As the world is showing us such uncertain times and many parts of the globe go back into lock down, I am sure that there are many people who join me in feeling the same sense of deja vu. So it seemed like the perfect time to tell you a story of hope, love and inspiration and yes, it all took place just a couple of months ago, during the summer 2020, a summer like no other! An intimate romantic celebrant led ceremony in Greece!
Let me tell you the story of Onyi and Marian and their wonderful whimsical destination wedding in Greece on the beautiful Island of Paros.
The ceremony script
Planning a destination wedding in Greece, during a pandemic.
So, it all started with a late-night message to my Insta account. ‘We are planning a romantic wedding ceremony on the Island of Paros, in September, just wondering if you would be available?’ How exciting I thought, not truly believing that this ceremony would take place, it was more like wishful thinking than anything else. My reply was, of course, where are you coming from? Reply, Boston!
I heard nothing for a few days, and then out of the blue, Onyi messaged me to set up a chat online. From the first moment that I met Onyi I was struck by her amazing smile. She is the type of person, who fills every room with joy and happiness and it is so obvious that Marian, her handsome groom is truly besotted. Both Marian and Onyi had ideas for their ceremony, it was to be romantic, light-hearted, non-traditional and filled with emotion.
Me in action!
The day of the intimate elopement wedding ceremony in Paros.
Up before the ‘doodle doo’ of the neighbour’s cockerel, I took the first flight from Rhodes to Athens, which was surprisingly full. Followed almost immediately by the flight to Paros, a happily quick connection with no time between flights and an almost empty plane to Paros.
Onyi and Marian chose to have their wedding in the gardens of the hotel Contaratos Beach located on the outskirts of Naousa, a really charming village. Obvious circumstances had kept most tourists away, but for those who had taken the plunge, they were in for a treat. Greece at its best, a little like stepping back in time.
Photo credit Nektarios Maniatis So much love!
The wedding ceremony
The chosen spot for the intimate ceremony, was a quiet corner, poolside under the colourful bougainvillea. There was just something so beautifully ‘Greeky’ about the simple table, with its traditional virgin white Greek cloth. When Onyi appeared, stunningly beautiful, wearing a simple Greek style crown, holding an elegant bouquet, I was completely blown away by the emotion of the moment. Onyi; it was your smile, you were so radiant and I saw the look of pure love, that Marian gave you when he caught sight of you for the first time!
Photo credit Nektarios Maniatis A unity sand ceremony in Greece
A unity sand ceremony in Greece.
Life is full of surprises, ups and downs, always something new around every corner. Onyi and Marian met each other at a time in their lives when both of them were least expecting it. Onyi literally ‘danced’ her way into Marian’s life on a birthday night out and has been keeping him on his ‘toes’ ever since. During the wedding ceremony we had a unity sand element with blue and white sand. ‘Just as the grains of sand can no longer be separated, neither can Onyi and Marian’s love for each other’.
A whimsical wedding on the Island of Paros.
Onyi and Marian chose to travel from one side of the world to the other, to celebrate their wedding. For them, the ceremony was by far the most important part of their journey to married life. They chose one of the most beautiful settings in the world to stand up together to make their lifelong commitment and promises and they made their plans during the current pandemic.
Photo credit Nektarios Maniatis
A wedding celebrant in Greece has to be emotionally involved!
As a wedding celebrant in Greece, I officiate all types of ceremonies. I have to tell you though, that I love such a personal wedding. For me as the celebrant, I find it totally impossible, not to become emotionally involved, but it is the best feeling in the world! I always advise my couples not to view the script in advance for these tiny weddings. I encourage all my couples to put their trust in me because I know that it just makes the ceremony so much more special on the day.
Summer 2020, a summer like no other
Onyi and Marian, didn’t let a worldwide pandemic stop them having their dream wedding in Greece. No, it wasn’t easy to arrange, and many of the plans were very last minute, but they had their special day, in the country of their dreams. They had a fabulous photographer to help them with the memories, and all the photos in this blog are credited to Nektarios Maniatis https://nekmaniatis.com/.
Love can never be cancelled, a wonderful whimsical wedding on the beautiful Island of Paros.
Grecian Ceremonies-Sarah Hatjipavlis-Celebrant in Greece
