‘…the scenery, the views, the sunset. It was just incredible. Breathtaking. We couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful setting. .’
Venue Le Ciel Santorini Wedding • Date 15th of June 2021 • Number of Guests 29 • Budget ££
Why did you choose to get marry in Santorini?
The first time we saw pictures of the Island we fell in love. Neither of us had been before and the more we looked into it, nothing else compared. It’s a unique destination and we’re so glad we chose Santorini as the destination.
How long in advance did you book your wedding?
We originally booked our wedding 18 months in advance. However, after falling pregnant with our 2nd child (our daughter) we decided to postpone. Then a few months before the new date, Covid happened. We had no choice but to postpone for another year. (Which did work in our favour as then found out we were pregnant with our third child) So finally… 3 and half years later, 2 children more and Santorini on the UK’s Amber list, we weren’t going to let anything stop us this time.
How many guests did you invite to your wedding and how many accepted and attended?
We originally expected between 30 to 40 guests and ended up with around 30. The uncertainty of Covid had a huge impact on our numbers, but this didn’t affect our amazing day.
Luckily most of our immediate family were able to make it. All but a few, and those that couldn’t make it in person where there via ‘facetime’.
Tell us about your amazing wedding dress.
From the moment I saw it online, it just screamed “me”.
Its called “Jess” by Eva Lendel.
This was actually the second dress I had purchased. As beautiful as the first one was, after being in lockdown and a couple of wedding dates postponed… I just got bored of it. That’s why my second choice was quite a simple dress. Less to get bored of. I guess it had to be though, as there was no way I’d be getting a third dress if we’d had to postpone again.
What about your shoes and accessories?
My shoes were by Charlotte Mills.
For any one getting married, if you haven’t come across this brand, please take a look.
They cover all aspects of something old, new, borrowed & blue and are completed with a six pence in one of the shoes.
It was a toss-up between them and the Sophia Webster “wifey for lifey” heels, but with the fear of tripping down the isle… the chunky heel by Charlotte Mills won.
And the groom?
The groom, is not a fan of suits or formal shoes for that matter, hence the T-shirt and trainers combo.
His suit is from Moss Bros, it’s from their ‘tailor me’ range as he would normally struggle to find the perfect fit. He is not big on shopping either so this made perfect sense. One shop, measurements taken, job done.
Tell us about the bridesmaid dresses? We love the All white look.
The bridesmaid dresses were from Rewritten. They have such a beautiful, modern style. Again, I wanted simple dresses and once I had chosen Santorini as the destination, there was only one colour choice for me.
Due to lockdown the bridesmaids and I were unable to visit the shop and we ended up purchasing online. The ivory had to be made to order too, however the staff were helpful and accommodating with helping us make the right style and size choices.
Tell us about the smaller details of your Le Ciel Santorini Wedding.
Flowers
I didn’t put too much thought into the flowers. Straight away I knew I wanted a mix of white with some greenery. Basic, fresh, clean, not too small and not too neat. The florist got it spot on.
Colours
When I think of Santorini there are two colours I think of and blue just wasn’t a option.
Therefore followed suit with the white. I had fresh white flowers with the greenery throughout, the cake decor, the bridesmaid bouquets, for the ceremony and reception decoration and even for my hair.
Simple but beautiful
It was all pretty simple. Nothing over complicated. In such a naturally beautiful environment you don’t need to do much. We had a naked cake with flowers that matched the bouquets and decoration. The meal was outstanding. We went with the Rib-Eye. The kids were occupied with activity packs, treats and bubbles and the evening entertainment kick started with a saxophonist. We were over the moon with the very large “Mr & Mrs Haunton” light up letters too, it made such a statement.
How did you find the planning experience from booking to the big day?
Its such a shame that we had so many unexpected obstacles thrown our way, however Lisa, you were there to help every step of the way. I think the most stressful thing for us was feeling like we had put immense pressure and inconvenience on our guests with all the uncertainty, restrictions and costs Covid dished up. We had multiple flight cancellations and last minute accommodation cancellations. We had family rejected from boarding their flight due to failing to complete the forms correctly. The tests were costly and not forgetting the fear of the results.
We were only a couple of months away from the big day before Covid made its appearance. Before that it was all pretty much plain sailing. I made my selections and everything was taken care of, stress free. But honestly even though it got tough, and I mean tough, we would still do it a million times over to have the day we had.
What’s your best memory from the day?
It was a bit of a rocky start before arriving at the venue. A mad last minute rush. However, on arrival, my lovely wedding coordinator had a glass of bubbles waiting for me and from that moment onwards, I honestly couldn’t choose just one memory. I walked through the gate with my dad, looked up at my gorgeous bridesmaids and instantly the morning stress was forgotten. We did both have a little laughter fit during our vows too which set the mood and we had a light hearted personal song written which I would highly recommend looking into (Jamie Mathias on social media). But I was on such a natural high from start to finish. Surrounded by loved ones, on such a stunning Island, celebrating mine and Sam’s love. It was perfect.
What do you think makes a wedding abroad stand out from a wedding in the UK?
The weather of course but with Santorini in particular… the scenery, the views, the sunset. It was just incredible. Breathtaking. We couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful setting.
What advice would you give to future brides and grooms who are getting married abroad?
With The Bridal Consultants, you’re in safe hands. Besides Covid, the planning was easier than I had imagined. For me a UK wedding wasn’t my dream. The weather is unpredictable and of course the UK has some beautiful places to offer but you just don’t get the same surroundings you get abroad. I’ve said it before and will continue to say it again, Santorini without a doubt fulfilled our dream destination. Best of wishes to the future Brides and Grooms.
To view all of our wedding venues in Santorini including Le Ciel click here.
See the Video Trailer here – Watch in Full screen
We hope you enjoyed reading about Nicole and Sam’s breathtaking Le Ciel Santorini wedding, here are some of the suppliers involved in the day.
Photography – Lifestyle Photography| Brides Dress – Jess By Eva Lendel | Brides Shoes | Charlotte Mills/ Grooms Suit – Moss Bros | Bridesmaids Dresses – Rewritten | Light up Letters – Illuminography
Budget Key | £ – 10k and under | ££ – between 10k and 20k | £££ – over 20k.
