If you and your SO are eloping to escape from it all (the pressures of work, family…wedding planning) why not go to the ends of the earth like this stunning cliffside elopement in Santorini? Just because you’re not having a big wedding, doesn’t mean that you need to give up all that comes with it. Sure, you probably won’t need invitations (if it is truly just you and your partner), but you can get custom announcements made to send to family and friends once you return from your romantic getaway. You will also need a wedding ensemble (or a few) to wear for your big day. This is why a planner comes in handy, even (and especially!) if you’re eloping. They can coordinate with all of the vendors, including arranging travel like flights and hotels. A planner will also make sure that you have an amazing photographer to document every special moment!
These cliffside photos by Jade Touron Photography will leave you breathless. The Stars Inside meticulously planned every detail of this wedding inspiration and Red Box Days created the bouquets and floral installations. Grace Hotel was the perfect backdrop for this romantic seaside elopement. All the images are in the full gallery, so be sure to click through and read on to hear more from photographer Jade Touron.
A LOCATION OF MYTHIC PROPORTIONS
According to Valentina from The Stars Inside, “The design concept was inspired by Greek myths and legends, so we used visuals like feathers, golden arrows, and ocean waves as subtle aesthetic threads running through all the styling decisions. We chose to tell this story with a natural, fresh color palette echoing that of this gorgeous island: earthy browns, shades of blue, and gold details. The floral design and cake details were chosen to mimic the textures of the sea, while the table settings embodied the variety of the volcanic landscapes in Santorini. We wanted the styling to complement the beautiful surroundings, rather than distract from them–thus encouraging couples to make the most of choosing beautiful destinations for their wedding or elopement. The outfits and details are perfect for a bride who loves that relaxed Mediterranean look, beautifully sophisticated but still wild enough for a walk on the cliffs at sunset.”
GETTING READY
The day started with a ‘bridal prep’ set up, with the beautiful Paula modeling some wedding boudoir attire in one of the Grace Hotel’s suites. The bedroom door opened up to a small terrace that overlooked the most stunning caldera view, with the Skaros Rock jutting out of the Aegean Sea. Paula was glowing! Storme Makeup & Hair specializes in natural makeup that enhances the individual’s features, and relaxed, romantic hairstyles, an aesthetic that worked beautifully on this shoot. Paula’s look was both adventurous and ethereal (a tough balance to strike). Her hair tumbled in gentle waves adorned with a delicate bow in the first look.
THE CEREMONY
We then moved on to ceremony space, which featured a gold statement arch supplied by, event hire specialists, Weddings And Whimsy. It was reminiscent of a church window and framed the mesmerizing background perfectly, again allowing the styling to highlight the location’s beauty. The stationery exuded effortless luxury, with delicate calligraphy and gold leaf, yet the rough edges prevent it from looking too refined so it fits flawlessly with the vision. Delicate touches incorporated into each aspect of the shoot tied the concept together. The flowers were supplied by Red Box Days, who had to have them shipped to Santorini as only select flowers grow on the island. Timing was essential, in the height of summer temperatures were high, and the flowers were left inside until the last minute to limit wilting.
A ROMANTIC SUNSET
As the sun began to set, Paula & Daniel started to make their way towards Skaros Rock, taking a pause to dance the rumba beside a small church. They ended the day with a breathtaking sunset. The barefoot bride then led the way down the rocky cliff steps as the sun dipped lower and lower, windswept, with her Inbal Dror bridal gown billowing behind her. The following morning, at sunrise, we explored the town of Oia with the couple and captured the more traditional Santorini spots, this time in more relaxed wedding attire.
