Costa Navarino, Greece wedding, Eleni Dona

Maria and Dimitris, a truly sweet couple, traveled all the way from the United States to tie the knot in Greece. Honoring the bride’s origins, they chose to celebrate their nuptials in the Peloponnese, a place with a fascinating history, full of myths which fade into the mists of antiquity.

And guess what; it’s photogenic too, with landscapes that offer a marvelous palette of lavish and contrasting colors!

The celebrations started the day before the wedding with a jovial pre-wedding party in the Costa Navarino resort. Set amid lush olive groves, Costa Navarino offers a distinctive environment of authentic luxury and heartfelt hospitality.

It is located in the southwestern Peloponnese, in Messenia – one of the most beautiful, unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes of the Mediterranean. And the atmosphere during the pre-wedding party was really warm and welcoming; well, what else does a couple need for a perfect way to kick-start the nuptial festivities?

As with most destination weddings, I started the following morning with some bridal prep photography and it was lovely to see Maria and her mum in a laid-back mood. The preparation of the beautiful blonde bride took place in one of the spacious and elegant rooms of the resort. Maria got ready with the help of her cheerful and charming girlfriends who didn’t stop smiling. Whenever a girl puts on her wedding dress, it is a moment of wonder and magic, but Maria in her wedding dress was really amazing. Meanwhile, the groom got ready surrounded by his mates, who made the preparation process stress free and relaxed. All of them were in high spirits, making jokes and telling fun stories (plus posing for some fun pictures which captured the essence of a special wedding day!).

The open-air, Orthodox wedding ceremony was to be held at the impressive, sun-drenched monastery of Panagia Sgrapa. The weather was warm and sunny – definitely a good omen – and the vibes were really unique and romantic, with Greek musicians accompanying the bride to the venue.

The couple said “I do” in an intimate atmosphere, surrounded by their closest family and friends. As a professional wedding photographer in Greece, I was thrilled to get some great nuptial shots and portraits that unfolded a beautiful love story before the warm sunlight started fading. After all, a good picture is worth a thousand words; well, a good wedding photo is worth a thousand feelings and emotions.

And then, back to Costa Navarino, where it was time for a fantastic reception party (and some stunning, postcard-worthy wedding photographs as well since the classy and elegant decoration against the light blue sky created a perfect background!).

There were some unforgettable and truly heartwarming moments during the wedding reception, such as the emotional first dance of Maria and Dimitris. But, when it comes to weddings, it is all about turning the occasion into a full day and night of celebrating. All the guests (who, by the way, had come from all over the world to celebrate this sweet union) let their hair down and danced the night away with the elated newly-weds.

Maria and Dimitris, you are one of the loveliest couples I’ve ever met. I hope you will relive heartwarming wedding moments of romance every time you look at the pages of your wedding album. May your marriage be full of happiness and love!

Special thanks go to "Wedding in Greece" team, for their awesome wedding planning in Costa Navarino.