Newlyweds Lacey and Chris were enthralled by the idea of a romantic Greece elopement, and before they knew it, the couple was heading to the Greek islands to exchange their vows. “We’ve both been to so many large, traditional weddings and sometimes it seems like the couple is too overwhelmed to enjoy it,” the bride and groom say. “The last thing we wanted was to be too caught up in the little things to miss the big picture of the day.”

Initially, Lacey and Chris considered inviting immediate family to join them in Greece, but ended up traveling on their own because a few close relatives would not have been able to make the trip. “As for the travel there, the airlines were very accommodating to the large wedding dress we carried around,” the newlyweds say. “In general when traveling, folks seemed to go above and beyond when you told them you were traveling for your wedding. There was lots of complimentary champagne.”

To allow loved ones to celebrate their big day with them, the pair held an intimate reception back home following their elopement in Greece. “At the brunch, we were able to share the beautiful photos and stories of our Greece trip. It was a way for those closest to us to celebrate our marriage,” they say. “In the end, we are very glad that we made our own decision.”

While the couple had never visited Greece prior to their marriage, they trusted their planner and felt confident the beautiful setting would be beyond what they envisioned. “We had talked about going to Greece for a while and something about actually getting married there, just the two of us, felt right,” Lacey and Chris say. “On the day of our wedding, every aspect was taken care of and even more beautiful than we imagined.”

The newlyweds believe their dream elopement was a breeze thanks to their wedding planner and the team of vendors she recommended. They admit everyone made them feel comfortable and contributed to a lovely and unforgettable event. “Our guitarist actually learned our song, ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’, for our first dance,” says the couple. “There were so many extra elements of the day that made it memorable.”

Along with their amazing vendors, the couple loved their venue, Sophia Suites, and the staff who worked there. “They have such a tranquil environment, it really made us slow down and enjoy the island,” the bride and groom say. “Although the amenities were lavish, it was still minimalistic so your focus could be on just taking it all in.”

While the pair says they Skyped their team often to communicate ideas and become familiar with one another, meeting them in person was even more fun and rewarding than they had expected. “It ended up being a great cultural experience to have all Greek vendors,” Lacey and Chris say. “Everyone felt like friends.”

The newlyweds believe if their wedding had been held at home, they would have gotten caught up in the details and would not have been able to enjoy the moment like they were able to in Greece. “When you are hosting, you do your best to make sure all guests are enjoying the moment too,” says the bride and groom. “For us, being there together was our priority and the rest was just a bonus.”

The bride recommends couples send home the bride’s wedding gown after the ceremony for those planning on traveling afterward. “That dress was heavy and it went to four islands, on four flights and on three ferries,” the bride and groom say. “Surprised it didn’t end up in the Aegean Sea.”

All in all, the couple feels their elopement in Greece was a truly memorable experience they will forever cherish. “A destination wedding allowed us to step away from the stress and really enjoy the day,” they say. “It was such a fulfilling experience that really let us reflect and appreciate one of the best days of our lives. It sounds cliché — but it’s true. There’s nothing we would have done differently.”

Vendors: Photographer: Thanasis Kaiafas, Wedding Planner: Stella and Moscha, Makeup: Renia Bledaki, Hair Stylist: Bella Damigou, Florist and Décor: Wedding Wish, Wedding Cake: Alexandra’s Cakes & Ceremony & Reception Site: Sophia Suites