An Intimate Destination Wedding in Santorini with Parasols, Sunset Views, and a Mild Sunburn Catastrophe


Some couples want a huge wedding - hundreds of guests, a band, fireworks, and a seating plan that resembles the London Underground map. Alex and Bella went the other way.

They wanted something small, intimate, and a bit out of the ordinary. Just their closest people somewhere meaningful to them both. That place turned out to be Santorini, which they’d visited together several times before and already loved. So they did the obvious thing and flew everyone out to Greece for a destination wedding overlooking one of the most ridiculous views you could possibly ask for.


Whenever I photograph a destination wedding, I always travel out early. Not because it’s glamorous, but because the scope for things to go wrong triples, and the margin to recover from those issues is practically nil. In the weeks leading up to the trip I had multiple vivid nightmares about turning up at the airport without my passport. Or arriving in Santorini and discovering I’d somehow forgotten every camera I own. One particularly stressful dream involved me sprinting around the airport duty-free trying to buy a replacement camera before the ceremony started. So yes - I arrived a couple of days early.


This did allow for a little exploring around Santorini, which was lovely… until I managed to give myself the worst sunburn of my entire life. I genuinely thought I’d applied sun cream responsibly, but what I actually did was apply it perfectly everywhere except for the backs of my lower legs where I seeming used absolutely none. When I got back to my hotel I realised the damage - complete with visible finger-shaped streaks where I’d clearly not spread the sun cream properly. The result was spectacularly painful. At one point during that night I stood up to go to the bathroom and immediately collapsed into a heap on the floor quietly whimpering because my legs felt like they might explode. Thankfully the pouch of medicines I'd craftily packed "just in case" saved the day.


Anyway, you came here to read about a wedding, not me getting sunburnt. Look at this sexy view...

Panoramic view of white Mediterranean buildings with flat roofs and palm trees against a cloudy sky in Santorini.

Bella and Alex got ready separately on the morning of the wedding. Because of the geography and parking situation, covering both wasn’t really possible by myself. Alex, like most grooms wasn't overly fussed about getting his bit covered anyway, so I spent the morning with Bella and her family at a beautiful complex they'd rented (Ducato Wine Village in Megalachori).


Bella did her own hair and makeup, with a little help from Betty at Image Salon in Ipswich for lash extensions and brows, and EM Skin & Beauty Clinic for her nails before travelling out.

She worse a ridiculously elegant dress by Wendy Makin, purchased from Lavender & Jude, paired with shoes from Minuit Sur Terre.

A turquoise swimming pool surrounded by lush green foliage and a white building in a tranquil backyard setting.
Black and white photograph showing through an arched doorway with a man sitting in a courtyard n the distance by a pool.
Arial view of beauty products scattered across the floor with a destination bride getting ready for her Santorini wedding.
A Santorini bride gets ready for her dissemination wedding viewed through two of her party also getting ready.
A bride is assisted into her dress in readiness for her Santorini destination wedding.

Once Alex was ready, he popped by for a first look, which you don’t actually see that often at British weddings as it’s more of an American tradition, but when it happens it’s always very sweet.


They had a little extra time before they had to leave, so they practised their first dance together for a few minutes while I watched from a balcony having snuck off to give them some space.

A black and white photograph shows a groom standing alone in a Santorini doorway, creating a silhouetted figure against the light.
A groom smiles warmly at his bride at their Santorini wedding.
A bride in an off-shoulder white dress smiles warmly at her groom at their Santorini wedding.
A Santorini destination wedding couple practice dancing in a courtyard viewed from above.
A black and white photograph shows a wedding guest sitting on a chair in a courtyard putting on his shoes viewed through an arched doorway.
Three members of a destination wedding prepare to leave their apartment complex in Santorini.

From Bella’s accommodation it was a short walk around the corner to the venue. Although in 35-degree heat, while carrying a camera bag full of gear, even a short walk becomes what can only be described as 'an experience'. I arrived somewhat more moist than when I left, but gratefully, not unsociably so.


The venue itself (El Viento, Megalachori) was absolutely stunning - an old windmill overlooking the caldera with hands-down, the most dramatic ceremony views I’ve ever photographed. If you’re planning a Santorini destination wedding, this was an excellent choice.


The bay below is actually the crater from a huge volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, so the entire ceremony backdrop was this vast, sweeping curve of sea, cliffs and islands with boats passing slowly through the middle of it.

El Viento Santorini wedding setup viewed through stone entrance.
White curtains wrapped round a wooden frame blow in the breeze against a backdrop of Santorini caldera.

Because of the fairly aggressive sun, Alex & Bella thoughtfully provided little paper parasols for the guests. Regrettably, not something I was able to carry around in addition to my cameras, so my increasingly sizeable bald spot took the brunt of the sun's fury. Several of the guests almost immediately managed to turn their parasols inside out and had to be rescued by venue staff, which I found quietly entertaining.


White wooden chairs in sun with white parasols laid on the seats.
A black and white photo of wedding guests in Santorini having a cheerful conversation.
A group of wedding guests at El Viento Santorini are seated at an outdoor wedding holding parasols.
A view over the shoulder of a destination wedding celebrant of the guests assembled on chairs with parasols at El Viento in Santorini.
A groomsman at a destination wedding in Santorini makes his entrance to El Viento.
A groomsman at a destination wedding in Santorini attends to the groom.

The ceremony began with a floral entrance courtesy of one of Alex’s groomsmen and Alex’s sister, flamboyantly producing petals from their pockets and scattering them everywhere whilst dancing their way down the aisle.

A Santorini bride with a veil viewed between bridesmaids looks excited before her destination wedding.
Outdoor destination wedding ceremony with guests standing as the bride enters El Viento in Santorini.
An outdoor destination wedding in Santorini as the couple face each other that the alter and sky as a backdrop.
Wedding guests gather at a scenic coastal Santorini venue with stone walls and ocean views during a sunset celebration.
Black and white photo of people gathered outdoors on a terrace with guests holding parasols.

The ceremony itself was led beautifully by Kosta Savva, with flowers by Bloom de Fleur, Santorini framing the ceremony space.


Alex and Bella included a sand pouring - two different coloured sands combined together into one jar as a symbol of their lives coming together - which was a first for me although I know it's becoming more popular back home and something that even the Suffolk Registry Service now offers as an add-on.

Low angle view of an outdoor destination wedding in Santorini as the couple face each other that the alter and sky as a backdrop.
A view of a couple pouring sand into a jar at a destination wedding in Santorini viewed through a gap between guests.
A couple kiss at their destination wedding ceremony at Santorini while their guests applaud.
A black and white photo of an outdoor Santorini wedding ceremony with chairs and guests gathered on a sunny day at El Viento

Then came confetti up the aisle on exit, which often feels far more natural than lining everyone up outside the venue. As a documentary wedding photographer, I’ve occasionally noticed slightly awkward choreography of the couple slipping back inside after having exited the ceremony space, so they can then re-emerge for the confetti moment. It can feel a little contrived, so this was a nice touch and simplified things a lot.

A wedding guests wearing a coral lace dress holding confetti in her hand sitting on a white wooden chair.
A panoramic wedding ceremony at El Viento showing guests gathered on a scenic seaside terrace at Santorini.
Destination wedding couple exiting Santorini ceremony at El Viento while guests throw confetti.
Black and white photo of wedding couple kissing at destination wedding ceremony with guests in the background applauding.
Wedding guests seated in white crossback chairs react joyfully during an outdoor destination wedding ceremony with stone wall backdrop.

The drinks reception that followed was lovely, although with the sun still fairly enthusiastic most people could be found happily congregating in the patches of shade scattered around the venue, drinks in hand and parasols doing their best.

Santorini wedding guests assorted in groups at El Viento Wedding.
Two wedding guests at El Viento smile with parasols along a stone wall on a bright sunny day in Santorini.
Wedding guests enjoying drinks and conversation at an outdoor destination wedding on a sunny day in Santorini.
Group of Santorini wedding guests enjoying drinks and conversation outdoors on a sunny afternoon at El Viento.

Dinner was held on a long banquet table on the terrace below the ceremony space overlooking the caldera. I’m not exaggerating when I say the setting was absolutely ridiculous. Pictures do not do quite convey the atmosphere.

As the sun began to set the light softened, the air cooled slightly, and the whole place actually glowed. Alex & Bella nipped down ahead of everyone to get a peek at the setup, then slipped off for a few minutes to themselves while everyone took their seats.


Catering was from PetranArt Catering Company, who produced an incredible Greek feast, plus some cupcakes and a cookie tower for later on. The wedding favours were tiny velvet pouches containing little pieces of jewellery, cufflinks, and tie clips - a lovely personal touch for the guests.

Wide view of El Viento terrace in Santorini caldera at sunset.
A black and white photo sequence shows a Santorini couple walking together alongside a banqueting table at their destination wedding.
A Mediterranean bowl of food topped with feta cheese, tomatoes, and fresh herbs served on a rustic wooden table.
Guests at destination wedding walking down white stone steps at El Viento overlooking a scenic coastal view with blue Santorini waters.
El Viento Santorini couple waving at guests over balcony at destination wedding.
Silhouettes of Santorini wedding guests waving
Santorini wedding guests welcome the bride and groom down the stairs at El Viento.
Santorini wedding guest looks at wedding favour bracelet.
Black and white over-shoulder image of Santorini wedding guest helps other guest put on a bracelet.
White El Viento windmills and buildings perched on rocky cliffs overlooking the sea at sunset in Santorini, Greece.

During dinner I briefly ran off around the hillside to grab a wide photograph of the entire venue. It seemed like a brilliant idea at the time but unfortunately by the time I got back, my plate had been cleared away, so that’s on me. I maintain it was worth it though and I was force-fed more than my fair share of cake and cookies later on when a few people realised what had happened.


The speeches were brilliant - funny, heartfelt, and occasionally deeply emotional.. Alex’s dad also surprised everyone by performing an impressively powerful solo, which was genuinely beautiful and resulted in yet more tears around the table. By this point the sun had fully started to set and the light was absolutely spectacular.

A man singing into a microphone at El Viento against a rustic stone wall backdrop.
Black and white photograph of a wedding singer at El Viento Santorini Destination wedding venue.
A bride dabs tears with a napkin between two guests at a Santorini wedding.
People seated in rows of white chairs attend an outdoor Santorini wedding against a stone wall backdrop.
A destination wedding party enjoys an outdoor wedding speech at sunset while someone captures the moment on their phone.
Guests listening to speeches at a Santorini destination wedding. at sunset with caldera views behind them.
Guests laughing at a table at a Santorini destination wedding at sunset.
A black and white photo of a Santorini groom and a bridesmaid embracing in front of a stone wall at El Viento.

Before the evening celebrations began, Alex and Bella slipped back up to the ceremony space for a few quiet minutes together and I grabbed a few photos of just the two of them. As usual for me: no posing - just them spending time together while the last of the Santorini daylight faded over the sea. I got what I needed without directing them and just quietly followed them around.

A destination wedding couple walks hand in hand at sunset at El Viento Santorini, Greece.
A destination wedding couple walks hand in hand at sunset overlooking a coastal view in Santorini, Greece.
A couple stands on a balcony at El Viento, Santorini at sunset with caldera views behind them.
A couple shares an intimate moment during their outdoor destination wedding at sunset in Santorini.
Destination wedding couple embraces in soft light at El Viento, Santorini with elegant white bouquet of flowers and matching attire.
Close up view of destination wedding couple embrace at their Santorini wedding at sunset.
A couple in wedding attire stand on a stone terrace overlooking a sunset ocean view in Santorini, Greece.
A destination wedding couple overlooking a cliffside ocean view during sunset in Santorini, Greece.
Santorini Wedding guests enjoying a beautiful sunset over the Megalachori Calderea at El Viento.

Meanwhile, the terrace below was being readied for the evening party with fairy lights provided by Multimedia Market E.E.. Music for the evening came from the same team, and the party continued well into the night.

Santorini Destination wedding guests dance and socialise at an outdoor reception during sunset with stone walls at El Viento.
Guests gather at an elegant Santorini destination wedding overlooking megalachori caldera at El Viento.
Destination wedding reception venue decorated with twinkling string lights and candles on El Viento veranda in Santorini.
Destination wedding guests around a long table with scenic Santorini views at sunset.
Arial view of an outdoor Santorini evening wedding reception at El Viento overlooking megalachori caldera.
People gather at an outdoor Santorini evening wedding reception under twinkling string lights at El Viento.
Black and white image of Santorini destination wedding bride dancing which conveys motion.

This was easily one of my favourite weddings of the year. Distinctive, emotional, full of personality, and set in hands-down the most beautiful place I’ve ever photographed a wedding.

Most importantly though, Alex and Bella - along with their friends and family - were truly excellent examples of humanity. I often think about how fortunate I am with the couples who choose me; they’re usually fairly like-minded people from similar walks of life, which means I tend to fit right in without really trying.

Occasionally though, as with this wedding, people go out of their way to make me feel genuinely welcomed and part of the day rather than just staff they get along with.


I was thousands of miles away from my wife and children, yet here I was with a group of people - several of whom actually live within walking distance of me back home - and everyone, right down to the guests, made a point of really looking after me.


I don't consider myself a destination wedding photographer (although I do travel), but I am very keen to photograph more destination weddings in the future. It certainly wasn’t without its stresses and complications, but it was far more rewarding and magical than I’d expected, and I can’t wait for the next foreign adventure.


Preferably with slightly better sun-cream application next time. I definitely learned that lesson.

Vendors

Venue: El Viento, Megalochori, Santorini

Accommodation: Ducato Wine Village, Megalachori

Ceremony Officiant: Kosta Savva – Destination Wedding Celebrant

Flowers: Bloom de Fleur Santorini

Catering & Cake: PetranArt Catering Company

Music & Lighting; Multimedia Market E.E., Karterados, Santorini

Dress Designer: Wendy Makin

Bridal Boutique: Lavender & Jude, Southwold

Shoes: Minuit Sur Terre

Hair & Makeup: DIY

Pre-Wedding Beauty: Image Salon, Ipswich – Lashes & Brows, EM Skin & Beauty Clinic – Nails

Content Creator: Seen Social Weddings

Suits: SuitSupply, Hugo Boss, Moss Bros