Tag Archives: Beach Elopement

Sunrise Elopement at Porto Katsiki Beach – Barbara & Neven

This sunrise elopement at Porto Katsiki beach was definitely worth getting up before the sun! In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan your dream sunrise elopement and this blog will have you ready to jump out of bed before the sun comes up for your own sunrise adventure elopement in Greece.

back view of couple sat on white stone beach with cushions looking out to sea

Sunrise brings a touch of magic to your wedding ceremony. Getting married is a transition itself, and you’ll understand how beautiful it is to mark that transition with the rising of a star. To know in this big wide world as night changes to day you have found someone to share all the days of your life with. 

Porto Katsiki beach Lefkada Greece
Meet the couple of this sunrise elopement at Porto Katsiki beach

When we were planning their day, Barbara and Neven both mentioned how much they absolutely love to travel and in their nine years together they have explored the globe and made memories in over 30 countries!  Maxeen and I thought it was perfect therefore that on one of those trips together, watching the sunrise in Morocco, Neven asked Barbara to marry him and she said Yes! So they decided that they would like to recapture that moment, as the sun rises for their elopement. It was to be an intimate ceremony, just the two of them on their holiday exploring the Greek islands before their more traditional wedding in Croatia in the autumn with family and friends.

bride with glasses holding white and green flowers laughing with groom with arms around each other

We collected the excited couple from their hotel in Nidri and drove towards the south cape of Lefkada where the only traffic we met was a herd of goats, with their bells jangling as they crossed the road in front of us! The daylight was just breaking as we reached Porto Katsiki beach and we descended the steps to our deserted paradise. Kicking off their shoes, the couple walked along the beach to explore and we set up their breakfast picnic.

mini champagne on slate with crystal glasses with beach in background
Porto Katsiki beach Lefkada Greece

As the sun rose to reveal the azure blue colour of the Ionian sea, Barbara and Neven stood hand in hand by the seashore and exchanged vows. They followed this with a sand pouring ritual, mixing sand, pebbles and shells from the beach to make a lasting memory. We left them to enjoy some private moments with a champagne breakfast picnic with pastries and cookies made by a local bakery. It was the best morning with such a great couple!

sand pouring beach wedding ceremony sand bottles
bride with glasses holding white and green flowers laughing with groom with arms around each other
bride and groom at beach at sunrise for elopement
slate tiered stand with greek pastries beach picnic
slate tiered stand with greek pastries beach picnic and couple embracing

And the extra-special part of it for me was that it was also my birthday! I was lucky to be at the most beautiful beach on Lefkada with one of my best friends, our elopement photographer Maxeen Duncan, and eat cake for breakfast!

white rose, olive and eucalyptus bride elopement bouquet
3 Things to keep in mind for a sunrise elopement

Dreaming of your own sunrise elopement? Here are three things to keep in mind:

  • Keeping to the timeline is key
  • Be sure to get an early night the evening before!
  • Plan a post sunrise ceremony activity

First, it’s especially important to keep to the timeline for a sunrise elopement. This means you’ll need to get up and go before the sun rises to capture that perfect shot. The sun isn’t going to wait for you, for me, or your photographer. Once it’s risen, it’s risen! If you’re thinking of a sunrise elopement, you really have to be willing to keep to the schedule. If this doesn’t sound like your dream day, (and that’s totally okay if it doesn’t!), you have a bit more leeway with a sunset schedule, so that might be a better choice.

An early night is recommended as sunrise is early between 06:00 – 06:30 during the summer months in Greece. Plus, you need to get up and plan enough time to get ready and drive to your location, especially if you need to walk a little when you arrive.

Finally, it’s a good idea to think about how you would like to spend the day after your sunrise elopement. Barbara and Neven headed to Nidri harbour for a delicious brunch, and then went to relax at the beach. But you have so many options for your day! Want to go paddleboarding, horseback riding or kayaking after your sunrise elopement? You can totally incorporate all your fun ideas into your day.

aerial shot of bride and groom walking hand in hand along white beach greece
bride and groom kissing on stairs above porto katsiki beach lefkada

Do you love the idea of planning an elopement in Lefkada but not sure where to start? Contact me to discuss how we can plan it together.

The Wedding Team:

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

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:

Intimate Boho Elopement at Skorpios Island

couple holding hands with sea in background at elopement ceremony

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.

Bow of caique boat decoratd with tulle and flowers

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

madouri island ionian islands greece
floral wedding decoration on caique boat

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.

black and white image of couple on boat holding a polaroid of themselves
elopement couple sat at front of boat on wedding cruise looking out to sea
bride sat on wedding boat drinking aperol holding pink bouquet
Elopement couple sat at front of boat looking at each other
elopement couple at front of boat as it arrives at skorpios island with view of jackie onassis beach
elopement couple walking hand in hand along beach with olive trees at skorpios island
elopement couple standing together on beach at ceremony by captain
captain reading ceremony wording at elopement ceremony
close up of groom hands holding wedding vows and bride reaction
close up of bride reading wedding vows and couple holding handsng vows
elopement bride and groom toasting each other with champagne at beach
elopement bride and groom kissing standing on beach with sea in background
close up of elopement couple embracing with sea in background
close up of pink and fuschia peony bride bouquet
elopement couple on bow of caique boat kissing
elopement couple on caique boat at sunset

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’.

elopement couple hand in hand walking along beach at skorpios island

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: