Back to Villas and estate weddings

A Mamma Mia inspired destination wedding in Crete: Bougainvillea from beach ceremony to Markakis Estate Irene & Kjell-Hakon

Set between two breathtaking locations in Crete, the destination wedding of Irene and Kjell- Hakon combined the beauty of a golden sand beach with the timeless charm of Markakis Estate, nestled among the Cretan mountains. Together, these locations created a magical journey from sunlight ceremony to an intimate evening celebration.

Inspired by the effortless romance of a Mamma Mia escape, the aesthetic embraced vibrant bougainvillea, airy blue accents, and textures drawn from the natural beauty of the island. With the sea stretching endlessly behind them, the couple tied the knot on the golden sand, surrounded by the people who mean the most to them. It was a moment filled with emotion, laughter, and the quiet magic that only the Mediterranean can create.

As the sun slipped behind the mountains, the celebration moved to Markakis Estate for a deeply intimate and heartfelt reception.Minimal architecture blended gracefully with the authentic charm of a traditional Cretan village- a setting that felt both refined and warmly traditional. Round tables were illuminated by candlelight, vibrant florals spilled effortlessly across the setting, and every carefully curated detail contributed to an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

This wedding was never meant to be defined by décor alone. It was storytelling through design — a thoughtful composition of place, culture, and emotion.

Together with their family and friends, the couple didn’t simply celebrate a wedding day. They lived a collection of magical moments, creating a destination experience in Crete that will remain with them for a lifetime.

More Villas and estate weddings

Bridal prep vs Groom prep — same day, completely different energy ✨🥃
The groom’s room? It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s half-buttoned shirts and inside jokes. It’s “where’s my cufflink?” followed by “tequila? yes please.” It’s brotherhood in its rawest form — ties being tightened by hands that have been there for years. Laughter bouncing off the walls. A little nervous. A lot of hype. Pure momentum building.
The bridal suite? Soft chatter. Thoughtful pauses. The gentle hum of hairdryers and quiet reflections. It’s peaceful, almost melancholic in the most beautiful way. There’s a sense of hearth — of stability — radiating from every corner. Layers of chic transformation unfolding slowly. Lipstick applied like a ritual. A dress lifted with reverence. The room holds memories, not just noise.
Two different worlds. One electric. One grounding. Yang and Yin.
And then — moments before they meet — those opposing forces align. The chaos steadies. The calm ignites. And together, they create something whole.
This is the magic before “I do.” 💍

Planning and concept: @creteforlove
Images: @andreas_markakis

Bridal preparations
Groom preparations
Wedding portraits
Weddings in Crete

Mar 2

Open post by creteforlove with ID 18560345224004377

Bridal prep vs Groom prep — same day, completely different energy ✨🥃
The groom’s room? It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s half-buttoned shirts and inside jokes. It’s “where’s my cufflink?” followed by “tequila? yes please.” It’s brotherhood in its rawest form — ties being tightened by hands that have been there for years. Laughter bouncing off the walls. A little nervous. A lot of hype. Pure momentum building.
The bridal suite? Soft chatter. Thoughtful pauses. The gentle hum of hairdryers and quiet reflections. It’s peaceful, almost melancholic in the most beautiful way. There’s a sense of hearth — of stability — radiating from every corner. Layers of chic transformation unfolding slowly. Lipstick applied like a ritual. A dress lifted with reverence. The room holds memories, not just noise.
Two different worlds. One electric. One grounding. Yang and Yin.
And then — moments before they meet — those opposing forces align. The chaos steadies. The calm ignites. And together, they create something whole.
This is the magic before “I do.” 💍 Planning and concept: @creteforlove
Images: @andreas_markakis Bridal preparations
Groom preparations
Wedding portraits
Weddings in Crete

Styling this wedding at a winery was all about honoring the land — not competing with it.
We drew our palette straight from the earth: terracotta from the sun-warmed rocks, dusty clay tones echoing the harvest, and that unmistakable sunset bougainvillea fuchsia that spills across Cretan walls as the light begins to fade.
As the sun dipped behind the mountain peaks and olive woods of Crete, every color was chosen to catch and hold that golden glow — warm, grounded, and deeply romantic.
Stationery was sketched by hand on textured handmade paper, raw and imperfect in the most beautiful way — like the vineyard itself. Nothing too polished, everything intentional.
At the heart of the celebration stood a thick, heavy wooden dance floor, centrally placed — the soul of the evening. Surrounding it, wide festive tables crafted from warm wood, generous enough to hold the abundance of richly flavored Cretan plates. This was a feast meant to be shared properly — layered dishes, local wines, olive oil catching candlelight.
It wasn’t just décor. It was earth, harvest, sunset, and celebration — woven into one unforgettable winery wedding. 🍷✨

Planning, concept, design: @creteforlove
Photography and drone: @andreas_markakis

Winery weddings in Crete
Wedding styling in Crete
Wedding planner in Crete

Mar 1

Open post by creteforlove with ID 18140791423490573

Styling this wedding at a winery was all about honoring the land — not competing with it.
We drew our palette straight from the earth: terracotta from the sun-warmed rocks, dusty clay tones echoing the harvest, and that unmistakable sunset bougainvillea fuchsia that spills across Cretan walls as the light begins to fade.
As the sun dipped behind the mountain peaks and olive woods of Crete, every color was chosen to catch and hold that golden glow — warm, grounded, and deeply romantic.
Stationery was sketched by hand on textured handmade paper, raw and imperfect in the most beautiful way — like the vineyard itself. Nothing too polished, everything intentional.
At the heart of the celebration stood a thick, heavy wooden dance floor, centrally placed — the soul of the evening. Surrounding it, wide festive tables crafted from warm wood, generous enough to hold the abundance of richly flavored Cretan plates. This was a feast meant to be shared properly — layered dishes, local wines, olive oil catching candlelight.
It wasn’t just décor. It was earth, harvest, sunset, and celebration — woven into one unforgettable winery wedding. 🍷✨ Planning, concept, design: @creteforlove
Photography and drone: @andreas_markakis Winery weddings in Crete
Wedding styling in Crete
Wedding planner in Crete

I love the outdoors. I love Greek Orthodox wedding ceremonies filled with deep religious and spiritual meaning. 🤍
Here in an ancient Greek chapel painted in warm ochra tones, my California couple promised forever. They were married under a gigantic oak tree protecting ancient frescos and years of history — nature standing gently guard over faith and love.
We chose an organic entrance with rough greenery and forest-style dressing, adding traditional Greek candles — lambades — just as in Greek custom. No organized seating, no polished wedding rows. No perfection chasing. We simply played with what nature gave us, embracing the playful shades of this hot July day.
Harmony. Love. Faith.
Not trendy — but comfortable and reassuring. The kind of celebration that feels real, grounded, and timeless.
Real weddings in Crete we are proud to plan and supervise.

Planning, design and concept: @creteforlove
Images: @andreas_markakis

Greek Orthodox wedding in Crete
Greek chapel in Crete
Religious wedding Chania

Feb 28

Open post by creteforlove with ID 17963650044012982

I love the outdoors. I love Greek Orthodox wedding ceremonies filled with deep religious and spiritual meaning. 🤍
Here in an ancient Greek chapel painted in warm ochra tones, my California couple promised forever. They were married under a gigantic oak tree protecting ancient frescos and years of history — nature standing gently guard over faith and love.
We chose an organic entrance with rough greenery and forest-style dressing, adding traditional Greek candles — lambades — just as in Greek custom. No organized seating, no polished wedding rows. No perfection chasing. We simply played with what nature gave us, embracing the playful shades of this hot July day.
Harmony. Love. Faith.
Not trendy — but comfortable and reassuring. The kind of celebration that feels real, grounded, and timeless.
Real weddings in Crete we are proud to plan and supervise.
Planning, design and concept: @creteforlove
Images: @andreas_markakis Greek Orthodox wedding in Crete
Greek chapel in Crete
Religious wedding Chania

A bridal editorial that feels like a dream brought to life — dramatic in presence, yet effortlessly timeless. ✨

Set within a hidden gem among olive groves, where the natural beauty of the venue speaks softly and every corner tells a story, this vision embraces vintage romance and rustic elegance in its most flawless form. From an exotic cactus corner that adds an unexpected touch of character, to the serene white chapel of Saint Nicolas standing gracefully under the Mediterranean sky, every element was thoughtfully curated.

Details blend and never overwhelm — a harmonious composition of textures, light, and emotion. Each vignette reflects what a wedding day shall include: intimacy, intention, and a sense of wonder that lingers long after the vows are spoken.

A celebration of love, style, and storytelling… captured in its most refined and heartfelt expression. 🤍

Curated and planned by: @creteforlove
Filmed by: @eftihismakridis_filmmaker
Photographed by: @andreas_markakis
Location: @markakisestate

#bridalfashion #weddingincrete #customwedding #weddinginspiration #cretevenue

Feb 12

Open post by creteforlove with ID 18091973660015263

A bridal editorial that feels like a dream brought to life — dramatic in presence, yet effortlessly timeless. ✨ Set within a hidden gem among olive groves, where the natural beauty of the venue speaks softly and every corner tells a story, this vision embraces vintage romance and rustic elegance in its most flawless form. From an exotic cactus corner that adds an unexpected touch of character, to the serene white chapel of Saint Nicolas standing gracefully under the Mediterranean sky, every element was thoughtfully curated. Details blend and never overwhelm — a harmonious composition of textures, light, and emotion. Each vignette reflects what a wedding day shall include: intimacy, intention, and a sense of wonder that lingers long after the vows are spoken. A celebration of love, style, and storytelling… captured in its most refined and heartfelt expression. 🤍 Curated and planned by: @creteforlove
Filmed by: @eftihismakridis_filmmaker
Photographed by: @andreas_markakis
Location: @markakisestate #bridalfashion #weddingincrete #customwedding #weddinginspiration #cretevenue

Be and don’t be practical!
If it comes to your wedding vision, do not leave things till the last minute.
Rushed decisions may show to be outdated and miss the modern twist!
Remember, it is 2026!
Good luck everyone ❤️

#weddingtips #weddingplanningadvice #howtodesignyourwedding #weddingsincrete #weddingdecor

Feb 8

Open post by creteforlove with ID 18086988347469676

Be and don’t be practical!
If it comes to your wedding vision, do not leave things till the last minute.
Rushed decisions may show to be outdated and miss the modern twist!
Remember, it is 2026!
Good luck everyone ❤️ #weddingtips #weddingplanningadvice #howtodesignyourwedding #weddingsincrete #weddingdecor

Avoid crowds and hear Your thoughts!

Make sure you know who stands behind your wedding vision!

Assign tasks per profession!

@creteforlove

#weddingplanning #weddingplannertips #keepyourbalance #weddinginspiration #weddingincrete

Feb 6

Open post by creteforlove with ID 17861885736594845

Avoid crowds and hear Your thoughts! Make sure you know who stands behind your wedding vision! Assign tasks per profession! @creteforlove #weddingplanning #weddingplannertips #keepyourbalance #weddinginspiration #weddingincrete

A new series of my 3Bs is here!
I just couldn’t resist to start sharing those with you!
Hope all those free and experience base tips will help you creating a better strategy and I will stop repeating myself 😁
Happy planning is a well planned process!
Inspired by your requests and live planning observations ❤️

@creteforlove

#weddingplannertips #howtoplanawedding #weddingsingreece #weddingbudget

Feb 4

Open post by creteforlove with ID 18362588689202616

A new series of my 3Bs is here!
I just couldn’t resist to start sharing those with you!
Hope all those free and experience base tips will help you creating a better strategy and I will stop repeating myself 😁
Happy planning is a well planned process!
Inspired by your requests and live planning observations ❤️ @creteforlove #weddingplannertips #howtoplanawedding #weddingsingreece #weddingbudget

A quiet kind of luxury, set on a Mediterranean island.

White, sun-soft tones, olive twigs, and clusters of grapes framing a moment that felt timeless.

Stone warmed by the sun, air scented with olives and sea salt, and a love celebrated slowly, beautifully, forever.
🤍🌿🍇

Planning, design and concept: @creteforlove

#weddingincrete #villacretewedding #intimatewedding #frenchamericanwedding

Wedding in Crete
Elopements in Crete
Mediterranean style wedding

Jan 23

Open post by creteforlove with ID 18081261884213514

A quiet kind of luxury, set on a Mediterranean island. White, sun-soft tones, olive twigs, and clusters of grapes framing a moment that felt timeless. Stone warmed by the sun, air scented with olives and sea salt, and a love celebrated slowly, beautifully, forever.
🤍🌿🍇 Planning, design and concept: @creteforlove #weddingincrete #villacretewedding #intimatewedding #frenchamericanwedding Wedding in Crete
Elopements in Crete
Mediterranean style wedding

Being a playful bride is all about celebrating your personality and owning your style—and nothing says bold fun like arriving in a vintage black Porsche.

Sleek, timeless, and full of character, this iconic ride instantly adds attitude, glamour, and a sense of adventure to your wedding story.
It’s more than just a car—it’s a prop, a statement, and a mood all in one. Imagine the photos: the contrast of bridal whites against glossy black curves, laughter in the driver’s seat, and a sense of freedom that only comes from embracing your playful side. For brides who dare to mix elegance with a touch of rebellious spirit, a vintage Porsche is the ultimate way to turn heads and create unforgettable memories.

Wedding car
Porsche for wedding
Luxurious wedding details
@carforwedding @weddingideas @porscheforwedding @weddingsincrete

credits:
planner & stylist: @creteforlove
venue: @markakisestate

photographer: @andreas_markakis
videographer: @eftihismakridis_filmmaker

bridal & party dresses: @katerina_mavromati_bridal_more
flowers: @tropikana_crete
wedding rentals: @feel_ultra_event_rentals
luxury car rentals: @luxury_car_rent_midas

make up artist: @_makeupbyevy
hair stylist: @sofia_hairsalon_

models:
@fivigarouf
@maria_markoulaki
@annekristiinaa

Jan 5

Open post by creteforlove with ID 17955717153028029

Being a playful bride is all about celebrating your personality and owning your style—and nothing says bold fun like arriving in a vintage black Porsche. Sleek, timeless, and full of character, this iconic ride instantly adds attitude, glamour, and a sense of adventure to your wedding story.
It’s more than just a car—it’s a prop, a statement, and a mood all in one. Imagine the photos: the contrast of bridal whites against glossy black curves, laughter in the driver’s seat, and a sense of freedom that only comes from embracing your playful side. For brides who dare to mix elegance with a touch of rebellious spirit, a vintage Porsche is the ultimate way to turn heads and create unforgettable memories. Wedding car
Porsche for wedding
Luxurious wedding details
@carforwedding @weddingideas @porscheforwedding @weddingsincrete credits:
planner & stylist: @creteforlove
venue: @markakisestate photographer: @andreas_markakis
videographer: @eftihismakridis_filmmaker bridal & party dresses: @katerina_mavromati_bridal_more
flowers: @tropikana_crete
wedding rentals: @feel_ultra_event_rentals
luxury car rentals: @luxury_car_rent_midas make up artist: @_makeupbyevy
hair stylist: @sofia_hairsalon_ models:
@fivigarouf
@maria_markoulaki
@annekristiinaa

TIME TO CELEBRATE

After the “I do,” it’s time to truly celebrate—and that calls for a party dress made for sparkle, glamour, and full-on diva energy. Think sequins that catch every light, silhouettes that move with you, and details that make you feel like the ultimate party queen.
This is the moment to leave wedding formalities behind and embrace joy. Step into the photo booth, laugh, dance, and let every twirl be a memory. Your evening look isn’t just a dress—it’s a declaration: it’s your time to shine, be playful, and celebrate love in style. Because weddings are as much about fun as they are about forever, and this is your night to live it fully.

Wedding party dresses
Dancing Queen for weddings
Wedding parties in Crete

@bridalpartydresses @weddingparty @weddinginspirations @thenightisyoung

credits:
planner & stylist: @creteforlove
venue: @markakisestate

photographer: @andreas_markakis
videographer: @eftihismakridis_filmmaker

bridal & party dresses: @katerina_mavromati_bridal_more
flowers: @tropikana_crete
wedding rentals: @feel_ultra_event_rentals
luxury car rentals: @luxury_car_rent_midas

make up artist: @_makeupbyevy
hair stylist: @sofia_hairsalon_

models:
@fivigarouf
@maria_markoulaki
@annekristiinaa

Dec 31

Open post by creteforlove with ID 18129184459511936

TIME TO CELEBRATE After the “I do,” it’s time to truly celebrate—and that calls for a party dress made for sparkle, glamour, and full-on diva energy. Think sequins that catch every light, silhouettes that move with you, and details that make you feel like the ultimate party queen.
This is the moment to leave wedding formalities behind and embrace joy. Step into the photo booth, laugh, dance, and let every twirl be a memory. Your evening look isn’t just a dress—it’s a declaration: it’s your time to shine, be playful, and celebrate love in style. Because weddings are as much about fun as they are about forever, and this is your night to live it fully. Wedding party dresses
Dancing Queen for weddings
Wedding parties in Crete @bridalpartydresses @weddingparty @weddinginspirations @thenightisyoung credits:
planner & stylist: @creteforlove
venue: @markakisestate photographer: @andreas_markakis
videographer: @eftihismakridis_filmmaker bridal & party dresses: @katerina_mavromati_bridal_more
flowers: @tropikana_crete
wedding rentals: @feel_ultra_event_rentals
luxury car rentals: @luxury_car_rent_midas make up artist: @_makeupbyevy
hair stylist: @sofia_hairsalon_ models:
@fivigarouf
@maria_markoulaki
@annekristiinaa

Follow on Instagram