Crete Nuptials with Greek Orthodox Wedding Traditions
Greek orthodox wedding traditions are a thrill to witness – it’s true! So today’s organic nuptials in the Crete region of Greece were a must share once the gallery hit our inbox. Destination wedding planner and Ruffled member, Crete for Love, nourished these cultural traditions with native olive accents, local wine + cuisine and a minimalist, neutral palette that we’ll cherish forever. As the bride rode toward her groom on a donkey adorned with a greenery halo, the sun shone romantically overhead and photographer, Andreas Markakis, was able to capture the most heartfelt moments between husband and wife. If you consider yourself an aficionado of destination weddings, floral hoop backdrops or fairy light receptions, you won’t wanna miss the gallery below!
This wedding was a fully customized mid-summer celebration with over 150 guests who mostly flew from USA to Chania, Crete, Greece. The couple themselves, both of Greek background, wanted a traditional Greek marriage ceremony with party of elegant festivity, with combination of Greek and Cretan food, lots of local wine and tons of fairylights. They searched for organic simplicity and space that could be transforrmed freely into their fairytale. Both wedding ceremony and reception took place within premises of Chania private Estate surrounded by fields of rosemarry, avocado groves, with the oldest in the area chapel being a part of this stunning venue. The concept incorrporated Cretan and Greek elements with modern twists of in-fashion pampas and best wedding comforts such as luxurious cocktail open bar.
The Bride rode the donkey down the aisle led by the Cretan music trio who turned into jazz band for after ceremony cocktail hour. Floral elements, mostly greenery of various kinds with olive twigs plethora were to blend with the natural environment and modestly stand out. Reception area was the place that magic happened with the whole concept customized for the very first time only for this wedding and including: walls of 3 meters with around 15.000 fairly lights, sky full of festoon lights and whole wrap up curtain of dancing floor. The flow of food was lavish, not missing local donuts “loukoumades” being fried on the spot served with ice-cream and past midnight real souvlaki gyros pita which all guests fell in love.
Aren’t Alexi and Ellie the cutest? Check out their wedding day film by Andreas Markakis for more Greece wedding goodness below!
Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Planner: Crete for Love
Photography and Videography: Andreas Markakis
Venue & Lighting: Roxani Estate
Flowers: Manfler
Wedding Dress: Marry & Tux Bridal
Groom Attire: Kenneth Cole