Jeff and Georgia had spent two unforgettable years meticulously planning their dream wedding on the picturesque island of Crete. Traveling from LA with family and friends, they knew finding the perfect venue was key to bringing their vision to life. With around 100 guests flying in from the States and Europe, they chose the stunning Roxani Estate as their celebration backdrop.
On the momentous day in mid-September 2024, all seemed to be falling perfectly into place… until an unexpected rainstorm suddenly descended upon the venue, despite the earlier clear forecast. And we were hit with a torrential downpour that lasted for almost three hours.
* It’s important to acknowledge that our climate is changing and we may experience unexpected weather patterns, such as rain in summer instead of during the traditional winter months. Even though we always check the weather forecast a few days before our event, it’s crucial that we prioritize venues that have a backup plan in place in case of any unforeseen weather disasters. Your safety and comfort are our top priority, and having a plan B ensures that we can still deliver a successful event no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.
We were faced with a difficult decision: should we move the wedding to another venue, reschedule, or stick to the plan and hope for the best? After discussing it with the vendors, we decided to trust the weather forecast and wait. It was a stressful moment, but we simply didn’t want to lose the beauty of the venue. We postponed the start of the ceremony by an hour and a half, hoping the skies would clear.
It was the right call — the Greek Gods were favorable to us. After receiving reassurance from the airport that the rainfall would be brief, everyone clung to the hope that it was merely a temporary setback. With just under an hour to go, our dedicated team sprang into action. Swiftly, we arranged for tents to be set up over the DJ booth and lounge area as a precautionary measure, rushed to reset the tables and decor, and collaborated closely with each vendor to ensure a seamless and timely setup. Thankfully, the well-thought-out lawn drainage at Roxani Estate proved to be a saving grace, keeping the grass dry amidst the unexpected weather challenge.
Thanks to the amazing teamwork, the wedding faced a minor delay of 1.5 hours. When the skies finally cleared, Jeff and Georgia’s celebration unfolded just as they had envisioned – filled with happiness, laughter, and cherished memories for everyone involved. In a world where unpredictable weather is on the rise, being adaptable is key.
When the rain finally stopped, we were able to begin the celebration at last. With breathtaking views of the Cretan mountains and no compromises made, it turned into the perfect day, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Meet Georgia and Jeff!
Georgia and Jeff are both doctors from LA, California, busy with their careers, with Jeff being a surgeon who fights cancer. Due to their demanding jobs, they entrusted us with every detail of their wedding planning. Their trust meant the world to us, and we made sure to give them the peace of mind they deserved.
For Georgia, the idea of a Greek wedding held deep significance — her mother and part of her family are from Cyprus, so Greek traditions weren’t just a nice idea, they were a heartfelt part of her identity.
We wanted to incorporate some beautiful Greek customs into Georgia and Jeff’s wedding day in Crete, like the enchanting Cretan bridal procession with the magical madintha (aka the wedding song), lovely koufettas – those classic Greek guest favors of sugar-coated almonds, and of course the lively Greek dancers. It truly added a special touch to this special day.
One of the bigger decisions Georgia faced was choosing the color palette. After much thought, she chose blue and green — a beautiful nod to the natural surroundings of Crete.
According to Wikipedia, a signature drink is a unique and original beverage that reflects the personality or vibe of the person or place creating it. We absolutely adore it when couples have their own signature cocktails. Not only is it a fun way to showcase your preferences (even if you have a full bar), but it’s also a fantastic way to welcome guests at the start of the celebration.
While having personalized signature wedding drinks at your wedding isn’t required, it can be a meaningful way to make your special day uniquely yours. These customized cocktails go beyond just being delicious beverages; they allow you to showcase your style and interests through the ingredients, presentation, and names chosen. For your guests, these drinks offer a glimpse into your relationship as a couple and what makes you two tick.
Georgia and Jeff knew right away that their signature drinks would be the Penicillin and Watermelon Margarita. The cocktail hour was a smooth transition to the Traditional Cretan dance show and master-class for the guests.
More about this beautiful day…
Photos by Christos Manioros