«The Ble Pavillion was the perfect canvas. Right next to the beach, it offered the calming sound of the waves and the most incredible sunsets. We wanted the atmosphere to be soft and romantic, so we chose a palette of blue, green, and white for everything – my bouquet, the bridesmaids’ dresses, even Andreas’s suit had a hint of blue! » the lovely bride shared with us and we can’t wait to explore with you all the details from this truly magical wedding. In a palette of soft blue and green hues, accented with gorgeous florals and placed on such a beautiful location, Kely and Andreas destination wedding in Athens Greece is one of those celebrations that you simply can’t look away from!
Captured by Christos Mavraganis.
«Melbourne was caught in a chaotic limbo between lockdowns. Shops, like flickering flames, sputtered on and off under the weight of restrictions. One such night, clad in my trusty leather jacket, I found myself in a crowded bar, the city’s restless energy a welcome change from the suffocating confinement. Across the room, a woman in a leather jacket – Kely, I’d later learn – radiated a confidence that mirrored my own desperate need for connection. As if guided by some unseen force, I found myself drawn to her. We fell into conversation, a tapestry woven from my life in Melbourne and my proud Greek heritage. She, in turn, spoke of her Peruvian roots, her voice brimming with a similar pride. It was in these shared roots, these threads of identity woven across continents, that we found common ground – two strangers adrift in a cosmopolitan sea.» the groom shared with us.
«Our conversation flowed easily, but eventually, Kely needed to return to her friend. Later, as I contemplated leaving, the pull to stay was undeniable. My body lingered, betraying my desire for something more. With a playful smile, Kely nudged me, “sit with us.” And so, I found myself nestled between two beautiful women, the night alive with laughter and unburdened conversation. Later, a craving for fries struck Kely, and we embarked on a post-bar quest. Fries remained elusive, but fate, or perhaps just a rumbling stomach, led us to a bustling rice restaurant. The staff, overwhelmed by the demand, struggled to keep up. Kely, in need of a tissue, watched with amusement as I, with a practiced flourish (years of chivalry honed to perfection, I might add), produced the perfect one from my jacket pocket. It was a small gesture, but in that moment, I saw a flicker of understanding in her eyes. Perhaps she saw not just the act, but the intention behind it – a willingness to listen, to anticipate her needs, to ensure her comfort in any way I could. That Melbourne night, fueled by chance and a yearning for connection, brought Kely and me together. And as they say, the rest is history.»
«Kely and I had been together for over a year, and to celebrate, we embarked on a dream holiday – a tour of the Greek islands. Naxos, Milos, Kefalonia, Ithaka – each island unfolded its beauty before us, culminating in Hydra, a gem nestled amidst the Aegean Sea.Days melted into each other, a tapestry woven with sun-drenched beaches, turquoise waters, and delicious meals. But as the 17th of August dawned, the second last day before Kely’s flight back to Australia, a nervous energy thrummed within me. I knew I had to make this moment count.There were subtle changes – a few stolen moments alone, a quiet focus that replaced our usual carefree banter. Kely, bless her observant heart, must have noticed something was up. It culminated in a horseback ride to a secluded beach on Hydra’s final day. The setting was idyllic – a perfect afternoon of swimming, sunbathing, and sharing a delicious lunch.»
«The joy that erupted from her was infectious. “Yes!” she cried, jumping up and down, tears of happiness streaming down her face. We were like two giddy children, laughing, shouting our news from the balcony, utterly unconcerned whether anyone could hear us. In that moment, bathed in moonlight and the warm glow of countless candles, time seemed to stand still. The clock on the nearby building read 3:30 am, but it held no significance. All that mattered was the promise whispered between us, a promise sealed with a ring and a lifetime of love.»
Andreas, Groom
«Later, I announced a surprise – a romantic dinner for two. As we sat by the coast, the setting sun painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and yellow, we talked. We spoke of our feelings, a deep conversation that flowed effortlessly between us, fueled by a bottle of wine. After dinner, the night took an unexpected turn. I whisked Kely away for a late-night coffee, a strange request that she nonetheless indulged in, her love for the drink overcoming her initial surprise. As we walked back, the clock struck one, the date having ticked over to August 18th.Our accommodation, nestled close to the moonlit harbor, boasted a balcony overlooking Hydra’s vibrant port. As Kely entered the room, I knew the time had come. With her favorite song playing softly in the background, I led her, eyes covered, onto the balcony. When she finally saw it, the breathtaking display of flickering candles bathed in moonlight, I knew I had achieved my goal. Tears welled in my eyes as I got down on one knee, a simple ring clutched in my hand. Words failed me, so I simply held out the ring, my love for her a silent plea. Tears welled in Kely’s eyes too, her excitement a mirror to my own. Though speechless, her question hung in the air. Mustering all my courage, I finally managed to ask, “Kely, will you marry me? Here, in Greece, next year?”
«Imagine a dress spun from moonlight – an ethereal white, not quite stark but with a hint of warmth that flatters your every curve. It’s a Greek goddess dream, reminiscent of those delectable, honey-drizzled pastries – sweet and elegant all at once. The front boasts a dramatic decolletage, a plunging neckline that whispers of romance and confidence. This boldness continues in the back, where a wide opening mirrors the front, creating a silhouette that’s both daring and unforgettable.But there’s a touch of practicality too. The sleeveless design ensures you’ll be cool under the summer sun, while the easy-to-manage fabric drapes beautifully and resists wrinkles, no matter how much you dance the night away.»
«A touch of playful glamour comes in the form of shimmering white stones delicately adorning the hips. Every step you take will create a subtle sparkle, a celestial constellation mapped onto your beautiful form. And it’s a Rosa Clara, of course! This masterpiece hails from the designer’s 2022-2023 summer collection – a testament to its contemporary elegance and timeless appeal.»
«But the magic doesn’t end there. This dress cleverly transforms. A hidden bustle allows it to be transformed into a shorter, lighter version for the evening’s festivities. It’s a dress that adapts to your needs, just like a true soulmate. Most importantly, it’s a dress that makes you feel incredible. Comfortable and relaxed, it allows you to move with freedom, to laugh with abandon, to dance the night away under the stars. It’s the perfect marriage of beachy romance and classic beauty, a dress that will make you feel like the most radiant bride imaginable. This wasn’t just a dress, it was love at first sight.»
«Our faith was important to us, so we had a beautiful ceremony at the Holy Trinity Church in Glyfada. Father Georgios was so welcoming and even allowed our whole family to be close by during the ceremony, which made it even more special. Having friends and family from all over the world (Canada, South Africa, England, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, and Germany!) added a real destination-wedding feel. We even surprised everyone with a special Peruvian song and dance at the entrance – it was a fun way to incorporate Kely’s heritage! The venue itself was stunning, with a beautiful buffet of delicious Greek food and drinks. We didn’t need much decoration beyond the flowers – the setting spoke for itself. And Kely looked absolutely radiant in her summery dress from Rosa Clara. In the end, our wedding was a beautiful fusion of styles – romantic, beachy, traditional, with a touch of modern flair. Most importantly, it was a celebration of our love story and the incredible journey that brought us together.»
«Our wedding wasn’t just a celebration of love, it was a beautiful tapestry woven with cultural threads and personal touches. Kely, the ever-creative one, designed a world map guestbook where our amazing international guests could mark their hometowns and leave well wishes – a constant reminder in our dining area of the incredible day we shared with loved ones from all corners of the globe. Speaking of international flair, Kely’s mom sent over the cutest llamas and dolls as guest favours straight from her hometown in Peru! These little pieces of Peru joined forces with the elegant, hand-designed welcome signage, entrance, and thank you cards that Kely created.»
«Everything, from the colours to the style, fit seamlessly with our romantic beach fusion theme.»
Kely , Bride
«We added a touch of whimsy with little white containers filled with rice for our guests to throw for good luck, and a personalized touch with giant “K & A” initials welcoming everyone as they entered. Guests could also leave written messages of love in a charming wish box, while the gentle glow of two flower-adorned candles added warmth to the atmosphere. But the real cultural celebration came alive with music and dance! A talented Peruvian musician living in Athens serenaded us with traditional songs in both Spanish and Greek, while another dancer brought the rich cultural tapestry of Peru to life with their mesmerizing performance. It was a truly unforgettable experience that had everyone on their feet, celebrating not just our love, but the beautiful diversity of the world we live in.»
«Hydrangeas held a special place in our hearts. They were the first flowers we received together, at our engagement party. It felt only fitting to have them as the stars of our wedding bouquet. The blooms themselves were a beautiful blend of blue, white, and green. This combination wasn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it held deeper meaning. The blue reflected Andreas’s favorite color, the white symbolized the purity of our love and commitment, and the green represented a fresh start for us as a married couple. We didn’t want to be confined to just one style for our wedding – we wanted it to reflect the journey that brought us together! So, we decided to blend a few different themes to create a celebration that felt uniquely us.» the bride shared with us.
«Bride-to-be, take a deep breath! Your wedding day is a beautiful dance, and the most important thing is to simply embrace the flow. Don’t get caught up striving for perfection – just enjoy the rhythm of the moment. Unexpected twists may come – a vendor might reschedule, a guest might have a last-minute snag. But remember, this day is about your love story unfolding. As long as your future husband waits for you, radiant and ready at the altar, let the little things fall away. This is your day, a celebration of love, and that’s all that truly matters. Here’s a secret for capturing the magic forever: 1) Invest in a photographer who makes your heart sing. 2) When you feel comfortable and relaxed, the photos practically radiate joy. 3) Memories may fade, but these captured moments will keep your love story vibrant for years to come. Trust me, it’s worth the splurge!»
«Finally, the biggest piece of advice: “savor every second””. The whirlwind of the day can sweep you off your feet, so consciously choose to soak it all in. Delegate the details to your amazing wedding planner (or trusted friend) and let your worries melt away. This day is about you and your partner, a celebration of the love that brought you together. Let go, breathe deeply, and dance your hearts out – it’s your happily ever after waiting to begin!»
Kely , Bride