Best of Wedding Photography

Jonathan and Keleen love adventures. To them, life itself is a beautiful adventure that you should share with your better half. And that’s precisely how they feel about weddings too. That’s why, during a romantic cruise in Europe that eventually brought them to the legendary Greek island of Mykonos, they decided to elope. And although the decision was taken on the spur of the moment, they couldn’t have made a better choice. Mykonos, the crown jewel of the Cyclades, is famous not only for its golden sand beaches, charming traditional architecture, and fascinating mythology but also for its fabulous nightlife and glamorous parties. Keleen fell in love with the Mykonian windmills, the iconic landmark of the island, so a good part of the wedding photoshoot was done there. I hope the result was worthy of her expectations!

Jonathan and Keleen chose St. John Hotel for their intimate wedding ceremony. I had the chance to take some great photos of the groom during his pre-wedding preparation. Then it was Keleen’s turn. She was so natural and relaxed during the bridal makeup and hair styling that she didn’t have to pose at all for her awesome photo portraits.

The “first look” photos were taken inside St. John Hotel, on a magnificent white terrace with spectacular views over the beach of Agios Sostis and the infinite Aegean blue. And then it was time for some amazing photos in front of the emblematic monument of Panagia Paraportiani, a dazzling white complex of five little chapels built between the 15^th and 17^th centuries. Paraportiani, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is very popular among couples from all over the world who come to tie the knot in Mykonos and one of the most photographed spots on the island. If you asked me what made Jonathan and Keleen’s photos so vibrant, lively, and unique, I would say that it was their cheerful disposition and playful mood. They saw the photoshoot as a carefree game and played hide and seek in the labyrinth of the picturesque narrow alleys and whitewashed houses of Chora, enjoying every moment like two happy children without a care in the world.

The quiet private wedding ceremony took place inside the hotel, at the church of St. John, a cute white chapel. Love was palpable in the air, and one look at this beautiful couple would be enough for everyone to understand why they didn’t need anyone else around them that day…

Jonathan and Keleen, thank you for choosing me as your wedding photographer and for your trust and all your positive energy. May your life be always as sunny and bright as that magical day in Mykonos!

Photography by Thanasis Kaiafas

Santa Irini Chapel – The most beautiful elopement venue in Santorini

What are the essential ingredients of a perfect elopement? That’s easy: you, your sweetheart, lots of vibes of love in the air, and an idyllic place of your choice. Oh, and your wedding photographer, who will witness this intimate celebration of love and narrate your unique story through pictures capturing the feeling and atmosphere of your big day forever!

Luke and Kelsie were aware of the importance of the place they would choose for their elopement. And they chose well. The volcanic island of Santorini (named after a chapel of Santa Irini at the time of the Crusades) is one of the most romantic places, and therefore one of the most popular wedding destinations, in the world. The combination of striking blue and luminous white in an extraordinary natural setting of rare beauty provides the ideal backdrop for any elopement.

And they couldn’t have found a more ideal venue than Santa Irini (Saint Irene), a charming little chapel overlooking the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea and the caldera, just a few minutes away from the traditional settlement of Fira (an alternative pronunciation of the ancient name Thira), the capital of the world famous Greek island.

The story of Kelsie and Luke, both from Knoxville, Tennessee, started to unfold in 2008 as a friendship, which blossomed into true love in 2014 and, after an unforgettable romantic proposal, brought them to Santorini, the brightest jewel of the Cyclades.

During their preparation, the bride and groom found time to write letters to each other, which they exchanged and read after the first look. The intimate and serene ceremony at a terrace with breathtaking, panoramic views was exactly what this sweet couple had dreamed of: simple but beautiful. And a mere look at them would be enough for anyone to see how deeply in love and perfectly matched they were. That’s why my camera lens fell in love with them!

The floral decoration and overall wedding planning by Tie The Knot in Santorini were impeccable. Kelsie and Luke exchanged vows, cut their wedding cake, and danced for the first time as a married couple on the private terrace against the background of a stunning seascape. And a sudden shower didn’t spoil their mood at all; after all, in most cultures, rain on your wedding day is believed to be a sign of good luck!

Photography by Thanasis Kaiafas