James & Katerina | Hydra Island | Greece
Mamma Mia -Amanda Seyfried eat your heart out coz you won’t get a wedding Greeker than this!
We were super lucky to be able to feed our travelling addiction and go document the wedding of James & Katerina’s on Hydra in Greece. At first glance, Hydra doesn’t look like your typical Greek Island but it doesn’t take you long to understand why it’s one of the top holiday destinations for the Greeks.
In the 1960’s Hydra was seen as a retreat for bohemians and artist. Loads of famous artist like Leonard Cohen, Sophia Loren and even Audrey Hepburn owned houses in Hydra. The fact that there is still no cars or bikes, only donkeys brings a new almost unknown kind of peace and quiet to life, one we surely got addicted to!
James & Katerina’s friends and family flew into Greece from all the corners of the world to join in on their weekend celebration. We started off two days prior to the wedding with a boat ride out to The Four Seasons Hydra for a welcome party that the couple had organised. The day thereafter we managed to snatch James and Katerina away for their arrangements for an afternoon stroll and quick couple shoot with a surprise afternoon dip in possibly one of the most magical spots we found on the island.
On the day of the wedding, James started off relaxing with his groomsmen at a coffee bar on one of the peers. The boys then headed off for some final checks at the venue before getting ready for the big day at The Bratsera Hotel.
After having her hair done at a local salon in town, Katerina got ready at the Hydra Hotel. On the way to the ceremony, Katerina and her bridesmaids were lead by a group of traditional musicians who took them for a walk through the village streets. I actually get goosebumps thinking back to this moment as all the villagers left what they were doing. They started cheering along the bride and her family through the streets and followed them all the way to the church… simply one of the most magical things we’ve ever experienced at a wedding.
The couple got married in a small Greek Orthodox Church in the centre of town, it was a beautiful and emotionally loaded ceremony. After congratulating the couple the guests left for a walk through the beautiful white cobblestone village paths to Sunset Restaurant to enjoy the sunset and cocktails. We manage to take some beautiful photos of the newlyweds as they were making their way to the reception.
Yes and then Mamma Mia -here we go again, on a donkey, Katerina and James walked up the footpath to be welcomed and celebrated by their guests!
James and Kats, thank you for letting us join and document the beginning of yet another great adventure the both of you are taking. May your journey be paved with love and loving friendships like we have witnessed throughout this wonderful week.
