Hundreds of years ago, a volcano erupted. And in its place, it left one of the most stunning locations in all of the world!
Overlooking the Aegean Sea, cliffs in Santorini, Greece now serve as one of the best places to have a destination wedding. A luxury villa, calls these caldera cliffs home. And the incredible views paired with the traditional Greek architecture and stunning, fashion-forward couple – it was a beautiful setting for this glamorous Cavo Ventus wedding.
Getting Ready with the Wedding Party Surrounded by Charming, Historic Greek Architecture
The day started with the bride sharing her bridal suite with her maids. Everyone donned their getting-ready robes, popped champagne, and even indulged in the bride’s gift to everyone – chic Yves Saint Laurent clutches.
The Dreamy “Getting-Ready” Bridal Robe
I always love a bride who doesn’t want to miss a moment of creating a fashion statement, especially on their wedding day. My stunning bride for this Santorini destination wedding wanted to embody chic glamor from the first moment of the day.
She dressed in a dreamy bridal robe that included a camisole and shorts, with a tulle overlay on top. It was perfect as she shared special, bonding moments with her favorite people on the rooftop of the Cavo Ventus luxury villa.
Followed by a Dazzling Lace Gown, Complete with a Glittering Tulle Overskirt
But once her hair was styled in romantic waves, it was time for her to change into her second outfit of the day None other than the absolutely dazzling lace gown. The lace and beadwork were immaculate. But it was elevated to another level once she buttoned into the glittering tulle overskirt.
It was a vision to see her in such a statement dress. And as I captured her first editorial bridal portraits with the Greek architecture, I knew she was going to have breathtaking bridal and couple’s portraits throughout the rest of the day!
Paired with Gorgeous, Bridal Butterfly Heels
As most of my fashion-forward couples are, this bride didn’t leave the shoes to the last minute. She selected a gorgeous pair of Sophia Webster butterfly heels to pair with her dress. The entire outfit created an ethereal-and-romantic-meets-glamorous vibe.
The Glamorous, Cliffside Cavo Ventus Wedding Ceremony Details
And speaking of glamorous! That was an overarching theme throughout the entire wedding day, including the epic cliffside Cavo Ventus wedding ceremony.
The ceremony location embodied the perfect Santorini destination wedding considering the Aegean Sea framed the lush, floral altar.
As a destination wedding photographer whose soul is lit on fire by experiencing epic locations, this couldn’t have been a more pristine ceremony venue!
Full, White Floral Arrangements to Pair with Pristine White Greek Architecture
There are many weddings that prefer to allow the destination to take center stage, like this intimate vow renewal at Villa Evelina in Lake Como.
And then there are other weddings that know how to take inspiration from the location and expertly balance both an impressive destination and ceremony decor that makes a statement. That is the perfect way to describe this particular Santorini wedding!
The bride worked with Tie the Knot Santorini, a local planner and stylist, and it couldn’t have turned out more incredible. The couple and their wedding planner created a floral arch for the altar, made of the most breathtaking, lush white flowers. Everything from peonies, hydrangeas, roses, dahlias, and baby’s breath lined both the aisle and filled the arch, with the pristine Aegean Sea in the background.
The clean white flowers were so reminiscent of the famous white Greek architecture that Santorini is known for.
Mirrored Elements to Embody the Natural Santorini Color Palette
But what is the white architecture without the crisp blue of the vibrant sky, the crystal blue waters of the sea, and the bright blue domes on the buildings?
That’s what this couple and their wedding planner and stylist created with mirrored elements. Yes! A mirrored walkway lined the ceremony aisle, which reflected the blues found in Santorini’s natural color palette.
Embracing the Weather for a Fully Fashionable Moment
As a traveling wedding photographer, I often photograph these celebrations outdoors. And that means I always have to work with whatever Mother Nature gives me.
For this particular Santorini destination wedding, it was very windy. That was, of course, exacerbated since we were cliffside.
But, rather than get discouraged or even show my beautiful couple that I was even the slightest bit nervous about the weather (which I wasn’t!), I embraced it.
I took inspiration from the fashion magazines and the editorial photos that fill those glossy pages. What’s one of the things those photos include? Movement to create visual interest.
And wind created natural movement which made for the most elegant, editorial portraits for this couple on their wedding day!
The Dreamy Couple’s Wedding Session in the Heart of Santorini, Greece
While all of the guests made their way to the cocktail hour, the bride, groom, and I took time to go exploring the charming streets of Santorini.
The two of them shared a romantic walk through cobblestone streets and were met with a gorgeous Greece sunset! Of course, I was there to capture it all. And yes! I was right – the bride’s breathtaking Galia Lahav wedding gown was the perfect fit for the vibe and energy of the town.
A Vogue-Worthy Wedding Reception at the Cavo Ventus Luxury Villa
After walking through the streets of Santorini and taking plenty of portraits, we made our way back to the reception at the Cavo Ventus wedding luxury villa.
And the reception design and decor was just as extravagant and dreamy as the ceremony. It was such a Vogue-worthy wedding reception, and I couldn’t wait to capture it to help the bride and groom tell the story of their day.
Overhead Floral Arrangement to Frame the Gold-Dashed Banquet Table
A long banquet-style table was arranged with a gorgeous view of the Aegean Sea in the background. It created an intimate setting, despite the number of guests that were in attendance.
To fit the theme of glamor and sophistication, a mirrored top was placed directly on top of the table. Dashes of gold accented the decor without making it overwhelming, while romantic candle vases created a subtle centerpiece.
But to see the statement, all you had to do was look up! An incredible floral arrangement of white flowers mixed with greenery, combined with crystal chandeliers took the main focus of the reception design.
As the sun sank below the horizon, the chandeliers cast a warm, magical glow of ambient lighting, reminiscent of those Greek sunsets that we came to love.
A Quick Gown Change to Dance the Night Away Under a Firework-Lit Sky
After a dinner filled with emotional speeches from the bride and groom’s loved ones, the bride slipped away for one final dress change.
She came back to share her first dance with her new husband in a beautiful, breezy dress, complete with ruffle sleeves and sheer elements throughout the skirt.
And to top the entire day off, she and her groom danced the night away under a firework-lit sky.
It was such an incredible day and celebration for a dream couple with impeccable taste at this Cavo Ventus wedding! And I already can’t wait to travel back to Santorini and see what beautiful wedding will come next!
Will it be yours? Get in touch with us so we can chat about what you’re dreaming of for your wedding!
You can find more wedding day inspiration on our blog!
Wedding Day Vendors:
Photography: Lilly Red Photography
Planner & Designer: Tie the Knot Santorini
Videographer: Phosart Cinematography
Venue: Cavo Ventus Luxury Villa
Floral Design: Betty Flowers Santorini
Catering: Mario Restaurant Catering
Cake: Alexandra’s Cakes
Equipment Rentals: Wedding & Whimsy
Equipment Rentals: Spicy Bites Catering
Candles: IDEA Candles
DJ, Sound & Light Equipment, Mirror Aisle: Multimedia Events in Santorini
Fireworks: Skylight Santorini
Bridal Gown: Galia Lahav
Bridal Shoes: Sophia Webster
Hair Stylist: Bella Damigou
Makeup Artist: Renia Bledaki