The wedding of Eleni and Ben in Rethymno, Crete unfolds with a natural beauty and heartfelt details that stay with you, beginning with Ben’s proposal on Andros, the island where Eleni’s father was born and a place filled with memories of summers spent with the people she loves, always holding a special place in her heart. The day was beautifully brought to life by Weddings by Moments, who created a rustic chic atmosphere where every element felt simple, warm and perfectly balanced. The church entrance bloomed with lush hydrangeas, white roses, gypsophila and fresh greenery, while lemons added the scent of a Mediterranean summer. At the reception, wooden tables and woven-seat chairs under soft fairy lights set the ideal scene for celebrating their love, with each table named after a meaningful place in their story: where they first met, where they got engaged, and even destinations they traveled to together. Eleni glowed with a naturally radiant bridal makeup look by Michalis Tsotras that highlighted her freshness and sweetness in the most beautiful way and she wore jewelry crafted from pieces belonging to her grandmothers, redesigned «in memory of my Yiayia Jean and my Grandma Eleni,» to offer a tender and deeply personal touch to the day. «The the best part is having everyone you love in one place celebrating your love with you. Seeing your parents and family having the time of their lives, you can’t put a price on that! A moment I’ll never ever forget…» the bride shared with us. Every moment from this wedding carries emotion and charm, and we cannot wait to share it with you.
Captured by Hannamonika Wedding Photography.
«We crossed paths at university, sharing the odd night out or pass by on the street. We crossed over for 1 year in 2011-2012! The fun fact is that I also cheerleaded at Ben’s Football Varsity match in my first year at university when he was in his 3rd year. We didn’t know each other at the time though! Ben proposed to me in Andros (the island my dad is from) on 12thJuly 2024 on the top of my Dad’s Villa which I have been going to since I was a baby. It is the most special place to me as it contains memories of every single person I have ever loved. My mum, Dad, Brother. Grandma, Auntie Barbara (my Dad’s Auntie). We used to spend every summer there and it was Ben’s first time in July 2024 when he popped the question. Looking over the sea on the rooftop of the villa. No moment will ever top that. My parents were there to celebrate with us afterwards.»
«For my wedding decoration the flowers I chose, I wanted them to be white and green as that was the theme of the wedding, so I chose white roses, mixed with some greens of ruscus and olive leaves. We had bouquets of olive leaves and lemons to decorate the chairs and the tables. We had table names of all our special places we have ever been to: where we first met, where we are both from, our first holiday, our favourite holiday and also where we got engaged. We also used personalised cards for every single guests, with special memories from each, and we made everyone’s name card into a bookmark so that they could take it home and use.»
We also had anniversary cards for our guests to write to us on each subsequent year of marriage – year 1-6 (representing the number of tables of guests). My bother had cross stitched us a guestbook sign with our names on. The colours of green and white against the pink church was perfect and the yellow lemon colour really helped it pop! It was utter perfection!
Eleni , Bride
«My favorite moment from my weddings was the speeches! Hands down the best bit and also the vows, they were really special. But honestly, the best part is having everyone you love in one place celebrating your love with you. Seeing your parents and family having the time of their lives, you can’t put a price on that! A moment I’ll never ever forget.»
«The advice I would give to a bride who is now planning her wedding is to take it all in. The day goes so fast. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Things will not go 100% to plan and that’s okay. That’s part of the experience, so enjoy it. One thing we did, which we loved, was when we were both stood at the end of the aisle, we turned around and took a look everyone there. They’re all their for you and that is unforgettable.»
«My wedding dress was from an Australian designer brand called “Chosen by KYHA” – it was a corset look. I had it customised in Singapore where I live. I had small off shoulder detachable arms added on for the wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, I took off the arms and added a neck scarf so I had 2 looks! I absolutely loved my dress. It was so simple, timeless and elegant.»
«There were some special details that just made the whole experience so perfect. Firstly and most importantly, we found out that Ben’s great grandad Wally (who was SUCH an important person in his life) used to go to Rethymno every year! So even ben’s dad has been as a child growing up. Walking around the old town knowing that Great Grandad Wally had been there and it was so find to him had made it even more special to us! Also Eleni grandma (also called Eleni) left some gold bangles for me when she died (I never met her she was my dads mum and who I am names after) so I wore this on my wedding day. In memory of my Yiayia Jean and my Grandma Eleni, I am wearing some of their Jewelry which I have re-made into new pieces. My Grandma Eleni’s gold bangles were made into a new bangle that I am wearing on my right hand, and my Grandma Yiayia’s engagement ring was made into a necklace that I am wearing round my neck.»
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