When Randall and I decided to exchange vows in Santorini, Greece, we had no idea just how breathtaking our wedding would be. From the perfect sunset to the stunning décor, it was truly a wedding to remember. As a wedding planner myself, I knew a destination wedding would come with its challenges, but I also knew it was going to be worth every bit of effort. With the right tools, amazing vendors, and a clear vision, planning a wedding abroad isn’t as hard as it seems.

Why a destination wedding in Santorini?

Santorini has always been a dream destination for me. I used to imagine what it would be like to vacation there one day for my honeymoon, admiring the whitewashed buildings, the iconic blue-domed churches, and the stunning sunsets over the caldera. Little did I know, I would one day find myself not only vacationing there but getting married in the heart of the island’s beauty.

When Randall and I decided to get married, it felt like the perfect choice—blending a place I had always admired with one of the most significant moments of our lives. The best part? We got to share this incredible place with our closest friends and family. It was amazing to introduce them to the beauty of Santorini and let them experience the magic I had fallen in love with over the years. Choosing Santorini as our wedding destination wasn’t just about the breathtaking views or romantic vibe; it was about creating lasting memories with the people we love in a place that had captured my heart since my first visit. The cherry on top was that one of those visits was with Randall, making this already special destination even more meaningful.

The Power of the Right Vendors

One of the biggest keys to a successful destination wedding is having a team of reliable vendors who truly understand the location and vision. We were fortunate to work with the best in Santorini, each one contributing to a flawless experience.

• Photography: Wild Love and Wanderlust captured every moment beautifully. We were so lucky to find a destination wedding photographer who truly understood our values and what we wanted out of our photos!
• Flowers: Betty Flowers Santorini created arrangements that were as fresh and vibrant as the island itself, incorporating soft, neutral tones that matched the stunning sunset backdrop. It was really important to me not to go overboard on the florals, especially since we wouldn’t be keeping them after the wedding. We strategically planned to repurpose the ceremony florals for the dinner tables, making the most of every detail. We also opted for no wedding party (AKA no wedding party flowers) and only had flowers for myself—my bouquet—and for Randall, his boutonnière.
• Bridal Hair and Makeup: Morgan Belleville worked her magic, giving me a soft, romantic look that was perfect for the warm Santorini weather. Funny story—she’s actually from California, and while she was doing my makeup, we discovered she had worked with one of my friends that was attending my wedding in Greece… Talk about a small world!
• Dress & Suit: I wore a Made with Love bridal gown, which was both elegant and timeless. Randall looked incredibly handsome in a custom suit from Indochino. One of my favorite personal touches was having our wedding date stitched into his suit, something that felt so special and meaningful for both of us.
• Venue: El Viento was the dream venue. The blend of luxury and rustic charm, with panoramic sea views, made it an easy choice for our wedding location. The staff and team were absolutely amazing, and their attention to detail made the day run smoothly while still allowing us to enjoy every moment.

Curating the Perfect Experience

As a wedding planner, I’m a huge advocate for creating an experience that guests will never forget. Our wedding was no exception. We wove soft neutral tones inspired by the sunset throughout the décor, from the table settings to the floral arrangements. We asked guests to dress in similar tones to complement the venue’s aesthetic, which brought everything together beautifully.

For our cocktail hour, we had acoustic live music playing as guests mingled and enjoyed the panoramic views. We skipped the traditional cake topper and added Polaroid photos of us as husband and wife, along with cocktail stir sticks featuring our dogs in formal wear—keeping things light and fun. Even with fewer than 40 guests, we danced the night away to great music. The reception under the stars was the perfect setting for group dancing, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

A First Look in Santorini

People never tell you just how fast the moment of your wedding day goes. I swear, I blinked, and it was over. The emotions on the day run high, and everything feels like it’s in super speed mode. We knew we wanted to do a first look because, for us, our photos together were the most important part. We wanted to take a moment to walk through the town and grab a glass of wine together one last time as fiancés. Santorini’s breathtaking landscapes made it the perfect place to capture some intimate moments. It was an unforgettable experience to be fully present with each other before becoming husband and wife.

A Special Day After Celebration

One of the most special and memorable things we chose to do for our small group was to charter a catamaran. With a smaller headcount, we were able to cut back in other areas and afford a day-after celebration. We spent roughly 5-6 hours on the boat, swimming, drinking unlimited beverages, cranking up our tunes, and dancing the day away as we sailed into the sunset. It was the perfect way to relax and celebrate with our closest friends and family in the most beautiful setting imaginable. Everyone had a blast, and it was such a unique way to keep the celebration going after the big day.

My Best Advice for Planning a Wedding Abroad

My best advice is to always be flexible. Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s especially true when planning a wedding abroad. Be ready for some cultural differences that might affect how things are done. That’s okay—it just means more planning and staying on top of the details.

For example, the team I worked with in Santorini proposed a long dinner starting at 8 p.m., even though our ceremony was at 4 p.m. This timeline was based on the sunset, which is typical for Santorini weddings. While it’s a great idea to plan around the sunset, it wouldn’t have worked for us or our guests. It’s important to know what you want when planning abroad and communicate those preferences early. Flexibility is key, but advocating for what works best for your vision and guests is essential.

Destination Weddings Made Easy

Planning a destination wedding in Santorini—or anywhere exotic—might seem overwhelming. With the right tools and a trusted vendor team, it becomes an exciting adventure. An experienced wedding planner (like me!) will handle the details, so you can relax and enjoy the process while creating a wedding as unique as the location.

A Huge Thank You to Our Incredible Vendors:

• Planner: @hometowngatherings
• Photo: @wildloveandwonderlust
• Flowers: @bettyflowerssantorini
• Venue: @elvientosantorini
• Bridal Hair & Makeup: @morganbelleville
• Rings: @brilliantearth
• Dress: @madewithlovebridal
• Suit: @indochino

Ready to say “I do” in the most beautiful place on earth? Let’s book those flights and start planning!