The Greek Islands—S’Agapo (I Love You!)

By Milena Santoro, CMM, CMP, PIDP, MS Productions, Inc., CanadaToday’s couples have the opportunity to trace the fingerprints of centuries full of Greek history. Combine that with cobalt blue seas, whitewashed villas, and beautiful warm weather and you have the perfect backdrop for a Greek Island wedding.Over the past few years, more and more couples have sought to make their dreams of wedded bliss occur on the mystical landscape of Greece.  A big trend is having destination engagement shoots of couples in various island locales—from the capital city of Athens, to the Aegean and Ionian islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, and Crete, to name a few. These are also some of the famous islands and island clusters at which to host a spectacular wedding.Experience the charm, culinary secrets, and hospitalityGreek locals are the most welcoming and hospitable people. The service and attention to detail is exceptional, as are the unique flavors and pleasant gastronomic surprises of Greek cuisine.  On the contrary to what many believe about Greek cuisine, you will discover that moussaka, souvlaki, and choriatiki (Greek salads) are not the only Greek foods. Greek cuisine consists of a variety of dishes that can fully satisfy the palates of vegetarians and meat lovers alike. What makes Greek cuisine special is the combination of ingredients, the Greek philosophy on nutrition, the sharing of meals with others, the atmosphere, and the country itself. Every region in Greece has its own traditional recipes!Some of the highly regarded traditional Greek products are olive oil; cheese; wine; the world famous Greek aperitif, oyzo (ouzo); honey; and sweet preserves, or spoon sweets, linked to the sweet welcome of a visitor and the foremost traditional treat in Greek homes. When served, spoon sweets usually fill a teaspoon, hence its name. The majority are prepared during the season when each fruit ripens: wild cherries, grapes, figs, apricots, berries, plums, quinces, bergamots, and citrons, each ripening one after the after from the beginning of summer up to the end of autumn—the perfect wedding favors.Something fun from the mountains to the beachesWhile in Greece, guests have the opportunity to discover various enjoyable ways to fill their time. Traditional markets and fashion labels are offered for shopping, wellness and spa centers for luxury time. Traditional restaurants, “tavernas,” or cafés by the sea are plentiful, or guests can find respite in the mountains, cinemas, and theaters, not to mention the fabulous beaches. Whether the wedding is in the city or on the islands, there’s something to satisfy all trends and desires.For night owls, Greece is famous for its especially intense and multifaceted nightlife, which is not restricted to the weekends. The fun lasts until the early hours of the morning, which is all the more reason to celebrate.Don’t forget the legal detailsNon-Greeks who wish to marry in Greece must allow at least six to nine months, if not more, to gather the necessary documentation. To avoid Greek bureaucracy, your clients have a few options. Some couples opt to marry legally in their hometown and have a blessing ceremony at their foreign destination. To wed on site, the local Greek embassy or consulate as well as the Greek Tourist Board should be contacted to aid in planning the legal details—especially translating the documents. Couples wanting an official civil or Protestant marriage can pick from any number of magnificent villas, gardens, and palace hotels. Going through the proper channels will also help couples realize where they can wed as it is not legal to get married on certain islands and archaeological sites.The beauty in Greece is exquisite, timeless, unspoiled. It was in this sacred landscape that love was born. Greece is the birthplace of the winged God Eros, the son of Aphrodite; the god who, with his quiver and arrows, inspired artists and writers over the centuries to praise the virtues of love. Whether your clients want the perfect wedding destination, an ideal honeymoon destination, or just a romantic escape, the beauty and diversity of the Greek landscape forms the most romantic backdrop to celebrate love—“OPA!!!”