How a Santorini Vow Renewal Told a Love Story: A Celebration of Second Chances

Caitlin and Irivin’s journey to Santorini was more than a wedding—it was a testament to resilience, love, and second chances. After a canceled destination wedding in Mexico and a backyard ceremony during my husband Irvin’s military deployment, they finally said “I do” again in the stunning whitewashed beauty of Santorini.

With the help of incredible vendors—Phosart Photography & Cinematography, Tie the Knot Santorini, and Bloom de Fleur Santorini— Caitlin and Irvin created a day that was as unique as our story. From a Champagne tower mishap that brought laughter to a dramatic dress reveal that left guests in awe, every moment reflected who they are as a couple.

How We Made Our Dream Wedding Truly About Us: Our Vow Renewal Story

The Journey to Santorini: Our Story

Our wedding journey was anything but traditional. Originally, we planned a destination wedding in Mexico. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we had to cancel. Then, we re-planned the wedding for a new date, but my husband, Irvin, was called for a year-long military deployment. So, we had to cancel again and opted for an intimate backyard ceremony instead.

Yet, we never gave up on our dream destination wedding. For the third time, we planned a beautiful vow renewal on the breathtaking island of Santorini. It wasn’t just a wedding; it was a celebration of resilience, love, and our journey together.

Making the Wedding About Us as a Couple

Our vow renewal theme centered around the idea of second chances and new beginnings. Here’s how we personalized it:

Hashtag: #TorresTakesTwo
Cake Inscription: “Just married… AGAIN”
Fun Touch: A neon sign that read, “Finally We Do.”

Every element reflected our unique story, making the day deeply personal and memorable.

Most Memorable Moments

Walking Down the Aisle: The most unforgettable moment for both of us was seeing each other for the first time.
Champagne Tower Mishap: When Irvin poured the Champagne for our tower, it all came crashing down! It was shocking and unexpected, but in true Caitlyn and Irvin fashion, something had to go imperfectly… and we couldn’t help but laugh!

This moment became the most talked-about story from our wedding, perfectly capturing our lighthearted spirit.

Finding the Perfect Dress

Finding my wedding dress was almost as challenging as planning the wedding itself:

Dress One: For our initial Mexico wedding, I chose a beautiful fit-and-flare dress with matte lace and a Champagne underlay.
Dress Two: For Santorini, I wanted something different—a white, sparkly, pearl-studded fit-and-flare gown.
Best of Both Worlds: Ultimately, I couldn’t let go of my first dress. I added a dramatic overlay skirt to match the Grecian theme. On the day, I surprised my guests with a stunning outfit change!

Advice for Future Couples

Stay True to Yourselves: Plan a wedding that makes you happy. It’s impossible to please everyone, and the people who truly care about you will celebrate your love no matter what.
Destination Weddings: Focus on what matters most—your love story.
Hire a Planner: A great wedding planner is invaluable!

Our Wedding Music

Processional: “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle (Violin: Anna Edelweiss Dovak)
Recessional: “I Came Here for Love” by Sigala & Ella Eyre (Violin: Anna Edelweiss Dovak)
First Dance: “Perfect for Me” by Bradley Marshall

Every moment of our vow renewal was a reflection of our journey—full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Santorini was more than a destination; it was the perfect backdrop for our love story’s next chapter.