Location: Santorini, Greece
Setting: Ceremony – church; Reception – resort
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
The number of guests: 250
Wedding theme/style: Chic and elegant, inspired by fall colors and Greek shores.
Melanie and Markos first met in 2019 during an inspection at one of Markos’ hotels in Santorini. There, they discovered their shared passions and admiration for the island. After a while, the couple realized they were meant to be together and wanted to spend their lives together. To celebrate their love and commitment, they chose to marry at one of Canaves Collection’s luxury hotels, where their paths had fatefully crossed. This choice was so heartfelt and sentimental. Their elegant and chic fall wedding was breathtakingly planned by the renowned planning team, Julia and Evita, whose events in Greece and Europe are talked about long after. The event honored the couple’s relationship and showcased the unique touch of the expert planners, who ensured a memorable, fun, and personalized day.
On the morning of the wedding day, Melanie was enjoying the beautiful Greek sun by the infinity pool. Wrapped in a plush white robe and with a martini in hand, she savored the moments of stillness before the day unfolded.
The bride’s makeup and hair were meticulously crafted to complement her natural beauty while adding a glamour suitable for her special day. Her makeup artist focused on creating a polished look with a warm eyeshadow palette featuring shades of soft brown and subtle bronze to add depth and warmth and a nude lip color with a hint of pink to keep the look fresh and understated. As for her long and beautiful hair, Melanie opted for a sleek, elegant ponytail.
Melanie’s bridal gown was a masterpiece designed by Maria Konidi. The gown elegantly blended classic and modern styles. It was made of tulle and had a timeless A-line silhouette that gracefully flared from the waist to the floor. The flowing effect of the gown created a soft and beautiful movement as Melanie walked. The tulle drapery across her shoulders added a romantic and feminine touch to the bride’s look. It also had soft, draped sleeves that rested gently along the upper arms, enhancing the gown’s ethereal and romantic appeal. Melanie wore a simple yet elegant choker necklace adorned with diamonds and matching earrings to complement the gown. Her jewelry provided the right sparkle without detracting from the gown’s sophisticated simplicity.
Markos, the groom, looked stunningly elegant on his wedding day. He wore a black tuxedo with a classic, single-breasted design, a sharp satin shawl lapel, and perfectly fitted trousers. His attire included a white dress shirt, polished black oxford shoes, and a sophisticated black bow tie.
Santorini created a magical and surreal setting with breathtaking sunsets, Cycladic architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and white-washed buildings with blue domes. Melanie and Markos chose to have their wedding ceremony at a picturesque church nestled atop a hill overlooking the vast blue waters. The entrance was decorated with flowers to flavor and charm the ceremony. Byzantine icons, gold embellishments, and intricate frescoes adorned the interiors and told stories of faith and devotion, setting a grandeur tone for the wedding ceremony.
When guests entered the church, the soft glow of candlelight and the scent of fresh flowers created a warm ambiance. The church’s richly painted icons and detailed woodwork added a profound sense of sacredness to the space. Traditional Greek Orthodox rituals followed during the ceremony, including the exchange of rings and the crowning of the bride and groom. Family and friends who came from near and far to celebrate with Melanie and Markos made their special day even more memorable. The guests’ happiness was palpable, and they filled the church with smiles, tears, and laughter. It indeed was a celebration of love that everyone shared.
After their heartfelt ceremony, Melanie and Markos took a moment to retreat and enjoy their first hour as newlyweds in a secluded location. They chose the beautiful shores where the rugged landscape meets the Aegean Sea to celebrate their union in privacy while the sun descended, casting a warm, golden light. Photographer Anna Roussos, renowned for capturing the ethereal beauty of intimate occasions, was there to immortalize these fleeting moments.
The wedding guests enjoyed a delightful cocktail hour with live music near the fascinating infinity pool, which reflected the clear blue skies. A quartet of musicians dressed in shimmering peach-toned gowns played classical and contemporary pieces on their violins and cellos. Guests were seen holding glasses of fine wine and signature cocktails, moving gracefully to the rhythm of the music, or simply standing mesmerized by the harmonious blend of sound and scenery.
The guests were in high spirits, enjoying delicious drinks, the stunning backdrop of the Aegean, and the excitement of celebrating the couple’s new beginning. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and cheerful conversations as guests, dressed in their finest, mingled in the fading sunlight. Old friends shared hearty laughs and reminisced while the joyous occasion drew new acquaintances together.
The reception setting for Melanie and Markos’s wedding at Canaves Epitome was a perfect blend of natural beauty and serene aesthetics, creating an elegant, chic ambiance for their autumn wedding. It was held under a grand marquee that sparkled with an array of crystal chandeliers and fairy lights, casting a warm, romantic glow. The clear canopy allowed guests to dine under the starry night sky.
The tables featured runner-style centerpieces adorned with an array of autumnal florals, including dahlias, roses, and chrysanthemums, interspersed with green foliage. The rich tones of orange, deep red, and blush pink flowers complemented the rustic elegance of the wooden tables and chairs. Vintage-inspired chargers, fine china, and gold flatware were thoughtfully arranged at each place setting, along with crystal glassware. Custom-made place cards and menu holders added a personal touch, while soft, linen napkins completed the table setup.
The cake-cutting ceremony occurred by the infinity pool, surrounded by a magical, warm light that created a dreamy atmosphere. The cake was magnificent, tall, and with multiple tiers, each expertly crafted to showcase a smooth white fondant finish, with delicate sugar flowers adorning one side. The enchanting setup, the exquisite cake, and Melanie and Markos’s joyful union made for an unforgettable start to the evening’s celebrations.
Melanie and Markos’ first dance as a married couple was a magical highlight of the night. As they swayed gently to a romantic melody beside the pool, the night sky above them erupted into a dazzling fireworks display, casting a glow over the enchanted guests. This unforgettable moment, with bursts of colors illuminating the evening, perfectly captured the joy and celebration of their union.
As the evening wore on, Melanie and Markos’s wedding celebration turned into a vibrant party filled with laughter, dancing, and playful accessories that added a touch of whimsy. The guests donned funny masks and colorful flower crowns, fully embracing the festive spirit that illuminated the venue. The dance floor was alive with energy as friends and family, young and old, danced to upbeat music. Julia and Evita ensured that the couple’s journey to their “I do” was perfect and memorable, and their big day with family and friends was one of a kind.
Melanie’s second dress featured a fitted silhouette with intricate lace detailing throughout, creating a luxurious and textured appearance. It had a high neckline and long sleeves, both adorned with the same lace pattern, adding to the overall cohesiveness of the design. The unique feature of this dress was its midriff cutout, which added a modern and bold twist to the traditional wedding gown, making it alluring and sophisticated.
Melanie and Markos celebrated their beautiful wedding day surrounded by family, friends, breathtaking views, and meticulously arranged details. Their planning team, Julia & Evita, ensured the couple’s journey to their “I do” was perfect and unforgettable.
Advice from the couple:
• Planning everything in advance and having the right planner ensures every detail is carefully considered. With Julia’s and Evita’s expertise, navigating the complexities of event planning becomes seamless, providing peace of mind and a successful outcome. Trusting your planner simplifies the logistics and allows you to enjoy the event to the fullest, knowing it’s in capable hands.
PLANNERS Julia & Evita | PHOTOGRAPHER Anna Roussos | VIDEOGRAPHER Kapetanakis Studios | VENUE Canaves Collection | TABLEWARE White Lilac Art De La Table | RENTALS StyleBox Premium Event | TENT Tentstyle | SOUND & LIGHT Santorini Events | BAND The Swingin’ Cats, Fortissimo quartet | DJ George Varveris | FLORIST Betty-Betty Flowers Santorini | MUAH George Marascas | BRIDAL DRESSES Ceremony: Maria Konidi, Party: Cristina Varotsos
