Behind the Scenes with Destination Wedding Planner Gigi & Roses

Gigi & Roses, Photography: Jack Henry
| By Kayla McFadden
The Santorini-based planner who never designs the same wedding twice

Gigi & Roses does not do ordinary. The Santorini-based planning studio has spent five years building a reputation for weddings that look like no one else's: modern, unique, and unmistakably shaped by the couple at the center of them. Founder Gigi Tziatzia works with a tight roster of clients each year, which means every event gets her full creative weight behind it. We sat down with her to talk about the studio's process, how the Greek landscape influences her process, and why dreaming without limits is not just her motto, but an actual working method behind some of the most visually striking weddings and celebrations.

Tell us the story of how Gigi & Roses came to be…

Gigi & Roses came to life in late 2023, so our story is still in its early chapters. Before starting the company, I (Gigi) worked for four years as a head planner for another wedding agency in Santorini. During that time, I realised how important it was for me to have complete creative freedom and full involvement in every concept we designed. Before entering the wedding industry, my life looked completely different. I was a full-time professional athlete and studied physiotherapy, two very different paths from what I do today, but both helped me develop discipline, dedication, and how to work closely with people.

Gigi & Roses really began from a personal need for expression and creativity. In the beginning, I didn’t have big expectations; I simply wanted to create work that felt honest and emotionally connected. Unexpectedly, our aesthetic and approach became highly visible, and many couples deeply related to it. Over the past almost three years, we’ve experienced constant growth and evolution, with each wedding shaping us further. We feel incredibly grateful to every couple who has trusted us to be part of such an important moment in their lives.

How do you continually reinvent celebrations in a way that still feels fresh and unexpected?

For me, I’m most inspired by adding personal twists and creating concepts that feel deeply connected to each couple. I try to listen very carefully during our conversations as often, the smallest details people mention reveal so much about who they are. I also try to translate that feeling, energy, and atmosphere into an event that truly represents them. 

I don’t believe creativity is about constantly trying to impress or reinvent something entirely new. Every couple is already different in their own way, and when you pay attention to that, each concept naturally evolves into something unique and personal. What matters is that these ideas never come from wanting to impress visually, but from wanting to create a feeling that truly fits the couple. When people feel understood, they become more open to trusting the vision behind the details.

"The smallest details people mention reveal so much about who they are. I try to translate that feeling, energy, and atmosphere into an event that truly represents them. "

Gigi & Roses, Photography: Jack Henry

Your work feels very editorial, fashion-forward, and modern, yet it remains full of personality and atmosphere. How do you balance creating weddings that feel visually striking yet personalized to each couple?

I think the balance comes from building a very honest relationship with each couple from the beginning. We invest a lot of time in getting to know them beyond the wedding itself; their energy, the way they interact, what excites them, what feels natural to them. Once that trust exists, the creative process becomes much more intuitive and collaborative. Sometimes I might suggest something slightly unexpected or unconventional, like a particular lighting installation or a different approach to the atmosphere of the evening.

I love discussing ways to make a wedding feel personal and distinctive without overpowering the event itself. For me, it’s never about creating something loud for the sake of attention. The most meaningful concepts usually come from subtle details, emotion, and the atmosphere we create around people. This level of connection and attention requires time, which is why we intentionally work with a small number of couples each year. It allows us to stay fully present in every project and create weddings that feel both visually strong and deeply personal.

Because you only take on a select number of weddings each year, how does that shape the experience and level of personalization you're able to offer each couple?

Working with a small number of couples each year allows me to be fully present throughout the entire process. I know each couple’s wedding date, vendors, and most details without even opening our files, simply because every project becomes very personal to me. It also allows couples to feel truly supported and cared for, rather than like just another project on a schedule. I believe creativity and connection need time, and keeping our calendar intentionally limited helps us create weddings that feel thoughtful, personal, and true to each couple.

 

In your perspective, what defines a wedding that guests genuinely feel and remember, rather than simply admire?

I think guests truly remember a wedding when it genuinely reflects the couple, rather than when details exist only for visual impact. If something meaningful to the couple becomes part of the experience, whether it’s art, music, food, or a shared passion, people naturally connect to it on a deeper level. Otherwise, even beautiful ideas can remain just visually impressive rather than immersive.

Food is also a huge part of the experience for me, especially in Greece where hospitality and sharing meals are such an important part of the culture. Creating an atmosphere where guests can enjoy incredible food, feel relaxed, and connect with one another makes a lasting difference. And of course, people always remember how they felt during the party. A great DJ and the right energy can completely transform the atmosphere and create moments guests talk about long after the wedding is over.

Gigi & Roses, Photography: White On Black Studio

"I’m most inspired by adding personal twists and creating concepts that feel deeply connected to each couple. I also try to translate that feeling, energy, and atmosphere into an event that truly represents them."

Where do you draw inspiration from, and what guides your creative decision-making process?

Most of my inspiration comes naturally from everyday life and from the things that emotionally stay with me. Of course, I appreciate art, design, museums, and exhibitions, but many ideas actually come from simpler moments; the way artificial light transforms a space, the atmosphere of a long shared dinner table, or even unexpected color combinations I notice in daily life. I’m very observant by nature, and I think inspiration often comes from paying attention to how certain places or moments make you feel. That feeling usually becomes the starting point of a concept for me. 

I also draw inspiration from music, movement, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of yourself and allowing space to disconnect, reflect, and simply live outside of work is very important creatively. Sometimes the best ideas come when you stop trying so hard to find them.

Destination weddings often come with emotional and logistical challenges behind the scenes. What’s one aspect of planning from abroad that you would like couples to know? 

Destination weddings come with many moving parts, especially when couples are planning everything from abroad and experiencing the process from a distance. Because of that, I think trust and communication become incredibly important.

For us, planning is never just about logistics. Behind the scenes, there is a lot of care, problem-solving, coordination, and emotional investment happening every single day to make sure the experience feels smooth and meaningful for the couple. Most decisions are made with their best interest in mind, even when they may not immediately see everything happening in the background. I believe the best planning relationships are built on honesty, trust, and mutual understanding. Once that connection exists, the entire process becomes much more enjoyable, collaborative, and calm for everyone involved.

Gigi & Roses, Photography: White On Black Studio

"I believe creativity and connection need time, and keeping our calendar intentionally limited helps us create weddings that feel thoughtful, personal, and true to each couple."

Looking ahead, what kinds of celebrations are you most excited to create next, and how do you hope couples will continue redefining the wedding experience?

I love weddings and see myself staying in this industry for a long time, but I also feel very inspired by the idea of expanding into more art-driven events and brand experiences in the future. I’m especially drawn to events with a strong atmosphere and thematic direction. Events that feel immersive, emotional, and creatively expressive beyond traditional expectations. I think there is a beautiful connection between weddings, fashion, art, music, and cultural experiences, and I would love to continue exploring that through different kinds of events, whether they are weddings, private events, or brand projects.

More than anything, I hope couples continue giving themselves permission to create experiences that truly reflect who they are, rather than following what a wedding is “supposed” to look like. The most memorable weddings are usually the ones that feel personal, intentional, and emotionally honest.

Credits
Category: Planning | Event Design
Author: Kayla McFadden
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