Marios and Xanthippi turned a private stretch of beach at Porto Carras Resort into something closer to an open-air Mediterranean stage set. Sculptural stone-toned arches rose straight out of the sand, glowing pink once the sun went down. Guests reached the ceremony the old-fashioned way, arriving by traditional Greek boat across the bay. Peaches carried the whole day from there — worked into the signature Bellinis, spilling over every centerpiece, giving everything a warm, sun-ripened glow.
Location: Halkidiki, Northern Greece
Style: Modern, Architectural, Chic
Time of planning: 5 months
Setting: Private Beach
Season: Summer
Marios and Xanthippi met through mutual friends — one of those introductions that seems ordinary in the moment and turns out to be anything but. There was no dramatic meet-cute, just an easy connection that kept building. What started as a casual hello turned into something neither of them saw coming, and eventually led them to a private beach in Halkidiki, surrounded by everyone they love.
Concept & Planning
The vision was modern Mediterranean, built around the raw beauty of the Greek coastline. Wedding planner Vicky Tzika led the design from the ground up, using sculptural arches as the backbone of the concept — framing the sea and softening the sunset light as it moved through the evening.
Peaches drove everything else — the palette leaned soft sage green and warm peach against crisp white florals, with seasonal fruit and Greek-inspired vessels scattered across every table. Clean, architectural lines met the easy, sun-warmed feel of the Mediterranean, and the whole space felt considered without ever feeling stiff.
Bride's Morning & Fashion
Xanthippi chose a Costarellos gown with a textured, sculptural finish. The bodice was structured, the skirt full, with a raw-edged neckline that softened the whole silhouette. She paired it with Jimmy Choo heels and a delicate crystal headpiece instead of a traditional veil look, though a long cathedral-length veil still trailed behind her for the ceremony. The effect was romantic, polished enough for the setting but still unmistakably her.
Groom’s Fashion
Marios kept it clean and classic: a tailored Zegna suit in deep navy, paired with Christian Louboutin shoes. He walked the resort’s stone paths before the ceremony, a bouquet of white peonies in hand and the Greek flag catching the wind overhead. Sharp, unfussy, entirely his own.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place at a traditional seaside chapel overlooking the Aegean, near the village of Neos Marmaras. To fully immerse guests in the destination, everyone arrived at the ceremony by traditional Greek boats, transforming the journey itself into one of the day’s most memorable experiences.
Marios watched Xanthippi walk in under a cathedral veil that caught the light pouring through the chapel windows.
The breathtaking setting, the sea breeze and the intimate atmosphere created an emotional beginning to the celebration while introducing guests to the authentic beauty of Northern Greece.
White on Black was behind the lens for the day, and their frames caught the quieter beats too — the exchanged glance before the vows, the walk out through a shower of rice and confetti, the church bells still ringing behind them.
Cocktail Hour
From the chapel, guests made their way to the reception by boat, sailing along the coast as the sun started dropping toward the water. A round bar wrapped in garden roses and hydrangea anchored the welcome, mixing peach-forward cocktails while guests spilled out across the sand.
Marios and Xanthippi slipped away for a few portraits by the marina, the light turning gold behind them, before rejoining the party as it built toward dinner.
Decor & Reception
Vicky Tzika‘s design turned the beach into a series of glowing, sculptural rooms — and she planned it fast. The couple reached out only four to five months before the wedding, but nothing about the result felt rushed. “Rather than focusing only on beautiful decoration, every design decision was created to become part of the guest experience,” Tzika said.
Marios and Xanthippi made their entrance to a live violin-and-saxophone rendition of Freed From Desire, with every guest ringing a small bell as they walked in. It was one of the most unforgettable moments of the entire day.
The dance floor filled fast and stayed that way, capped off later by a champagne fountain and fireworks lighting up the water. Long after midnight, guests were still out there dancing, in no hurry for the night to end.
Advice from the couple:
• Invest in a wedding planner and trust the creative process. Having an experienced planner allows you to fully enjoy your engagement and your wedding day without stress. Once you choose someone whose vision you believe in, give them your trust. The most memorable celebrations are created when couples allow creativity, expertise and thoughtful planning to come together.
PLANNING & DESIGN & STYLING Vicky Tzika – Organizethat | PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY White on Black | CONTENT CREATION Soul on Grey | VENUE Porto Carras Resort | BRIDAL GOWN Costarellos | BRIDAL SHOES Jimmy Choo | GROOM’S SUIT Zegna | GROOM’S SHOES Christian Louboutin
