Melissa + Edwin got engaged during a trip to Costa Rica in 2017 and then wedding planning got REAL. They decided on a sweet hometown wedding in Cologne, Germany during the summer of 2019…but a baby on the way changed their plans! One afternoon, while scrolling through Instagram, they saw an INCREDIBLE wedding in Santorini, Greece—photographed by none other than Chris & Ruth. Within minutes they were looking into the event designer + planner, Tie the Knot Santorini…and a new plan formed!
Edwin tells us: Right away we fell in love with the style of all the weddings Tie the Knot Santorini had designed. And we thought to ourselves, “What could be more perfect than a quick island wedding within the next two months, before the baby arrives?” We called Maria from Tie the Knot the next day and after a short talk, she confirmed that she could make it happen. We jumped at the opportunity, immediately checked flights and told our friends the plan of action.
Let this gorgeous wedding in Santorini serve as proof that it doesn’t take years of planning…and in fact, something seriously dreamy can be put together in just a couple of months with the right team (currently looking for the perfect team of artists for your day? Be sure to check out our curated GWS Wedding Artist Guide)… ok, now off to Greece we go!
The First Look
These two always dreamt of having Chris & Ruth photograph their wedding…so everything worked out perfectly! The best part? Since Chris & Ruth had already been to the island before, they knew where to go for a romantic first look location before the ceremony.
The first look was by far the most memorable moment for the two of us…though arriving at the venue and seeing it beautifully decorated for the first time really blew our minds, too!
Our 13 guests stayed in a pretty unique Airbnb, while the two of us stayed in a fancy honeymoon hotel (Fanari Villas), right next to the venue, which was perfect.
Isn’t Melissa’s Rish Bridal a bohemian dream with the lace patterned bodice and flowing skirt?
The Pampas Grass-Filled Ceremony Overlooking the Water
M+E wanted to combine the clean and white look of Santorini with a bohemian style. They told Tie the Knot Santorini they wanted lots + lots of pampas grass, and she and Betty Flowers Santorini made that happen!
Acrylic ghost chairs, a harp player, a view of the ocean, and all their loved ones…does it get any better than this?
Processional: Cosmic Love by Florence and the Machine
Recessional: Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
First Dance: You and Me by You+Me
The Intimate Reception Space
Carrying the pampas grass and acrylic chairs (courtesy of Mario Catering) from the ceremony to the reception, how cool is this tablescape? It’s modern and edgy, yet totally bohemian and relaxed!
The table was set with pretty pieces from White Lilac and darling menus by Bright White.
The Newlyweds
To top off the day, Alexandra’s Cakes crafted this drip masterpiece, complete with donuts + florals.
Oh, Santorini… And that, my friends, is proof that you can pull off something spectacular in a short amount of time!
From the team at GWS, congrats!! Want more of Greece? Check out this sweet film from Chris & Ruth:
photography: Chris & Ruth // venue name: Fanari Villas, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece // event design: Tie the Knot Santorini // planning: Tie the Knot Santorini // florals: Betty Flowers Santorini // wedding dress: Rish Bridal // hairpiece: Bo & Luca // hair stylist: Morgan Belleville // makeup artist: Renia Bledaki // videography: Chris & Ruth // paper goods: Bright White // cake: Alexandra's Cakes // tabletop rentals: White Lilac // furniture rentals: Mario Catering // lighting: Multimedia Events // arch + candle holders: Weddings & Whimsy Santorini
Santorini ! How perfect & such a gorgeous couple !