The Formula for the Perfect Beach Wedding in Greece

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[field title=”The Inspiration”]Inspiration Behind the Shoot

George Liopetas shares:
During my stay in New York and Tokyo last February, a unique idea took shape in my mind. I frequently encountered stunning beach photoshoots in magazines and online, but I realized that I had never seen a beach session from my own hometown go viral. Having organized successful workshops in Tuscany, Como, and Athens, I thought, “Why shouldn’t I organize a workshop in my hometown of Patras and the Western Greece region?”

I am a guy who loves summer. Summer is on my mind all the time. I love the colors of summer and the colors of Greece – the iconic white and blue. Most of all, I love the Greek water, the sandy beaches, and the Greek meaning of life. Inspired by these passions, I wanted to organize something that combined a wedding editorial with all the beauty mentioned above. I envisioned a wedding literally by the beach, with tables set right on the sea, creating a seamless blend of nature and celebration.

Western Greece is a region brimming with breathtaking beaches and natural beauty. Inspired by this, we set out to find the most picturesque beach in Western Greece, and that’s where we decided to host our main wedding editorial. This endeavor not only showcased the unparalleled beauty of Western Greece but also allowed us to bring a fresh and local perspective to beach wedding editorials. The result was a captivating blend of local charm and global inspiration.'[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Regarding the wedding colors, we wanted something simple. We are in a neutral environment like a sandy beach. The setup is going to get a little crazy – if you think we are going to use our tables INTO the seascape. So we decided to blend neutral tones and some light greenery to make some setups GET OUT of the sand! For instance our ceremony set up.[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]Location: The Stunning Beaches of Western Greece

To the south, along the Kyparissiakos Gulf, stretches over 45 kilometers of exotic beach known as Kakovatos. This beautiful expanse begins at Epitalio village and extends to Kalo Nero village, encompassing a unique ecosystem that includes the Caiaphas lake, the pine forest of Strofilia, and the historic Lapitha mountain.

In previous years, Kakovatos Beach, along with Kato Samiko, Zacharo village, and Giannitsochori village, was famous for its waves and the surfers who flocked there. These beaches were once vibrant with beach parties and loud music. Today, Kakovatos has transformed into a tranquil haven, with just one remaining canteen located next to “Mouries,” the oldest tavern in the area. This spot now offers coffee and refreshments accompanied by soft music.

Nikos Korovesis, the vice regional governor of Ilia, embodies this change. “You will come to our area for our marvelous beach, fresh fish, and good homemade food with fresh local ingredients and a relaxing family vacation,” he explains. The beach offers free umbrellas and loungers to customers, and free camping is available to the left and right of the beach.

The village caters to various tastes: from Greek music clubs to cafes and bars playing jazz-lounge music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while relaxing with a drink.

Before leaving the coast of Ilia, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Katakolon village. Though lacking in tourist facilities, it boasts a picturesque harbor, a beautiful blue-water beach perfect for swimming, and excellent fish restaurants.

From George Liopetas: “If it wasn’t for the Vice Governor of Ilia, Mr. Nikos Korovesis, this wedding editorial would not have been possible. I would like to publicly thank him for his tremendous contribution to the production of this project.”[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Our wedding editorial, conducted during my latest wedding photography workshop in Patras, featured the exquisite designs of Dimitra Antonea, owner and founder of MADE BRIDE. Dimitra Antonea is a visionary designer whose tailor-made wedding gowns transport brides into a real-life fairy tale. As one of Greece’s most talented designers, Dimitra’s creations are now sought after worldwide, with MADE BRIDE gaining international acclaim.

For this editorial, MADE BRIDE by Dimitra Antonea provided two stunning designs. The first, from the latest collection “Imaginary Yarn,” is a showstopper. This body-conscious gown features a fitted décolletage and a “belly cut,” crafted entirely from off-white silk tulle with circular motifs. The gown is adorned with puffy sleeves and 3D flowers with marabou feathers on the shoulders, adding a touch of ethereal elegance.

The second look is from MADE BRIDE’s “Charisma” collection. This lingerie-inspired dress is designed for the confident, self-aware bride. It boasts a slightly voluminous skirt with a unique floral lace pattern of tiny 3D tulle motifs in a peach shade, accented with shiny beads forming intricate branches across the multiple tulle layers. This versatile gown can be styled with spaghetti straps or long tulle sleeves and features a thin shiny leather belt that cinches the waist, adding an extra twist of sophistication.

With these breathtaking designs, Dimitra Antonea of MADE BRIDE continues to elevate bridal fashion, making dreams come true for brides around the globe.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Giorgos Nikolakopoulos’s dedication to detail and his ability to capture the essence of coastal Greece through floral design elevated our editorial to new heights. His creation was more than decor; it was a testament to the harmony between natural elements and artistic vision, embodying the very spirit of our ‘Summer Dream by the Beach'[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]One of the standout features of our editorial was the meticulously crafted tabletop designed by Giorgos Nikolakopoulos, the visionary head florist of Natural Flower Workshop. His creation was nothing short of magical—a stunning sand-styled masterpiece that transported our guests to the very essence of a beachside celebration.

As you gaze upon the tabletop, you’re immediately captivated by its intricate details and lifelike textures. Each element meticulously placed, evoking the natural beauty of sandy shores bathed in sunlight. Giorgos’s artistry brought forth a sense of serene coastal elegance, seamlessly blending with the azure backdrop of the Kyparissiakos Gulf.

Every grain of sand delicately positioned, every shell and driftwood accent thoughtfully chosen—it all contributed to an ambiance that whispered of sun-drenched days and salty sea breezes. The tabletop became a focal point, not just for its visual appeal, but for the emotive connection it forged with our seaside setting.[/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”][/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”]As the organizer of this workshop, DIY moments were woven into every aspect of our editorial, reflecting both the challenges and the personal touches that made this project truly special. From scouting the perfect location to handling logistics and calling in favors from dear friends, the journey was a labor of love and dedication, fueled by passion for perfection.

Two memorable anecdotes come to mind:

Firstly, the rustic wooden benches used for the wedding ceremony were sourced from La Bodegueta beer house, a beloved establishment in Patras, Greece. My connection with this place runs deep—from being a loyal patron to eventually working as a bartender there for over five years. Despite the years that have passed, our bond remains strong, and when they offered their support, I gladly accepted their gesture. The benches not only added charm but also carried a sentimental thread that resonated throughout our seaside celebration.

Secondly, our shoot location at Kakovatos beach, nearly two hours from Patras city center, posed logistical challenges, especially for our makeup artist, Vasiliki Zorba, and hair expert, Koralia. With their base in Patras, ensuring our models arrived pristine and styled required meticulous planning. This responsibility fell to Nikolia Kamperou, my cherished girlfriend—a seasoned professional in both fashion and fine jewelry. Nikolia devoted herself to Vasileia, our bride model, providing unwavering support and impeccable styling throughout the shoot.

Another charming DIY touch that added flair to our photoshoot was the vintage turquoise Vespa that stole the show. This iconic scooter belongs to my good friend and talented car mechanic, Nick Kosmas. Our friendship goes way back, and it was in 2022 that Nick entrusted me to photograph his wedding—a role I took on with immense pride, capturing timeless memories for him and his bride.

During their pre-wedding session, Nick brought out a few gems from his impressive collection, including a classic Volkswagen T2 and the stunning vintage turquoise Vespa that immediately captured my heart. Little did I know that a few years down the line, I would find myself asking Nick if I could borrow that very Vespa for our editorial shoot.

Nick’s generosity and our shared passion for craftsmanship and aesthetics turned this Vespa into more than just a prop—it became a symbol of friendship and shared memories. Its vibrant color and timeless design perfectly complemented our seaside theme, adding an authentic touch of vintage elegance to the photographs.

This Vespa, with its storied history and personal connection, epitomizes the spirit of DIY collaboration and the meaningful relationships that enrich every project I undertake. It’s moments like these that make each editorial not just a showcase of artistry, but a celebration of friendship and shared passions.

These stories embody the spirit of collaboration and dedication that defined our workshop. Each DIY moment was a testament to the creativity and resilience of our team, turning challenges into opportunities to create something truly extraordinary.[/field]
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