Set against the stunning backdrop of Corfu, Greece, Ani and Gio's destination wedding was nothing short of magical. With just six weeks to plan, they crafted an intimate yet energetic affair, complete with thoughtful details—from playful fruit centerpieces to a custom bridal look, and a dreamy draped tablescape overlooking the Mediterranean. The heartfelt ceremony at the charming Ypapanti Church seamlessly transitioned to a lively cocktail hour and reception filled with music, ambience, and a towering cake installation, all perfectly captured on film. An unforgettable celebration that lingered in the hearts of everyone who attended.
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
From a great friendship to lifelong partners… We met in 2017 at my friend Lizi’s birthday party. From that day on, we became close, frequently spending time together since we shared the same friend group. But Gio always kept his distance—he never saw me as just a friend. I tried my best to friend-zone him, but guess where we are now? Years later, Gio finally told me he had been in love with me all along—and that’s where our story truly began.
The Proposal
The proposal happened in dreamy Florence, Italy, on July 25, 2023. I was there for an architecture workshop, and Gio, along with my best friend Lizi, decided to join me on this little trip. As I later found out, Gio had planned to propose the day before we left for Barcelona.
That evening, we had a beautiful dinner at a restaurant where you could feel the romance of Florence in the air. I soon realized that everyone was in on the plan—everything had been carefully arranged! After a couple of drinks, it happened—our song started playing, beautiful flowers appeared, and cocktails and congratulations flowed from all around. It was exactly what I had wished for: private, romantic, and filled with raw emotion.
The Engagement Ring
My engagement ring is from a local Florentine jewelry store—simple, delicate, and elegant.
Our Wedding
The Vision
The day we envisioned stayed true to its core ideals until the very end: heartfelt emotions, a sense of freedom, and unforgettable moments. In just six weeks, with the help of our incredible wedding planner, Goldie June, we managed to create everything we had ever dreamed of. Since I’m not much of a “flower girl,” we came up with a warm, natural color palette, featuring playful fruits and flowing fabrics along the table. It was the perfect soft touch to balance the dynamic, high-energy atmosphere.
Our Team of Vendors
We were incredibly lucky to find such an amazing team—people who became our friends throughout this wild journey.
First and foremost, Goldie June, our wedding planner—she was truly the most responsible, detail-oriented, and reliable person. Taking on a six-week wedding planning challenge was no easy feat, but she handled it as if she had a full year. She immediately understood my style and desires (which, I’ll admit, wasn’t even easy for me to define at times!) and turned them into reality. I will forever be grateful to her.
I was most worried about the photographer because Gio and I don’t enjoy posing. I didn’t want stiff, overly posed photos—I wanted something natural, capturing real emotions. The moment I met Ale Flo and saw her work, all my worries disappeared. She sees beauty everywhere and captures it as it is—pure, raw, and full of feeling. That’s exactly what I wanted from my wedding photos—to relive the joy and love of that moment with our closest friends and family. Her work is flawless.
Our videography team, White Filming, brought endless energy and passion to their craft. They put their hearts into their work, and it shows.
Music Ark—true professionals who handled everything effortlessly. I never once worried about the music, and every song was exactly what we had wished for. I also have to mention DJ SIKELE, who set the dance floor on fire! A true professional who knows how to keep the party going all night long.
Finally, we were so lucky to be surrounded by amazing people who were genuinely happy for us—from the priest who performed our ceremony to the bartenders serving the last round of drinks at the end of the night.
The Location
A hidden romantic gem, surrounded by lush greenery, perched on a cliff between Greece and Italy—that’s where our wedding took place.
Before finding the perfect venue, Cecilia Estate, we had quite the journey. We had the crazy idea of planning a September 2024 wedding in August 2024—which, of course, meant most venues were already booked. But we had our hearts set on September and refused to change our minds.
At the time, we were traveling through Greece, and it was the most stressful period of planning because every venue we checked was unavailable. One morning, we made a deal: if we didn’t find a venue that day, we’d accept that it wasn’t meant to be. That same day, we found Cecilia Estate—and, miraculously, it was available! We were still in Greece, but before heading back to Georgia, we had just four days left, and there was no way we were leaving without seeing it in person. So, the next day, we packed our bags and took a six-hour road trip to Corfu.
Cecilia Estate perfectly blended luxury and timeless elegance. The venue itself had history—it was built by artists, which was deeply important to me as someone passionate about art and architecture. I wanted my wedding to be a day of pure joy and natural beauty, and Cecilia Estate was the perfect place for that. Even if every other venue had been available, I would have chosen it over and over again.
The Ceremony
Our ceremony took place at Ypapanti Church, a tiny chapel on a peninsula, connected to the mainland by a narrow path. That walk down the path, with my father by my side, was the most meaningful part of the wedding for me. The church itself was intimate and simple, making the moment feel even more special.
The Reception
The reception had breathtaking views of western Corfu, with champagne-colored floating fabrics and the warmth of the sun setting the scene. Traditional music and heartfelt toasts made every guest feel truly special.
We started with a poppy champagne fountain, overflowing with warm wishes from our loved ones. The second part of the reception was all about energy and fun. We had a variety of food stations and different musicians playing the same songs in different corners of the venue, creating a vibrant, immersive experience. The party was officially on!
The Special Touches
To add a unique touch, Goldie and I came up with a fun little game during dinner: lucky cookies! Each guest received a fortune cookie, but one held a special message—"You are the lucky one"—which earned the recipient a massive signature cocktail from us. It was hilarious! I designed the menu, cocktail list, and welcome banner myself, making them deeply personal keepsakes. We also wrapped a ribbon around our dinner table, and when Gio and I cut it together, I turned a piece into a bracelet that I’ve worn ever since.
Our Favorite Moment
The walk to the church was our favorite moment. The first time Gio saw me, all the emotions I had held in throughout the planning process hit me all at once. It was unforgettable.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
For my dress, I wanted something simple yet special. We worked with Georgian designer Datuna Sulikashvili to create a custom gown. The top was made of silk, and the bottom stole my heart—hand-embroidered with delicate flowers, it was absolutely perfect.
The Groom Looks
Gio wore a vintage Roberto Cavalli suit, which blended effortlessly with the natural tones of Corfu.
Our Bridesmaid’s & Groomsmen’s Looks
Their dresses were also custom-made by Georgian designers, in warm tones that harmonized beautifully with the island’s landscape. During the ceremony, they wore flower crowns, adding a whimsical touch. The groomsmen looked incredible—and they understood the assignment.
Our Advice
For The Planning Process
Don’t limit yourself. Share all your wildest ideas and make it personal—make it truly your wedding. Trends come and go, but your love story is timeless. Build a trusting, friendly relationship with your wedding planner—it makes everything smoother and so much more enjoyable.
For On The Day
Plan everything in advance, stress out if you need to, but once the day arrives, let yourself feel it all. If you don’t, no matter how well-planned your wedding is, stress will take over. Your energy sets the tone—so dance, laugh, and have the time of your life!
For Post-Wedding
Take a boat hangover party around Corfu! And then—wait for your photos.
Vendors
Photography: Flo.weds
Videography: White Filming
Wedding Planner: Goldie June Hoevenaar
Wedding Stylist & Florist: Cecilia Design
Wedding Coordinator & Stationary: Cecilia Weddings
Venue: Cecilia Estate
Cake: Judith Braun
Catering: Cecilia Weddings
Music: Music Ark
Style
Bridal Dress: Datuna Sulikashvili
Bridal Shoes: Dolce&Gabbana
