When Jake and I started planning our wedding, we knew we wanted something intimate and deeply personal. The idea of a grand, traditional wedding didn’t quite resonate with us. Instead, we chose to split our celebration into two parts: an elopement in the breathtaking beauty of Santorini, Greece, and a cozy backyard reception with our closest friends and family back home in Washington State. It was the perfect way to honor our love story in a way that felt true to us.
Before our elopement in Santorini, we spent an incredible week on the island of Crete. This part of the trip was an adventure all on its own! Crete’s rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious local cuisine made it a dream destination.
We visited ancient ruins, hiked through breathtaking gorges, and relaxed on some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen. One of the highlights was exploring the Palace of Knossos, where we were transported back in time to the Minoan civilization.
The food in Crete was unforgettable—every meal felt like a celebration of local flavors. From fresh seafood to traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and dakos, we savored every bite.
Eloping in Santorini
Santorini had always been on our travel bucket list, and it felt like the perfect place to exchange our vows. The iconic whitewashed buildings, the deep blue of the Aegean Sea, and the island’s unforgettable sunsets created a backdrop that felt almost too good to be true.
We woke up early on our elopement day and took some regular couples portraits as the sun was coming up (which is the only time of the day without the insane crowds!), then we got breakfast at a local spot before we started getting ready to do our first look at the cutest Airbnb. For our ceremony, we stood on an old church overlooking the sea, with just our photographer Hannah and our videographer Iasis there to witness our vows. The moment was intimate and deeply personal. We exchanged rings and promises as the gentle sea breeze swept around us, and in that moment, the world felt like it belonged to just us.
After our ceremony, we explored the charming streets of Santorini, taking in the island’s vibrant atmosphere and enjoying our first moments as a married couple. It was an experience that combined romance, adventure, and tranquility in a way we’ll never forget!
Photos by Hannah Elise Photo
Celebrating at Home: A Backyard Reception
When we returned to Washington, we wanted to share our joy with the people closest to us, so we planned a backyard reception at a dear family friend’s home. The setting was perfect—cozy, inviting, and filled with love.
We brought a bit of Greece home with us, serving Greek food and baklava for dessert, which was a hit with our guests. One of the most fun elements was handing out disposable film cameras to our guests, encouraging them to capture candid moments throughout the evening (I highly recommend this!).
As the night transitioned into dancing under the stars, I changed into a second dress that was perfect for twirling on the dance floor. It was a relaxed and joyful celebration, filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and plenty of dancing.
Photos by Carly Mae Photography
Love isn’t about the grandeur of a location or the size of a celebration—it’s about the moments, the emotions, and the people who make it special.
Whether it was exchanging vows with the Aegean Sea as our witness or dancing under twinkling lights in a friends backyard, each experience was uniquely ours, filled with meaning, love, and the perfect imperfections that made it all so real.
For anyone planning their own wedding—whether it’s an intimate getaway or a cozy celebration at home—our biggest takeaway is this: do what feels right for you. The best weddings aren’t about traditions or expectations; they’re about crafting a day that reflects your love story in the most authentic way.
Thank you for being part of our journey! We hope our story inspires you to create a wedding (or two!) that truly speaks to your hearts.
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