Derek & Emily’s Magical Elopement in Santorini

Written By Nicole Bono

A dream, against all odds

When Derek and Emily contacted me during the pandemic about planning their elopement, the world was full of uncertainty. Borders were closed, destination weddings seemed like a distant dream, and travel as we knew it had ground to a halt. Yet, against all odds, these two lovebirds decided to move forward with faith, trust, and a whole lot of love. Their stunning elopement in Santorini became one of the most special projects I’ve ever worked on, and today, I’m so excited to share their story with you.

A Love Story with a Twist

Derek, a tech entrepreneur, and Emily, a shoe designer behind the brand Della Terra Shoes, wanted a wedding experience that reflected their love for each other and their passion for adventure. The couple had already celebrated a family wedding at home in Cape Cod, but they dreamed of an intimate elopement that was just for them. Enter Santorini: a destination as breathtaking as their love story.

When we began planning, travel was still restricted, and we didn’t even know if it would be possible to pull off the event. But Derek and Emily trusted me, and together, we began crafting a vision for their dream day. The result was nothing short of magical.

The Perfect Venue: Cannaves Oia

For their venue, we chose Cannaves Oia, one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in Santorini. Perched on the cliffs of the caldera, their suite offered panoramic views of the Aegean Sea—a backdrop that dreams are made of. This wasn’t just a hotel; it was an intimate haven, perfect for the romantic and serene experience Derek and Emily wanted.

Their ceremony took place on a private terrace, framed by the natural beauty of Santorini’s white-washed architecture and endless blue skies. The simplicity of the setup allowed the stunning surroundings to take center stage, with the ocean’s hues inspiring the florals, décor, and even the musicians’ attire.

Details That Made It Special

Emily’s creativity as a shoe designer brought an extra layer of meaning to the day. She wore her own designs from her brand, Della Terra Shoes, including a pair of elegant sandals that perfectly complemented the setting. I even got to wear a pair myself—one of the many thoughtful touches that made this experience so unique.

To keep things traditional, Derek and Emily decided not to see each other before the ceremony. This meant a bit of logistical maneuvering—Derek was “locked” in the bathroom while Emily got ready in the suite! Every time he emerged, we guided him (eyes closed!) to another part of the space to preserve the surprise. These small moments of humor and anticipation added to the joy of the day.

A Dreamy Sunset Shoot

One of the highlights of Derek and Emily’s elopement was the sunset photo shoot the day before the ceremony. With Santorini unusually quiet due to the pandemic, we had the rare opportunity to capture these moments without the usual crowds.

Their photographer, Veronica from Mama Photo, worked her magic, creating images that felt both intimate and cinematic. One standout shot, featuring the couple silhouetted against the caldera’s fiery sunset, became the cover of a wedding publication. These photos perfectly captured the essence of their love: timeless, beautiful, and full of joy.

The Ceremony: Intimate and Heartfelt

Derek and Emily exchanged vows in a symbolic ceremony officiated by Elizabeth, a wonderful celebrant who added a personal touch to their day. Emily’s vision for the décor was inspired by the deep blues of the Aegean Sea, and the floral arch blended seamlessly with the surroundings.

Even the musicians dressed in shades of blue, creating a cohesive aesthetic that celebrated the natural beauty of Santorini. As for me? I got to play a small but special role as the ring bearer—a moment that still makes me smile.

A Candlelit Celebration

After the ceremony, Derek and Emily explored more of the island with their photographer, capturing additional photos with Santorini’s iconic rooftops and winding streets as their backdrop. When they returned to their terrace, they found it transformed into a romantic oasis.

Candles and fairy lights illuminated the space, creating a cozy, magical ambiance for their private dinner. Though we had to use windproof candle toppers (a regulation in Santorini due to high winds), the overall effect was still stunning. It was the perfect way to end their day: intimate, elegant, and filled with love.

Why This Elopement Meant So Much

This project was more than just an event for me. At a time when the world felt uncertain, Derek and Emily’s trust and love reminded me why I do what I do. Their elopement reignited my hope for the future of destination weddings and proved that, even in the most challenging circumstances, love always finds a way.

Planning this event also highlighted the beauty of elopements. With fewer distractions and a focus solely on the couple, elopements allow for an unparalleled level of intimacy and personalization. Every detail, from the florals to the photos, reflected Derek and Emily’s unique story.

CREDITS:

Ready to Plan Your Dream Elopement?

If Derek and Emily’s Santorini elopement has inspired you, let’s make your dream a reality. Whether it’s on a cliffside in Greece, a villa in Italy, or a secluded beach in the Maldives, I’m here to craft a day that’s as unforgettable as your love story.

Nicole Bono
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