I had the pleasure of planning a truly special destination wedding in Crete for Grace and Neil, a lovely couple from the UK. Grace reached out to us to help bring her vision of a wedding in Crete to life. Initially torn between Crete and Spain—where her mother had tied the knot—Grace ultimately decided that Crete was the perfect backdrop for their celebration.
Grace, an Instagram influencer and a dedicated mother of two, knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding day in Crete. She was determined to create a fun celebration filled with love for her family and friends, sticking to budget-oriented choices. Throughout the planning process, we kept in mind that Grace wanted to have an early ceremony, respecting the kids’ evening routine—very different from our usual suggested schedules, but one that turned out beautifully!When we began our journey together, Grace and Neil had already done some preliminary venue searching in Chania but hadn’t found the unique location they envisioned for their wedding. Understanding their desire for something extraordinary, we embarked on an extensive venue scouting mission. After several meetings and chats, we discovered a stunning seaside venue with a private beach in Chania that captured Grace’s heart, and they chose to host their wedding there.
Their ceremony on the beach took place on a pebble beach on the North coast of Chania, with their loved ones and two children fully enjoying the fun and loving ceremony Grace and Neil had. A triangle arch with spring florals, rustic lanterns, and modern chairs on the beach made the perfect setting for a cozy and relaxing symbolic ceremony in Crete. After sharing their vows, their youngest son brought them their rings, which they exchanged, and they sealed the ceremony with a passionate kiss and an energetic exit, where they were showered with rose petals and best wishes from all guests.We decorated the space with cozy string lighting, matching the rustic atmosphere of the venue, and the long table with a garland of fresh eucalyptus, enhancing the venue’s charm. Grace brought her unique touch by handmaking ceramic hearts with guests’ names on them, indicating their seating at the table. A delightful play area for the kids with beads and crafts was also prepared, ensuring they were entertained throughout dinner. A saxophonist played throughout the cocktail hour, adding a touch of elegance to the festivities, while the bar was open from early until well after midnight!
Their wedding feast in Crete featured a simple, authentic Greek meal, allowing guests to savor the local flavors. Speeches are, of course, a key moment in English weddings, and this one was no exception 😊. Grace’s mum made everyone laugh and cry, and the roller coaster of feelings continued with the couple’s speeches. Grace, during her speech, did a Snoop Dogg move with the “I wanna thank myself” moment that had everyone rolling on the floor! What a great way to get everyone on the dancefloor!
The venue we have chosen also provided accommodation in Crete, which made it convenient for the couple and direct family to stay and enjoy the night. While private transportation was arranged for all non-resident guests, several decided to enjoy the party until late and sleep on the beach sunbeds, savoring the magical end to a perfect day.Planning Grace and Neil’s wedding was an incredible experience, and we are grateful to have been a part of such a memorable occasion!
Photography : Alex Dobrovolsky