Today we are taking a peak at this intimate boho elopement at Skorpios island; a legendary little piece of paradise, just off the coast of Lefkada.
We planned to elope in Greece and were focused on having a meaningful ceremony and a very special day. Neither of us are big wedding people and we just wanted to make our commitment in a special and personal way. Bride, Dominique wrote to me.
We were very open to ideas, I had dreamed about a tiny Greek chapel or maybe sailing on a boat and saying some words to each other out at sea. Claire suggested the traditional caique boat and sailing to the Jackie Onassis bay at the private island of Skorpios, which had us very excited!
Thank you again for the wonderful wedding! Dominique & Will
We collected the couple from Meganisi and cruised back towards Skorpios. As our boat glided into the bay, it allowed them a first glimpse of the white beach house, that marks the arrival at Jackie Onassis beach; the former First Lady’s favourite swimming spot, and the location for our intimate elopement.
Skorpios: The Legendary Island of Onassis
Skorpios is the private Greek island that hosted some of the most intriguing moments of the global elites during the 20th century. Lying right next to the island of Lefkas, in the Ionian sea, it was bought by Aristotle Onassis, the world-known shipping tycoon in 1963. He transformed into an idyllic paradise, for his private moments away from the world’s media.
Onassis imported sand to make his own beaches and planted more than 200 different varieties of trees, creating a picturesque scenery. He also built a family compound that included three luxurious residences, a helipad, and a small marina, before building a Cyclades-style residency after his marriage on the island to the former First Lady of America, Jackie Kennedy.
Skorpios hosted some of the most famous personalities of the century at it’s parties including Maria Kallas, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Sir Winston Churchill, Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly to name a few.
After Onassis’ death in 1975, Skorpios passed down to his daughter Christina and then to his only grandchild Athina who showed little interest in the private idyll. It was finally leased in 2013 for more than €100 million to Russian, billionaire businessman, Dmitry Rybolovlev who describes it as an ‘earthly paradise… the whole area of Lefkada is such a beautiful place’.
Do you love this intimate boho elopement? If it has inspired you to celebrate your commitment just the two of you, contact me to discuss ideas around Lefkada, Meganisi and Parga!
Thank you to everyone who helped bring this day together:
- Planned and styled by Claire at Lefkas Weddings
- Photography: Lefteris Kalampokas of Kalampokas Fotografia
- Floral design: Gourioti Flowers
- Private Boat Charter: Via M/S Christina