The Free-Spirited Wedding of Julia and Leopold, on Anafi Island
The small island of Anafi, a hidden gem in the Cyclades, was the perfect setting for Julia and Leopold’s wedding. Their three-day ceremony was breathtaking, carried by the wind and the spirit of a place they had cherished for years. For Julia, an artist at heart, Anafi held deep meaning because of its art festival and the summers she spent together there with Leopold.
Coming by boat from Athens, with a quick stop in Santorini, everyone arrived eager to start the day. The locals, known for their warmth, welcomed them with open arms, generously sharing their hospitality. We were all truly grateful to be cared for so passionately.
The night before the wedding, they gathered for a cozy dinner in a traditional Greek taverna. Local lamb, fish from the Aegean Sea, accompanied by ouzo and souma (Greek vodka!), dolmadakia, and orange cake were presented to the guests, inviting them to savor the flavors of Greece in good company. The evening felt truly special with people bonding together over delicious food and heartfelt conversations, while a live Greek band played Cycladic music, setting the stage before the DJ took over the booth.
Early the next morning, all the guests set out on a hike to witness the first light of day. La fete had arranged all the shuttles perfectly on time, allowing everyone to simply relax and enjoy the ride. It was a meaningful moment before the festivities began. How lovely it was to enjoy the beauty of the island together with family and friends, sharing a calm and simple experience before the celebration kicked off. The rising sun was the perfect beginning to their new chapter in life!
Later that day, the ceremony itself was symbolic - no church, no formalities, just the vastness of nature surrounding them. They married under the open sky, on a gentle hill, where the natural beauty of the island set the stage for their intimate celebration. It was a simple, genuine moment, with nothing extra. Just the two of them, surrounded by their loved ones, exchanging vows in a way that felt true to them. A local donkey brought the wedding rings, and at the end of the ceremony, a traditional Anafi bread with saffron (hand-harvested from the island's mountains) was shared among the guests. Each guest received a piece as a symbol of union and a reminder of the sacred vows witnessed.
The dinner party was held in the main square of Anafi, where a local taverna prepared dishes on-site using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The charming taverna-style tables and chairs were generously donated by the municipality, while the school of Anafi took care of the printings and stationery. A premium cocktail bar was set up by Barflies, and the DJ kept the music flowing until the early morning.
The decoration was simple and natural, with a palette of soft colors, complemented by grapes and figs. Additionally, the wine was carefully selected from Greek producers with the guidance of Wine is Fine. For the wedding cake, a local favorite—Portokalopita, a delicious orange-flavored cake—was chosen to sweeten the celebration.
A heartfelt thank you to Julia and Leopold for allowing us to be part of such abeautiful celebration. Your love was a gift for all of us to feel. May you both be blessed with a lifetime of happiness.
