Destination Inspiration: Greece

Words by Courtney Kellar
Photos courtesy of Amanda Julca

There are certain places in this world that have a special magic – an essence which can be captured in a single image. Greece is one of those destinations. Captivated by the light, land and sea of this iconic romantic setting, this talented team translated these elements into destination wedding inspiration.

Inspired by Light

Inspired by the warm light of the Mediterranean, Greece casts a magical glow over this sun-inspired décor. “As we reached our destination of Amorgos, the magic of the island came to life and really began telling the story,” says photographer Amanda Julca.

Dramatic sunflower centerpieces by HeatherLily Inc. add contrast to the dreamy setting and enhance the destination’s natural luminosity. Traditional, formal linens by La Tavola are the perfect background for an organic mix of china patterns. The torn-edged stationery by Momental Designs is the perfect balance of rustic and refined. Guests can also take home a taste of Greece with these local olive oil bottles as favors.

Our bride, Kaliovi, is the picture of Grecian perfection in a dramatic-backed Jenny Packham gown, sparkling "Abby" earrings by Sara Gabriel and the olive-inspired crown "Rue Plumet" hairpiece by PARIS Inc. - all courtesy of La Jeune Mariee.

Inspired by Land

Greece’s soft light is complemented and elevated by the natural flora of the surrounding hills. Heather Thomas of HeatherLily Inc. took inspiration from the land in her floral designs. “Greece’s landscape provides a rich and diverse backdrop…many species of trees, bushes, flowers and herbs grow all over the country, making it an interesting place for a designer who loves foraging the country’s natural landscape.”

This vibrant table setting takes its cues from the fuchsia bougainvillea found throughout Amorgos and the green hills of this cliffside town. The centerpieces and floral runner by HeatherLily Inc. pack a punch against the neutral linen by La Tavola. Gilded chargers, courtesy of All Occasions, put a Renaissance twist on this vivid set-up, and handpainted paper menus by Momental Designs add a customized and cultured element.

Our bride is classically elegant in a light-as-air, tiered gown and jeweled sash by Judd Waddell with the "Abby" earrings by Sara Gabriel and a lace-trimmed veil by Toni Federici – all courtesy of La Jeune Mariee. Stavros, our groom, dresses up a suit of his own collection with a pink patterned tie and pocket square from Beau Ties Ltd.

Inspired by Sea

The soft color palette and whitewashed buildings of Amorgos are emphasized by the azure Aegean Sea. Shades of blue and turquoise weave their way into this décor concept in the form of florals by HeatherLily Inc. and marble-like stationery by Coral Pheasant.

Our couple was captured in various locations around Amorgos and the Aegialis Hotel & Spa. “We tried to match each of the individual bride and groom’s looks with the type of wedding someone would host in those locations,” explains Event Designer Kasey Conyers. “From the church procession with the formal Ulla-Maija Couture lace gown with matching orchid bouquet and Haute Bride earrings, to the little town square with the fun and flirty short Kirribilla dress with a succulent bouquet and PARIS Inc. earrings – there is a style for everyone here.”

The bride’s three different dresses and all her jewelry pieces are courtesy of La Jeune Mariee and the groom’s tie and pocket square are courtesy of Beau Ties Ltd. The beautifully-backed dress is by Lazaro and her Sara Gabriel hairpiece is the "Josephine Hair Wrap."

The rustic, countryside-inspired cake is by Aegialis Hotel & Spa.

Vendors: Photography & Concept: Amanda Julca, Planning & Event Design: Kasey Conyers of Bliss Wedding & Event Design, Photo Shoot Location: Amorgos, Greece, Floral Design: Heather Thomas of HeatherLily Inc., Hair Stylist: Vera Joyce, Make-Up Artist: Anthie with Aegialis Hotel & Spa, Bridal Gowns: Jenny Packham/Judd Waddell/Ulla-Maija Couture/Kirribilla/Lazaro each courtesy of La Jeune Mariee Collection via Big Rock Bridal Atelier, Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale/Kirribilla/Alfred Sung Dupioni each courtesy of La Jeune Mariee Maids, Jewelry: Haute Bride/Toni Federici/PARIS Inc./Sara Gabriel each courtesy of La Jeune Mariee Collection, Men’s Accessories: Beau Ties Ltd., Paper Items/Stationery: Momental Designs & Coral Pheasant, Favors: Local Amorgos Olive Oil Bottles, Linens: La Tavola, latavolalinen.com, Charger Plates: All Occasions, China Plates: Private Collection of Aegialis Hotel & Spa Owner, Food/Catering & Hotel Accommodations: Aegialis Hotel & Spa, Videography: William Scott and Steve & Kyle Muza of Little Tree Studios, Local Transportation: Blue Star Ferries Lines and the Aegialis Hotel & Spa, Models (Locals to Amorgos, Greece): Kaliovi – bride, Kalia – bridesmaid & Stavros - groom

This article first appeared in Destination I Do's Fall/Winter 2015 issue. You can order a copy here.