• Real Weddings

So much goes into planning a wedding, it's a shame it only lasts a day...well, it doesn't have to! More and more couples are turning their destination weddings into mini-vacations for themselves and their guests, and we love the idea! Not only will it make the trip worth your while, but you'll feel better about spending the money on the experience as a whole. It's always easier to spend money on a vacation than it is to spend the same amount on a party. 

This destination micro-wedding in Greece, designed by FS Events, will convince you that a multi-day vacay is the way to go! This couple rented Cycladic Gem, a villa on a secluded island, where they and their guests could stay. Together they explored the day before the wedding and when the day came, everyone was already relaxing in paradise and merely had to walk outside to the stunning ceremony setup. Moustakis Flower Company incorporated the boho theme in all of the floral arrangements including the half-moon ceremony arch that beautifully framed the smooth blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Photographers, Tonia & Theodore, followed our couple, taking candids around the island before and during the wedding so that they didn't miss a single moment of the celebration. You can see more from this gorgeous wedding in the full gallery. Read on to hear more from FS Events about everything that went into planning this destination wedding on a very short timeline. 

MEANT TO BE 

There are no words to describe the feelings we shared and the special bond we created with this couple, Andreea and Vlad! We started talking in late March of 2021. The couple selected one of the most beautiful villas in Greece, Cycladic Gem Villa on the gorgeous island of Ios, in the Cyclades island group, to be their dream wedding venue. Kimberley, the owner of the villa, brought us together when Andreea and Vlad told her that they were planning to get married in Ios and they needed all the help they could get to coordinate everything in time for their wedding day on the 30th of May 2021.

From our first video call, there was instant chemistry and magic. We were laughing and getting excited about the ideas we shared. We discussed their wedding vision and how we could bring it to life on such short notice. We started designing together a small, intimate wedding for twenty guests–close family and best friends. Every day we would exchange messages on Whatsapp, Instagram, Pinterest, and lots of video calls! We were so happy to have such a positive and loving couple who entrusted us with the most important day of their lives. Their unique personalities, their kindness, their fresh ideas, and their sweetness made the planning process so easy. They loved all our ideas and proposals and we wanted the best for them, they truly inspired us and stole our hearts! 

A GEM OF A VENUE 

The couple made the best choice for their venue! Cycladic Gem is a true Paradise, a spectacular villa right on the edge of a cliff, with amazing sea views, an infinity pool, a gorgeous garden, a private beach, and luxurious rooms for ten guests. Kimberley's aura is everywhere and she is an incredible host! She helped us, the couple, and their guests with everything, always there to support us with positive energy and a smile on her face! 

DOCUMENTING THE DAYS 

Andreea and Vlad are a gorgeous couple and we wanted them to get the best photos not only of their wedding day but during their stay in Ios. So, we recommended the talented Tonia and Theodore from Tonia & Theodore Photography to capture all the beautiful memories and make them last a lifetime. Our photographers arrived one day before the wedding and did a prewedding photoshoot of the couple at the villa and in the beautiful Chora of Ios. On the day of the wedding, they were there early in the afternoon and took photos of all our decorations, the bridal and groom accessories and ensembles, the preparation of the bride and the groom, the ceremony, and the couple's portrait session after the ceremony and party! 

BOHO MEETS RUSTIC

The couple wanted a design that embodied bohemian romance combined with rustic elegance. Soft nude neutral colors combined with pampas grass and a bit of greenery. We couldn't think of another floral designer other than Moustakis Flower Company for this project...Maria and Hlias totally understood our concept and designed unique flower arrangements for the ceremony and the reception and an arch that was to die for! We could not take our eyes off this half-moon arch with pampas grass in various shades and volumes, orchids, roses, lisianthus, and eucalyptus. Together with the endless blue of the Aegean Sea and sky, it was the most beautiful backdrop for a wedding! The ceremony was truly captivating and the bridal bouquet, dreamy. 

The monastery tables were decorated with the creations of Moustakis, boho charger plates, golden cutlery, folded menus in the napkins and the crafted resin coaster favors that Maria Gavala designed for the couple. The couple loved pampas grass and the sea, so our idea was to entrap pampas grass and dried flowers in half of the coasters and the sea and pebbles in the rest, and Maria did just that and the coasters were breathtaking! Everyone was thrilled with this special gift from Andreea and Vlad! 

THE CEREMONY 

For the ceremony, Andreea selected one of her favorite songs, a violin cover of "You Are The Reason" by Nanda Candra. We had a flower girl and a ring bearer, and then the bride walked down the aisle accompanied by her godparent. We were all in awe of her beauty and the deep emotion of the moment. She looked amazing in her Rhea Costa Bridal Couture dress. The groom wore a perfect made-to-measure suit designed by Alberto Dobre Bespoke. We had the pleasure to work with one of the most charismatic celebrants, Ignatius, who spent hours and hours talking with the couple and designing his special ceremony speech based on the discussions they shared together and a questionnaire about their relationship (how they met, what they love about each other, etc.). His speech made all people laugh and cry...it deeply touched everyone and was written from the heart. At the end of the ceremony, after they both signed the marriage certificate, the groom kissed his bride and the guests showered them in rose petals. 

A GREEK TASTING MENU 

Good food was a priority for the couple so we designed a buffet with traditional greek tastes for all the guests to enjoy. Our caterer, Korres, cooked everything the day of the wedding and everything was so fresh and delicious. After the ceremony was over, our lovely couple left together with the photographers to get photos at the villa's private beach. We had prosecco for a welcome drink for all the guests accompanied by some hors d’ oeuvres. 

DANCING UNDER A SKY FULL OF STARS 

The reception area was lighted by fairy lights and many scented candles to create ambiance. The couple did their entrance at sunset hour with the song "Sky Full of Stars" and all the guests lit up sparklers! We would never have experienced such a successful party, dancing all night and singing till the morning, if it weren't for DJ Branca. He played the best music selections for cocktail hour, the reception, and the party. He had a great vibe that is so important in weddings and made every single guest come to the dancefloor and dance!

• Bridal Shoes: Ginissima
• Cakes & Catering: Korres Catering
• Celebrant: Ignatius
• Couple: Andreea Grigorie
• DJs: DJ Branca
• Event Planning & Design: FS Events
• Favors & Gifts: Maria Gavala
• Flowers: Moustakis Flower Company
• Groom & His Men: Alberto Dobre
• Jewelry: Coriolan
• Photographers: Tonia & Theodore Photography
• Venues: Cycladic Gem
• Wedding Dresses: Rhea Costa