Greece is a country rich in history and beauty that extends far beyond the white-washed houses and blue-domed chapels most people imagine. Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a different kind of charm — from turquoise beaches to rolling hills and tree-covered mountains. The Venetian villa, one of the most important examples of its kind in southern Europe, became the heart of this editorial and the main source of inspiration.
Chic, Young, and City-Centered
Keeping the history of the villa in mind, R&C Events designed the bridal style to feel aristocratic yet modern. The first look featured a form-fitting draped gown from Primalicia, styled with handcrafted gold accessories that added a quiet richness to the simplicity of the dress. Her makeup followed the palette of the shoot — soft, fresh, and glowing, perfect for the summer.
"The villa was the home of a Lord and Lady, so we wanted the bridal look to be aristocratic and elegant in a modern and fresh way.”
The groom’s style reflected timeless Italian-inspired elegance with a modern ease. He wore a tailored light gray three-piece suit from Kontogiannis Fashion Store with sharp black satin lapels and a matching bow tie, perfectly complementing the Venetian setting. Crisp white cuffs, a slim black belt, and polished leather shoes added refinement, while casual touches like aviator sunglasses in some portraits gave his look a relaxed, confident edge.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in front of the historic stone chapel, its arched wooden door and weathered walls setting a romantic tone. Wild-style florals in muted greens, whites, and soft apricot framed the entrance and cascaded down the stairs, softening the rustic stone. The intimate arrangement of chairs kept the focus on the couple and the villa’s character.
“We wanted to showcase a different kind of beauty that you can also find on the island and so chose the Villa De Mezzo as our venue."
Guests smiled and applauded as the couple exchanged vows, their laughter filling the courtyard. The kiss felt joyful and tender, perfectly framed by the chapel’s arch and the flowing flowers, capturing the relaxed and celebratory mood of the day.
“We wanted to showcase a different kind of beauty that you can also find on the island and so chose the Villa De Mezzo as our venue."
Decor & Setting
R&C Events designed a setting that balanced the villa’s history with fresh energy. “We decided to honor the Venetian/Italian roots of this villa and create a color palette based on ‘Verona Sunset’ or what we call ‘Aperol Orange’,” they explain. Shades of soft green echoed the surrounding landscape, while tall glass candles and rentals from Maroq Rentals and Feel Ultra Event Rentals added a structured elegance to the tables.
The team worked seamlessly to bring this vision to life. Xeimonanthos Florals created arrangements that looked as if they had grown naturally among the stone — loose, textured, and perfectly unstructured. Upholstered chairs, crystal glassware, and Studio K’s soft lighting completed the look, highlighting every detail and making the space feel effortlessly in tune with its surroundings.
"We incorporated different shades of green to mimic the lushness of the surrounding area and kept the florals wild and meadow style.”
Reception
The reception design celebrated Crete’s laid-back charm with aristocratic touches, creating a setting that felt both luxurious and alive. Golden velvet lounges invited guests to relax, while crystal chandeliers placed low on the ground glowed like scattered jewels against the stone walls. The soft lighting added warmth to the rustic courtyard, making it feel intimate even under the vast golden sky. Guests enjoyed cigars in this lounge area, laughing and relaxing while the couple stole quiet moments together.
The bride’s second look perfectly matched this transition into a lively evening. She appeared in a baroque-inspired mini dress with a corset bodice and lace sleeves, styled with striking black heels and an opulent black onyx ring from Axileio. The mix of aristocratic details and bold accessories gave her a confident party-ready energy, setting the tone for the night.
True to its Venetian inspiration, the evening included nods to Italian traditions. The Aperol martini table, with its vivid orange cocktails, brought a burst of color that perfectly matched the “Verona Sunset” palette. Instead of a traditional cake, the planner chose a croquembouche tower — a bold and elegant statement that completed the festive atmosphere.
“The most challenging part was the sun and heat, which is always a challenge during our wedding season, and the reason why we named the photoshoot “Under the Cretan Sun,” shared the planner.
"Greece is a country full of history and beauty that not many are familiar with."
PLANNING & DESIGN R&C Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Effie Grigoriou Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Efthihis Makridis Filmmaker | FLORALS Xeimonanthos Florals | MAKEUP Mairyland Makeup | HAIR Hairtouch by Katerina Kitstaki | DRESS Primalicia | SUIT Kontogiannis Fashion Store | JEWELRY Axileio | LIGHTING Studio K | RENTALS Maroq Rentals, Feel Ultra Event Rentals | CIGAR CATERING Cigar King | BAR Sidebar Catering | CANDLES Cretan Candles | MODELS Stella Agapakii, Camilo Twenty Nada, Ace Models Athens
