Set on the Greek island, this wedding was a dreamy blend of old-world elegance and tradition. From the bride’s fairytale arrival in a horse-drawn carriage to the groom’s playful tuk-tuk entrance, every detail fit perfectly together. A private boat ride, a stunning seaside reception, and a night filled with fireworks, traditional Greek dances, and endless joy made this celebration truly unforgettable.
Location: Spetses, Greece
Style: Classic, elegant, aristocratic
Time of planning: 10 months
Number of guests: 170
Setting: Ceremony – church, reception – beach
Season: Summer
Antonia and Nikos, a charming couple of Greek descent from New York and Vancouver, found the perfect place for their celebration, the enchanting island of Spetses. For Antonia, this was more than just a wedding destination. It was the realization of a lifelong dream. Ever since she was a little girl, spending her summers on the island, she had imagined this celebration set against the aristocratic charm and natural beauty of Spetses.
Location & Planning
Nestled in the shimmering waters of the Saronic Gulf, Spetses is a hidden gem, a car-free island with rich history. With its charming architecture and abundant maritime heritage, it’s a place that feels like stepping into another era. The island’s iconic 200-year-old captains’ mansions, lining the coast, tell tales of a prosperous past.
The island, known for its lush pine trees, provided the perfect inspiration for a wedding decorated in shades of green and white. The decor, carefully curated by Happy Events to reflect the island’s natural beauty, maintained a harmonious consistency from the church ceremony to the reception, blending seamlessly with the picturesque surroundings.
Whether guests wandered along the harbor of Dapia, basked in the sun on the island’s golden beaches, or took a dip in its crystal-clear waters, Spetses surrounded them in its magical atmosphere. With a vibrant culture, cosmopolitan nightlife, and a touch of old-world sophistication, the island offered a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable destination wedding.
Welcome Dinner
To begin their unforgettable three-day wedding celebration, the couple hosted a charming welcome dinner at Bostani Farm-to-table. Under the open sky, guests gathered for an al-fresco dining experience that immersed them in the rich culinary traditions of Greece.
With the scent of fresh herbs in the air and the warm glow of fairy lights, the evening unfolded in a stunning setting where laughter and conversation flowed as freely as the wine, carrying the festive mood late into the night.
Boat Cruise
The following day, the couple treated their loved ones to a breathtaking adventure around the island. As the boat glided along Spetses’ coastline, guests were mesmerized by the endless shades of blue stretching before them.
Their journey led them to the secluded haven of Zogeria Beach, where they swam in the crystal-clear waters and bathed under the golden sun. These peaceful surroundings made for a perfect blend of relaxation and anticipation for the celebration still to come.
Wedding Day
Bride's Fashion
The bride got ready at the iconic Poseidonion Grand Hotel, a historic island landmark since 1914, embracing the calm morning of her special day. Antonia opted for a strapless white gown by Vera Wang with a sophisticated silhouette, which perfectly reflected the romantic setting. For the shoes she chose a pair of elegant high-heels with a delicate knot detail by Aquazzura. The bride’s hair were kept down, creating a slick yet natural look, while her makeup by René Fris was soft and luminous.
Minimal jewelry by De Beers added a chic touch to the attire, without overcrowding the look. Antonia decided to have two different veils, adding variety to her attire. The cascading ceremony veil extended into an intricate lace-trimmed train that gracefully draped over the ground, while the slightly voluminous reception veil with a playful bow detail on top perfectly complemented the clean lines of her gown.
Groom's Look
Nikos spent the morning surrounded by his groomsmen, who eased the nerves with their humor and helped him get ready for the day. The groom opted for a classic black tuxedo by Tom Ford with a sleek satin peak lapel. Paired with a crisp white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and elegant cufflinks, his attire had the perfect balance between modern and old-world charm. The look was completed with a pair of classic shoes from the same brand as the suit.
Ceremony
The couple’s traditional ceremony unfolded at Agios Nikolaos Church, a historic gem on the island, rich in spiritual and cultural significance. The elegant floral arrangements of white roses and lush greenery by Le Fleuriste decorated the space, enhancing its timeless beauty. Nikos made a memorable entrance, arriving in a classic Mediterranean Ape Piaggio or tuk-tuk, a nod to the island’s traditions. Being the first to arrive, he waited at the church’s entrance, anticipation building with every passing moment.
The bride made a breathtaking entrance, arriving at the church in a horse-drawn carriage alongside her beloved father. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale. The carriage drove along the shoreline, as the water shimmered in the sun. All eyes were drawn to the bride, captivated by the elegance and romance of the moment.
"It was very special coming to the church on a horse carriage. It made me feel like a princess arriving to my castle."
The religious ceremony was an intimate and deeply personal moment. The setting of the church created a sense of warmth and closeness. Under the soft glow of flickering candles, surrounded by their closest friends and family, Antonia and Nikos exchanged vows, marking the beginning of their forever.
As the newlyweds stepped out of the church, they were greeted with joyful cheers and a shower of confetti, creating a picture-perfect moment. Applause filled the air as their loved ones celebrated this beautiful occasion. After sharing heartfelt embraces and receiving their first congratulations, the couple made their grand exit, riding away in their carriage.
Private Moment
To make their arrival at the reception even more special, Antonia and Nikos chose to take a traditional Kaiki boat ride, just the two of them. Gliding across the crystal-clear waters, they soaked in the beauty of the island as the sky was painted with the hues of the setting sun. In this quiet, intimate moment, they savored their first hours as husband and wife.
Vesi & Yannis Simopoulos beautifully captured this magical moment between Antonia and Nikos, turning each scene into a breathtaking visual narrative. Every image seemed to breathe the same Mediterranean air and charm as the wedding itself, preserving the essence of the celebration in a way that felt vivid and timeless. “We were blown away by the final portfolio, and our wedding pictures were simply exquisite. We have been looking at the photos over and over again and absolutely love them all,” the bride shares.
Reception
The Kaiki Beach became the gorgeous backdrop for the celebration with the natural beauty of its marine scenery, complemented by exquisite decor. The tables were adorned with floral arrangements, candles added a warm glow, enhancing the dreamy atmosphere as the evening unfolded. Set beneath a pergola with pendant lights hanging above, the reception had a relaxed Mediterranean feel. The white wooden chairs and natural wood tables fit the beachside setting, while the gentle sea breeze completed the magical scene.
The seating display was uniquely designed with panama hats, each clipped to a white wooden frame together with the name cards. The guests could grab a delicious desert by Vaniliaspetses, while waiting for the couple to arrive and begin the celebration.
The newlyweds grand arrival at the reception was nothing short of cinematic. Stepping off the boat, they walked hand in hand down the pier, surrounded by a display of fireworks. The glow of lanterns lined their path. Guests watched in awe as they made their way toward the celebration.
After enjoying the traditional Greek dinner, the night kicked off with a breathtaking fire show by Fundastik Performing Arts, whose mesmerizing performance and electrifying energy captivated the guests. As the last flames flickered into the night, the couple stepped onto the dance floor for their romantic first dance. Friends and family members watched with warm smiles, enchanted by the moment. Once the dance came to an end, the guests rushed to the floor, joining the newlyweds in a joyful celebration that carried on into the night.
Another cinematic scene was the cake-cutting moment. The three-tiered wedding dessert was decorated with delicate white roses and olive leaves, mirroring the reception’s aesthetic. With the fireworks lighting up the sky in the background, the newlyweds share a kiss, champagne in hand.
The night carried on with lively traditional Greek dances and an endless congratulations. Under the starlit sky, Antonia and Nikos’ magical celebration unfolded into the late hours. Their wedding day blended elegance, tradition, and fairy-tale-like moments, becoming a fusion of culture and romance, leaving guests with long-lasting memories.
“We had the honor of capturing the breathtaking wedding of Nikos and Antonia on the beautiful island of Spetses. It was a three-day celebration filled with emotions, joy, and unforgettable moments.”
Advice from the couple:
• Your wedding day is about you and your husband. It is your special time so make sure to enjoy the entire day.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Vesi & Yannis Simopoulos | VIDEOGRAPHER In Oblivion Films | PLANNER & DESIGN Happy Events | WELCOME DINNER VENUE Bostani Farm-to-table | GETTING READY VENUE Poseidonion Grand Hotel | RECEPTION VENUE Kaiki Beach | FLORALS Le Fleuriste | MUAH René Fris | DRESS Vera Wang | SHOES Aquazzura | JEWELRY De Beers | SUIT Tom Ford | SHOES Louis Vuitton | CAKE & DESSERTS Vaniliaspetses | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT Fundastik Performing Arts | STATIONERY Kavalieros |
