Nicole and Audie’s perfect destination elopement in Greece was an intimate and romantic ceremony featuring luxe elements overlooking the iconic whitewashed buildings of Oia in Santorini.
After the bride and groom’s beautiful proposal took place in San Diego the travel-loving couple had a hunch that their union would take place in a memorable location.
“We always knew we wanted a destination wedding, but the idea of us making it an elopement is what made the guilt set in. Luckily for us, we had our family’s blessings to celebrate our marriage however we chose to,” says Nicole.
Inspired by Audie’s suggestion that they have their wedding in Greece, the couple went full steam ahead with their plans to elope in full view of the crystal blue Aegean Sea.
The couple’s photographer, Vangelis Beltzenitis, captured the elopement with delicate beauty and romance along with the stunningly iconic backdrop of Santorini itself.
“We have always heard about the beauty of Greece, but honestly nothing comes close to seeing it for yourself. Its beauty is incomparable to anywhere else on Earth,” explained Nicole.
[Audie’s] ability to continually elevate our shared experiences speaks volumes about the depth of his love and our shared journey.
– Nicole (The Bride)
Find out more about their breathtaking destination nuptials in Santorini below!
- Couple: Audie and Nicole
- Occupations: Wedding Photographer and Procurement Coordinator
- Wedding date: September 1, 2023
- Wedding location: Oia Village in Santorini, Greece
Quick Facts:
- Gifts for one another: Golf clubs and a Tesla Model 3
- Ceremony entrance song: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
How did you meet?
We both met while attending college at the University of New Orleans.
Tell us about the proposal…
It was one of the most indescribable, romantic, and memorable moments that I will forever cherish.
– Nicole (The Bride)
In February of 2022, my husband Audie and I embarked on our first post-COVID vacation, marking a joyous return to our passion for travel that had been momentarily halted by the pandemic. As frequent travelers in the pre-lockdown era, we cherished every opportunity to discover new destinations and create lasting memories together.
During our previous trips, Audie mentioned that he would like to start taking professional pictures on every trip that we take.
Because of this, I didn’t think much of it when he told me he booked a photographer for this trip. Little did I know that the photoshoot he had arranged for us while overlooking the breathtaking Sunset Cliffs in San Diego, would be a life-changing moment for both of us.
Amidst the scenic beauty of the cliffs, Audie surprised me by dropping to one knee, unveiling a beautiful proposal that left me overcome with emotion and I immediately began to cry.
And just when I thought Audie had reached the pinnacle of romantic gestures, he surpassed all expectations by proposing the idea of an intimate wedding in the enchanting and timeless backdrop of Greece—one of the most romantic places on Earth.
His ability to continually elevate our shared experiences speaks volumes about the depth of his love and our shared journey.
Getting ready for the day…
Our wedding looks…
Planning our wedding attire was probably one of the easiest tasks we accomplished throughout our entire wedding planning journey.
– Nicole (The Bride)
I began searching for my wedding dress online almost 10 months before our wedding date. After only 15 minutes of searching, I found the dress that I knew was absolutely meant for me. It was love at first sight!
The dress I had fallen in love with was Style D3284 from Essense of Australia. The color was Ivory Lace over an Ivory Gown with Mocha Illusion. I was instantly captivated by the sheer floral lace and the plunge back, which gave the entire dress that extra edge I was looking for.
I did not enter my wedding with my mind set on long sleeves, but when I saw the tattoo-like illusion that this dress provided, I knew it would be the perfect match for our Greece destination wedding.
Also, as luck would have it, I discovered that MaeMe Bridal Boutique, located in my hometown of New Orleans, LA, had the dress available, making this an even more straightforward experience, without the need to travel elsewhere for the dress.
I was also advised by one of the workers to pair my gown with a Belaire Bridal Luxe Tulle veil—a decision I absolutely do not regret! Finally, I completed my bridal ensemble with sandal heels from the renowned Badgley Mischka which proved to be the perfect finishing touch.
The groom’s suit…
To compliment my textured dress, my husband Audie wore a custom-made paisley print tuxedo from Lavoisier Suits, crafted by New Orleans native Cortez Jackson.
Audie’s experience was equally seamless, as Cortez exclusively conducted client meetings by appointment. This approach gave Audie an intimate connection with the designer, allowing them to meticulously plan every facet of his ensemble, from print selection to the smallest details like stitch colors.
The Ceremony…
Celebrating with our team…
Traditional details…
We incorporated a full-course traditional Greek dinner in our wedding.
An evening overlooking the Aegean Sea…
Looking back on our special day…
As one would probably expect, our fondest memory of our wedding day would be the views overlooking the Aegean Sea. We have always heard about the beauty of Greece, but honestly, nothing comes close to seeing it for yourself. Its beauty is incomparable to anywhere else on Earth.
Our wedding was held at Panorama Balcony in Canaves Oia Suites which is known for giving one of the best views of the Aegean Sea along with the caldera arches. We were able to enjoy this majestic view during both the ceremony and private dinner.
Audie & Nicole’s wedding tip…
This day is about you and only you.
– Nicole (The Bride)
The best wedding advice I can give to anyone is to follow your heart when it comes to planning your wedding. You may have family and friends who are trying to persuade you in one direction or another, but only you will know what is right for you. If you choose to have a big wedding (and can financially afford to) then have the big wedding. If you choose to go the more intimate route, then have a small wedding.
This day is about you and only you.
Audie and I spent our first 6-months indecisive on which route we wanted to pursue. We always knew we wanted a destination wedding, but the idea of us making it an elopement is what made the guilt set in.
Luckily for us, we had our family’s blessings to celebrate our marriage however we chose to. They were very supportive of our decision. Unfortunately, we know many other couples are not so fortunate, and most of the time feel pressured to celebrate in whichever direction their parents or family push them into. I have heard a lot of regret from these couples.
Because of this, my only advice would be to always follow your heart in your wedding planning decisions.
Vendors:
- Planning & Design: DW Events Planning & Design
- Photography: Vangelis Photography
- Venue: Canaves
- Flowers: Flowery Santorini
- Chandeliers & canopy: Events in Santorini
- Catering & Rental Furniture: Spicy Bites
- Bridal Styling: Julia Afanasenka
- Groom’s Tuxedo: Lavoisier Suits
- Dress: Essense of Australia
- Veil: Bel Aire Bridal Luxe Tulle veil
- Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
- Bridal Boutique: MaeMe Bridal Boutique
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