Author: Claire Salisbury

Beach Elopement Inspiration with Lefkada Embroidery

Beach wedding arch and table on the sand decorated with white and green flowers

This Lefkada beach elopement inspiration features a floral fantasy of white hydrangeas, island greenery, and endless romance!

All that was needed to add a touch of Ionian style to this elopement shoot were some unique details. Inspired by a tablecloth embroidered with the Lefkada stitch called Karsaniko, loaned to me by Christina at Gourioti Flowers, I sourced some hand-made jewellery created from peices of the same style and set to work!

Close up of white hydranges and roses on beach wedding arch in Lefkada

The floral arch for this beach elopement inspiration was created by my florist partners, Tasos and his mother, Christina. The base was long, feather like leaves of Greek eucalyptus studded with white hydrangeas, roses and chrysanthemums. We opted for a half moon style of wedding arch, to allow the brilliant, blue Ionian sea to be our backdrop to the initmate ceremony setting.

white and green half moon ceremony arch on the sand by the sea in Lefkas
Close up of white hydrangea and eucalyptus wedding arch flowers
Elopement ceremony table on the sand at Agios Nikitas in Lefkada

A tiny pop of yellow was added to the bouquet and table centrepeice with delicate marguerite daisies.

In the bouquet, I wanted to incorporate the silvery, green leaves of Dusty Miller. If you take a walk along the coast near Agios Nikitas, you can often find this growing wild, as it likes the west coast climate.

white yellow and green bride bouquet by greek door
white and yellow daisy buttonhole and groom holding crystal dish with sand and wedding rings inside

The tablewear had a touch of gold to bring out the colour of the Lefkada embroidery on the tablecloth. Paired with crystal flutes and candlesticks and a display of crisp, sweet merringues from the patisserie.

Landscape image of beach elopement tablescape in white and gold set for two people
Lefkada embroidery tablecloth with vase of white and green flowers
Beach elopement tablescape with white and gold flatware
Crystal candlesticks and glassware on embroidered tablecloth on beach in Lefkada

Whilst you do not need all the elements of a standard stationery set for a destination elopement, you can still have pretty details, such as an announcement note and vow cards for your ceremony.

To illustrate our stationery, the geometric design of this famous stitch was copied on to pale lemon card and paired with a grey envelope.

Close up of vow card and Lefkada Karsaniko embroidery on a white tablecloth
Flatlay of beach elopement stationery on the sand
beach elopment inspiration stationery close up

The west coast of Lefkada is perfect for a destination beach elopement. I chose Agios Nikitas, a traditional village which has a smooth, paved pedestrian street winding down to the white, stone beach. You wind your way past white-washed houses with wooden shutters and gardens bursting with flowers: all adding to the romance of the setting.

Beach wedding decoration at Agios Nikitas Lefkada

Do you love this shoot’s unique take on a beach elopement? Then keep an eye on my blog for more inspiration soon!

Thank you to everyone who helped with this beach elopement inspiration at Agios Nikitas:

  • Planned and styled by Claire at Lefkas Weddings
  • Photography: Maxeen Kim Photography
  • Floral design: Gourioti Flowers
  • Sweet Treats: Patisserie Il Sapore
  • Hand-made jewelley: Paradise Gifts, Lefkada

Persephone’s Bouquet: 5 Flowers For Your Wedding From Greek Mythology

Beautiful Bouquet with Flowers inspired by Greek Mythology

From purity to passion, flowers have many meanings throughout Greek myths and legends. So why not draw from these beautiful stories, specifically that of Persephone, and include 5 flowers for your wedding from Greek Mythology

Each flower I have selected for you is associated with a legend and together they form the flowers of Persephone’s bouquet. These are the flowers the goddess Persephone and her companion Nymphs were gathering in a springtime meadow when she was abducted by the god Hades; rose, crocus, violet, iris, lily and larkspur (Source: Homeric Hymns).

Pink Garden Roses at a Villa in Greece

Rose. Aphrodite the goddess of love is credited with creating the rose from her tears over the mortally wounded Adonis and the goddess of flowers, Chloris, was said to breathe roses as she spoke. Throughout the ages writers, poets, artists, and others have used the rose as a metaphor for undying love, beauty, and passion. They are the perfect wedding flower being both ideal for classic and contemporary styles of bouquet and arrangements.

Lily. Associated with Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage and created by Hera in the legend of Zeus and his son by the mortal woman Alceme. The lily symbolizes purity and refined beauty and based on the colour or type, the lily can convey different meanings; white is for modesty and virginity, orange is for passion and yellow for gaiety. A much sought after choice for bouquets due to its luxurious and elegant appearance, Calla, Stargazer and Casablanca lilies are all ideal for a destination wedding in Lefkada.

Iris. The goddess Iris, a messenger to the gods was thought to use the rainbow as a bridge between heaven and earth. By some accounts, the ancient Greeks believed the rainbow was actually the flowing, multi-coloured robes of Iris. Others believed the beautiful multi-coloured flowers were also part of her robe or the flowing veil from her dress. Thus, these flowers were named to honour the Rainbow Goddess and bring favour upon the earth. Typically purple or blue, although they can be found in yellow, pink and red also, they are a pretty flower to combine in a bridal bouquet.

Violets. Greek legend tells of a nymph named Io, who was beloved by Zeus. To hide her from Hera, his wife, Zeus changed Io into a white cow. When Io wept over the taste and texture of the coarse grass, Zeus changed her tears into dainty, sweet-smelling violets only she was permitted to eat. They are a perfect Spring flower for a wedding bouquet, bridesmaid posy, in centrepieces and to decorate cakes.

Larkspur. Similar to the Delphinium, the larkspur is a pretty cluster of many flowers on a long stem. According to Greek mythology, larkspur flowers came forth from the blood of Ajax, who killed himself after he could not obtain the protective covering of the slain soldier Achilles. Thus, larkspur is often known as ‘the knight’s spur,’ and a flower that has existed for thousands of years. Arrange these blooms with other flowers for a wild flower and rustic floral theme.

I hope this has inspired you to add some mythical charm to your wedding bouquet and centrepieces. If you are dreaming of your own gorgeous destination wedding in Lefkada and would like some help bringing your dreams to life, contact me. I would love to discus your wedding with you.

Photography: Maxeen Kim Photography

2019 – A New Year And A New Look

Portrait of wedding planner Claire Salisbury by Maxeen Kim Photography

After a wonderfully busy 2018 wedding season in Lefkada, I have finally found the time to update my website, and I am so excited to get blogging and sharing Lefkas Weddings news and wedding planning tips with you.

One of the first things I am delighted to show you is my new logo. As my business has evolved over the last seven years I wanted something that reflected what I do now. What could be more apt to represent all your beautiful wedding stories than an homage to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. This ancient flower pattern is associated with her and is a symbol of creation, love, balance and equilibrium.

Blue and White Geometric Flower Logo for Lefkas Weddings

I started as a wedding planner for Lefkada and each year looked for ways to introduce elegant weddings to the other areas nearby that I have lived and are close to my heart too. These include the tiny paradise of Meganisi and the pretty Epirus coastline which includes Parga and Sivota. Recently I have organised beautiful events in Palairos, which is a new destination for me, and the surrounding islands of Kastos and Ithaca.

Although my blog will be mostly wedding themed, I want to add in some posts about the great areas I cover to inspire you for your wedding stay, honeymoon ideas and next visit to Greece.   Plus a few more personal and advice posts including behind the scenes, what I get up to throughout all the planning stages, from the first venue visits with clients right up to the wedding morning itself.

Pastel Doors and Buildings in Lefkas Town on the island of Lefkada in Greece

None of my work would be possible without the amazing team that is behind each and every wedding day, I work with some of the very best venues, caterers, photographers, videographers, stylists, florists and many more suppliers of pretty much any wedding related service you can imagine! I look forward to introducing you to some of them here and you’ll get to meet them on my Lefkas Weddings Instagram stories too!

And of course… sharing the prettiest pictures and details from the gorgeous weddings I get to plan.

Best wishes, Claire x

Images: Maxeen Kim Photography


Breathtaking wedding with pink and olive details at luxury Sivota villa – Hattie & David

A panormanic sea view was the breathtaking backdrop for the wedding of Hattie & David at luxury villa, Atokos House in Sivota, Lefkada island.

Panoramic view of swimming pool and sea from terrance of luxury villa in Sivota Lefkada

We chose Lefkas for our wedding destination as we have been sailing there for ten years. We love the Ionian islands and the scenery and wanted it to be part of our day. When Claire showed us Atokos House we picked it straight away as our wedding villa because of the amazing views over the neighbouring islands! Bride, Hattie

Atokos house is elegant, intriguing and exquisitely inviting, with magnificent views out across the sun-shimmered sea. From the terrace you take in view of Lefkada, Meganisi, Atokos, Arkoudi and Ithaka islands!

On the estate there is the charming Atokos Cottage where our bride Hattie spent the morning relaxing with her sister before getting ready for the afternoon ceremony at the main villa.

I wanted the flowers to be the bright pink colour of bougainvillea because it is such a beautiful colour in the Greek sunshine!

Together with Tasos at Gourioti Flowers the floral arrangements for their day were designed with a a mix of peonies, roses and astilbe, added texture with hypericum berries and fragrance with eucalyptus.

For the ceremony we used urns and columns to reflect the classic style of Atokos House, they provided an elegant backdrop and left an unclutterred view of the the amazing landscape from the villa terrace.

I was so, so nervous walking to the ceremony but as soon as I saw David, my family and friends waiting I felt calm. We chose a religious blessing as it was important to David and his family and I did enjoy the more traditional feel it gave our day. We we able to discuss with the Chaplain and tailor our ceremony which added a personal touch to our day.

I didn’t intend to pick a big dress but then I tried on this Stella York gown and I loved it – no other dress compared! The tulle skirt was ideal and a lot cooler to wear than expected because of all the delicate, light layers.

If you are considering your own luxury villa wedding in Lefkada or Meganisi and looking for a planner, send me an email here with all the details of your day. I would love to help bring your special day to life.

Thank you to my wonderful team of suppliers who helped me bring this day together:

Chic Island Elopement on Meganisi – Sally & Chris

If you love the idea of having a romantic island elopement on the beach, then you are going to love this ceremony captured for Lefkas Weddings by Two Clicks Photography.

For Sally and Chris, the idea of being married on the beach coupled with a relaxing holiday and honeymoon in a luxury villa on Meganisi, the Ionian’s secret island escape sounded perfect.

Bride shoes at Greek villa and close up of rings on wedding card with writing
Bride in white jumpsuit putting on bracelet and earrings at villa in Meganisi

“We opted for a first look at our villa which overlooked Ambelaki bay. Chris was waiting for me in the villa gardens and it was a lovely moment to start the evening!

Groom waiting expectantly smiling to see Bride for first look at elopment in Meganisi
First look of Groom seeing Bride at villa before elopement cerermony in Meganisi
Bride pinning white buttonhole to Groom shirt at elopement in Meganisi
Bride and Groom walking hand in hand on path lined with olive trees and stone wall

For a non-traditional wedding one needs a non-traditional gown and Sally was on trend for 2018 with her chic Liberty of London jumpsuit. I personally love that the Alice McCall style she chose was called “At Last”, a fitting choice for any wedding outfit.

“As we were eloping and getting married on a beach I didn’t want to wear a traditional wedding dress. I also wanted to be able to wear my outfit again, so I felt the white jumpsuit with beautiful floral embroidery was perfect.” Bride, Sally

Close up of bride bouquet next to Greek window and Bride and Groom walking hand in hand in village street
Bride and Groom hand in hand descending steps to beach elopement ceremony
Close up of embroidery on Bride jumpsuit with bouquet in Meganisi Greece

Floral designer, Tasos created a wild flower bouquet which picked out the colours of the embroidery on Sally’s jumpsuit, he included seasonal blooms and flowers like Limonium and Dusty Miller which you can find growing wild on the island’s beaches if you know where to look. These touches were important to the bride as she wanted to incorporate flowers from the local area.

Greenery and bright flower circle wreath garland on the beach by the sea in Meganisi
Close up of ring boxes and white table with champagne on beach in Meganisi Greece
Bride and Groom exchanging rings at beach elopment in Meganisi Greece

They asked me for a private location and I was confident that I found them the ideal little spot at Pasoumaki! It had a pretty entrance for the couple down steps through olive trees which lead them to the beach and their ceremony ring of colourful flowers. Their backdrop to “I Do” was the Ionian Sea and the sunset falling over the islands of Skorpios and Lefkada in the distance.

Close up of Bride in white jumpsuit at beach elopement in Meganisi Greece
Close up of Bride and Groom holding hands at beach elopment Meganisi Greece
Bride and Groom embracing inside beach elopement flower circle in Meganisi
Bride and Groom toasting with champagne glasses at elopement in Meganisi
Bride and Groom hand in hand on beach in Meganisi with champagne glasses
Bride and Groom close up hugging at beach elopement in Meganisi
Close up of bride with bouquet standing in flower circle on beach in Meganisi
Bride and Groom standing in front of green Greek village door in Meganisi

We stopped in Vathy village for a stroll amongst the traditional houses to soak up some of the Greek atmosphere”

To end a perfect evening they dined at Tilevoes in Vathy with a table for two by the waters-edge.

Intimate moment of Bride and Groom after first look in Meganisi Greece

A few words from Sally & Chris: “I have always loved visiting Greece and I have had lots of special holidays there with my family and with Chris. Claire was amazing with helping us get married in Greece. She is so organised, professional, friendly and very good when our plans altered at the last minute. She did this all calmly and found our amazing photographer; Lefteris from Two Clicks. We could relax and enjoy exploring Meganisi with no worries! Thank you, Claire x”

If you are considering your own intimate island elopement in Lefkada or Meganisi and looking for a planner, send me an email here with all the details of your day. I would love to help bring your special day to life.

Thank you to my wonderful team of suppliers who helped me bring this day together:

Lilac & Pink Cactus Wedding Inspiration in Parga

Cape North West is located on the sandy beach at Valtos with the Venetian castle as a back drop and the sun setting over Paxos island in the distance.

For your destination wedding in Parga, Cape North West is the perfect venue for a small, intimate celebration of barefoot luxury or a bigger celebration with all your family and friends. The relaxed atmosphere with stylish, white, minimalist decoration offers you a wonderful blank canvas to work with. The ideal starting point from which my team and I will create your wedding theme and styling.

I came up with the concept for this styled shoot with photographer, Maxeen of Maxeen Kim Photography, who mentioned she wanted to design a table setting based around her love of cacti and succulents.

We infused romance into the décor of this chic beach club with a lilac, pink and green theme, in keeping with the current trend of potted cactus wedding centrepieces. Succulents and cacti are a great option for your wedding décor because they last long after the wedding and each of your guests can take a cute mini cacti home with them as a keepsake.

The table featured natural décor elements that we chose to fit with the beautiful beach location such as hand painted terracotta pots and ecru weave table-mats. To highlight the extra special feel of the occasion we added little extra touches with pink glassware and dove-grey wedding stationery.

If you are considering your own luxury destination wedding in Parga and looking for a planner who can bring your elegant vision to life send me an email here with all the details of your day. I would love to help bring your wedding dreams to life.

Thank you to my wonderful team of suppliers who helped bring this vision to life.