined. With the iconic windmill in the background, the ceremony space felt like a floating garden suspended between earth and sky.
The symbolic ceremony was conducted in Greek — a romantic, meaningful choice that added emotional weight to the vows. A live saxophonist played softly in the background, setting the mood as the bride walked down the aisle. Their guests, seated in two elegant rows, watched the couple exchange rings, share a kiss, and walk out through a cascade of white rose petals. There was no rush, no tight schedule — just the sound of music, the sea below, and two people finally stepping into the moment they had imagined.
"The aisle was a mirrored podium leading toward the altar — it looked absolutely magical."
Decor & Setting
The reception was set on the lower terrace, with one long table styled to perfection. Four ornate chandeliers floated above on curved stands, catching the last of the golden light and refracting it through delicate crystal droplets. Below, the table was dressed in a soft beige cloth and lined with a continuous row of lush white florals — roses, ranunculus, and hydrangeas — styled low to keep the view unobstructed. The palette allowed the surroundings to breathe while still creating a sense of opulence and warmth.
Every detail was carefully considered by Irene Eliades of Santorini Sky Weddings, from the gold-rimmed glassware and blush-toned napkins to the ceramic plates with Mediterranean-inspired embossing. The setting felt elevated and intimate, perfectly tailored to the couple’s vision of a timeless, modern celebration. With the sea stretching endlessly beyond the stone terrace and the chandeliers slowly glowing brighter as the sky turned blue, the transition from ceremony to dinner felt seamless — like the continuation of a dream.
"It honestly felt like Irene had known me for years — I have no other way to explain how perfectly she captured my vision from the start."
Reception
As golden hour started to fade into twilight, the couple and their guests settled in for an evening filled with warmth and laughter. The reception began with a welcome from their MC, who charmed the group with stories about Greek islands and wine — creating a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. Glasses clinked, plates filled with traditional local dishes, and conversations unfolded easily around the table. With only twenty guests, the dinner felt like a long, joyful toast among old friends, intimate and unhurried.
Soon after, the toasts began: emotional, funny, full of affection. Friends and family stood to speak, raising glasses under the chandeliers now glowing brightly in the night. The couple’s first dance took place in the open air, with the sea as their backdrop and the soft shimmer of crystal overhead — a slow, tender moment before the dancing picked up and the celebration carried on deep into the night.
"As the chandeliers sparkled in the last rays of the sun, it felt truly mesmerizing."
Advice from the couple:
• If we could choose my wedding destination all over again, we would choose Santorini again and again. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it should take place in the most romantic corner of the world, on the white-and-blue island of Santorini.
PLANNING & DESIGN Santorini Sky Weddings | VENUE & CATERING El Viento | PHOTOGRAPHER Lana Visual | VIDEOGRAPHER Koltsov Studio | FLORALS Amela Studio | MUAH Jozefina | CHANDELIERS & MIRROR FLOOR Santorini Events | RENTALS Spark Events | SAXOPHONE Fotinos | BRIDE Anastasia
