Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Travel
  4. Destination Weddings
  5. A Colorful, Intimate Wedding in Greece Overlooking the Aegean Sea
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Colorful, Intimate Wedding in Greece Overlooking the Aegean Sea

By Blythe Copeland March 27, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Natasja and Rob wedding couple
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

This couple combined pastel colors and bright accents with creative florals and unforgettable views for a picture-perfect day.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
Natasja and Rob wedding couple
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

While studying to be an OB-GYN in London in 2007, Natasja met one of the new neighbors in her apartment building: Rob, who had just moved to the city for his job. "We became friends, and slowly more," says Natasja, and nearly a decade later Rob proposed on a trip to Finland. "I had surprised Rob with a trip to see the Northern Lights for his 30th birthday," says Natasja. "Unbeknownst to me, he had also planned a surprise to rival mine. He got down on one knee in -20 degree Celsius conditions, while carefully avoiding dropping the ring in the snow! It was completely unexpected, but entirely wonderful."

The couple had stayed at Fanari Villas in Santorini, Greece, on a trip years before getting engaged and joked about tying the knot there, so when they began making official wedding plans, they knew where to start. "Our family and friends are all spread far and wide across the world, and we knew that travel would always be a part of any wedding we planned," says Natasja. "It's a beautiful venue with unparalleled views and warm, accommodating staff, as well as a restaurant with delicious food."

Nearly a year later, Natasja and Rob exchanged vows in front of just 30 guests—who flew in from eight different countries—on a terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea. They treated their loved ones to a welcome dinner the night before and a private sailboat charter the morning after the wedding, allowing themselves plenty of time to celebrate with their guests. "All three days were unforgettable," says Natasja, "and filled with lighthearted fun and laughter."

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

View Master

Natasja and Rob wedding greece
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

The couple worked with Tie the Knot Santorini to create an event that was "botanical, natural, and elegant. We wanted something that would match harmoniously with the Santorini architecture and vistas," says Natasja, adding that much of the décor revolved around her favorite color and flower: lavender.

"The Mediterranean theme developed naturally as we wanted to reflect the ceremony's breathtaking location overlooking the Aegean Sea, while naturally complementing the glorious architecture," she adds.

  • Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

2 of 20

3 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dressed with Success

Natasja and Rob wedding bride getting ready dress
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

On her second shopping trip to a local bridal boutique, Natasja came across a beaded fit-and-flare Hayley Paige wedding dress with spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline. "I loved the intricate yet subtle pattern in the fabric as well as the fitted form," says Natasja. But a few weeks before the wedding, she received some upsetting news: "We were informed that the bridal store had gone out of business without paying the dressmakers—a nightmare!" says Natasja. "Thankfully, disaster was averted with a bit of luck, some quick thinking by my now-husband, and the assistance of the designer."

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Perfect Pair

Natasja and Rob wedding bride sparkly shoes
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Natasja added floral drop earrings from Daisy Jewellery and party-ready glittering purple heels from Jimmy Choo. "I love color, and I knew I didn't want to have white shoes!" she says.

  • 25 Nontraditional Wedding Shoe Ideas from Stylish Brides

4 of 20

5 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beauty in Bloom

Natasja and Rob wedding bride bouquet
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Her bouquet pulled together all the shades of the color palette with blooms and foliage in a variety of shapes and shades. "I asked for a mix of pastel colors: peaches, purples, and blues," says Natasja. "I couldn't be happier with what Betty Flowers created. The bouquet included different roses, wildflowers, thistle, and lavender itself—absolutely gorgeous."

5 of 20

6 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Their First Look

Natasja and Rob wedding first look couple
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Natasja and Rob met for their first look outside a small chapel with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding cliffs. "The first look was magical," says Natasja. "After preparing so much over the preceding year, we were now back together and ready to take on the day—and our unfolding journey of marriage—as a strong partnership. All anxiety disappeared and we focused on remembering every detail of the unfolding celebrations. Rob shed a tear!"

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lots of Style

Natasja and Rob wedding couple kiss
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

In honor of Natasja's Belgian roots, Rob chose a gray-and-blue patterned suit from Scabal with a personal touch: He had the couple's wedding date embroidered under the collar of his jacket.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Frame of Reference

Natasja and Rob wedding ceremony setup
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

A trio of wooden rectangles covered in creeping arrangements of foliage and flowers created a focal point for the couple's ceremony. "We were keen to have an alternative shape to the altar," says Natasja. "The wooden frames were a wonderful mix of natural, elegant, and yet very modern looking. This combined with the lemon trees lining the aisle contributed to a unique and beautiful setting."

  • 35 Altar and Aisle Decorations We Love

8 of 20

9 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Party Fair

natasja rob wedding ceremony processional bridesmaid
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

The couple suggested a comfortable, casual dress code for their guests, and gave their bridal party the same directions. "With family and friends from different countries—Belgium, the U.K.,  the Netherlands, the United States, and Singapore—it would have been impossible to meet up and align fully, but the differing styles ended up matching well," says Natasja. Rob's groomsmen wore gray suits with ties that mirrored his, while his two groomswomen wore blue-gray dresses. Each of Natasja's bridesmaids carried a single blue hydrangea in lieu of a full bouquet.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Saying "I Do"

Natasja and Rob wedding ceremony couple
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Natasja's father walked her down the aisle to meet Rob for the couple's ceremony, which included a blessing from the groom's mother. "We wrote our own vows, and tried to be simple, complicated, and heartfelt," says Natasja, "reflecting both our personalities, sharing what we find most meaningful about each other and our relationship."

10 of 20

11 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Newlyweds

Natasja and Rob wedding ceremony recessional
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Guests showered the newlyweds in petals as they left the altar. "Despite being a small wedding, our guests flew into Santorini from eight different countries to be with us," says Natasja. "We have both lived in different countries and have friends all over the world, and we were so touched that so many of them were able to be with us."

11 of 20

12 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Private Moment

Natasja and Rob wedding couple
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

After saying hello to their guests at the cocktail hour, Natasja and Rob snuck away for a few newlywed portraits at the venue. "Your wedding day belongs to you as a couple, and it should be filled with elements that bring joy to you both," says Natasja. "If you surround yourself with people who love and support you, there will be nothing to do on the day itself but relax, smile, and take it all in."

  • Married Couples Share Their Most Surprising Pieces of Advice for Newlyweds

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dinner Al Fresco

Natasja and Rob wedding dinner tables
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Guests sat at wooden tables draped with gauzy runners in pastel shades. The open space offered endless views of the sunset—one of the couple's favorite parts of the day. "Catching our family and friends admiring the sunset with smiles on their faces was a true highlight," says Natasja. "The delight of our guests merged perfectly with the elegance of the wedding styling and the beauty of the natural world."

13 of 20

14 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rainbow Brights

Natasja and Rob wedding table centerpieces
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Vibrant green foliage set off brightly-colored flowers in shades of purple, peach, yellow, and blue, and coordinated with rainbow glassware at the place settings. "We both love nature and greenery in particular, and I am a big fan of color!" says Natasja, who also included kumquats in the table design.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon Aid

Natasja and Rob wedding place settings
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Each place setting included a draped, printed menu secured between a white plate and a glass charger. Lemons held guests' place cards, while purple-and-white striped napkins added a lively accent.

  • 33 Pretty and Unexpected Wedding Menu Ideas

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

On the Menu

Natasja and Rob wedding food shrimp
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

The location's on-site restaurant provided a menu of sautéed shrimp with mint butter in orange sauce; Santorinian tomato salad; and an entrée choice of lamb confit marinated in rosemary and ginger or cod filet with sepia ink tagliatelle.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Au Naturale

Natasja and Rob wedding cake
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Alexandra's Cakes provided a naked lemon layer cake. "We wanted something understated but delicious," says Natasja, "reflecting the natural world in its decoration. I'm a keen amateur baker, and neither of us are big fans of fondant, so a cake that focused on taste was very important."

17 of 20

18 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

So Sweet

Natasja and Rob wedding donuts
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Natasja and Rob also offered a display of colorful frosted donuts and plates of rich chocolate brownies as part of their dessert menu.

  • 23 Delicious Ways to Serve Donuts at Your Wedding

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

All Smiles

Natasja and Rob wedding dancing with sparklers
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

For their first dance, the newlyweds chose "Your Smiling Face" by James Taylor. "Rob has said that my smile is one of the things that he loves most about me and that the lyrics represent his feelings," says Natasja. "It's also just a beautiful, happy, upbeat song that brings us both joy!"

19 of 20

20 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

Natasja and Rob wedding couple in front of door
Credit: Elias Kordelakos

Photography, Elias Kordelakos 
Venue and Catering, Fanari Villas
Event Planning, Coordination, Design, and Styling, Tie the Knot Santorini  
Flowers, Betty Flowers
Videography, Alex Stabasopoulos
Officiant, John Kavallaris
Stationery, Chibi Joey (invitation); Joanne Raptis (invitation cartoon); Bright White (menus)
Cake, Alexandra's Cakes 
Bride's Gown, Hayley Paige  
Bride's Accessories, Grace Loves Lace veil; Daisy earrings; Jimmy Choo shoes
Hair, Marianna Nomikou  
Makeup, Renia Bledaki 
Groom's Suit, Scabal
Groom's Shoes, Crockett & Jones
Rings, Ingle & Rhode 
Music, Multimedia Events in Santorini (DJ, sound, and light); Fos Productions (live music)
Rentals, Weddings & Whimsy, Spicy Bites Catering, Mario Catering

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Blythe Copeland

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    • Dinner and a Show: This 3-Day Wedding in France Ended With an Epic String Concert
    • 15 City Hall Wedding Dresses and Jumpsuits for Your Courthouse Ceremony
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20
    2 of 20 View Master
    3 of 20 Dressed with Success
    4 of 20 A Perfect Pair
    5 of 20 Beauty in Bloom
    6 of 20 Their First Look
    7 of 20 Lots of Style
    8 of 20 Frame of Reference
    9 of 20 Party Fair
    10 of 20 Saying "I Do"
    11 of 20 The Newlyweds
    12 of 20 A Private Moment
    13 of 20 Dinner Al Fresco
    14 of 20 Rainbow Brights
    15 of 20 Lemon Aid
    16 of 20 On the Menu
    17 of 20 Au Naturale
    18 of 20 So Sweet
    19 of 20 All Smiles
    20 of 20 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    A Colorful, Intimate Wedding in Greece Overlooking the Aegean Sea
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.