Best of Wedding Photography

I have always had a thing for Japanese culture. Everything about Japan attracts and fascinates me: the harmony and simplicity of its art and aesthetics, the wisdom and profoundness of its philosophy, the poetic photography of its films, the delicate musicality of its language, and the natural kindness of its people. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that Misa and Kai, whose wedding I was to shoot in Santorini, actually had Japanese roots! The choice of Santorini did not come as a surprise to me, as I was well aware of the popularity of this magnificent volcanic island as a wedding destination – especially among couples from the Far East.

It is always a delight to work with such lovely and sweet-tempered couples; they bring out the best in me and make me wish to do my very best to ensure their wedding photos will make them smile every time they look at them.

Santorini Gem, on the hill near Santo Wines, gazing over the spectacular gulf of the caldera and the endless Aegean blue, was an ideal venue for Misa and Kai’s wedding ceremony. The peaceful, idyllic environment, bathed in the magical Greek light, provided the perfect backdrop for the celebration of their love.
Misa and Kai, I really want to thank you for honouring me with your trust and for allowing me to be part of the incredible experience of your wedding in Santorini!

I have often wondered about the key to a perfect wedding. If there is a secret formula, some lucky couples seem to have it. And Sophia and Costas are definitely one of them. Because their wedding was absolutely splendid; and they managed to turn even an unfortunate weather change into a chance to add some more magic to an already fabulous experience.

Sophia and Costas live in Zurich, but their dream was to get married in Chalkidiki, Greece. The scenic beauty of a landscape that combines crystal blue seas and green mountains was the ideal natural background for some of the most amazing pictures I have taken as a wedding photographer so far. Naturally, the carefree atmosphere, the positive aura and the relaxed, unhurried attitude of this lovely couple helped a lot. Never before have I met such calm and easygoing people who never seem to lose their smile. How do they do it? It is still a mystery to me!

The warm sunny weather, the good mood of everybody present (which was contagious of course) and the impeccably planned wedding ceremony, enriched with music, dancing and tradition, ensured some more awesome shots.

The wedding party with the live Balkan music was terrific. The cheerful sounds of the trumpets and the clarinet filled the air and everybody danced and had a great time. Everything seemed to be perfect… and then, all of a sudden, it started to rain. Well, this could have ruined the party and the mood of any other newlyweds. But Sophia and Costas have a natural talent for happiness. So, they simply looked at each other, smiled, and… started dancing in the rain! It was a sight to remember –a living picture of love, joy, optimism and positivity! Take a look at the photos and you will see what I mean.

Sophia & Costas, thank you for choosing me as your wedding photographer. I wish you all the happiness in the world… and I know your marriage will be very, very happy. After all, rain on the wedding day is considered to be a sign of good luck, isn’t it?

Photography by Thanasis Kaiafas

There were many reasons why I had been really looking forward to Alexis and Costas’ wedding. First of all, they are one of the loveliest couples I have met in the course of my work: they are sweet, generous and simple and they literally radiate kindness and love. Second, they had invested so much time and effort in preparing the wedding of their dreams that there was no way anything could go wrong. (You know, “when you really want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”…)

And third, the place they had chosen to celebrate the beginning of their new life together was the island of my heart, Mykonos. I’ve said it many times, but I can’t help saying it again: Mykonos, with its clear azure waters, its traditional white-washed little houses and windmills, and its unique crazy party atmosphere, is one of the best travel destinations worldwide and one of my favourite wedding destinations in Greece.

The happy couple travelled all the way from New York and their guests came from the four corners of the world. Everybody was determined to have a fabulous time; and we all did! It all started with a fantastic beach party in Platis Gialos, which was followed by the pre-wedding party at Belvedere Hotel and the epilogue was written with the wedding party at Alemagou.

The wedding day started ideally with a pool party. The groom had chosen a beautiful private villa in the area of Kanalia for his preparation –and his friends made sure it was as pleasant as possible– while the ritual of the bride’s preparation took place at the impressive Mykonos Grand Hotel. There were smiling faces all around and the atmosphere was charged with excitement and emotion.

The wedding ceremony took place in a charming little Cycladic chapel, Agios Sostis, where Alexis and Costas joined their lives together, surrounded by loving friends and relatives. The day culminated in the wedding reception at Alemagou with lots of fun, music and dancing. The perfect ending to a perfect day!

Alexis & Costas, thank you for letting me share your big day with you. I wish you a life like a fairytale. And these photos will always remind you of the day when your “happily ever after” started…

Photography by Thanasis Kaiafas

If you want to have a glimpse of paradise, try visiting Corfu, the Greek “Emerald Island” of the Ionian Sea that combines breathtaking scenery, crystal clear azure waters, historical treasures, fascinating traditions, and a multicultural past with the luxury and all the pleasures of a modern cosmopolitan resort. This was the first reason why Christos and Abby, who are both from New York, chose it to host their destination wedding. The second reason was that Christos’s family originates from Corfu. So they came all the way from the United States to celebrate the beginning of their new life there. “Abi planned all the details of the wedding,” Christos explained to me, “but I was the one who decided where it would take place.” A perfect choice for a perfectly matched couple!

It was a fantastic experience, from the private Villa in Corfu to the enthralling sailing trip to the beautiful unspoilt little islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. Guests and family had flown from all over the world – the USA, England, Nigeria – to attend one of the best weddings ever. Wherever you looked, you saw smiling faces. Love and joy were palpable and we all had a great time. And thanks to Vana Efkleidou, from White Ribbon, who coordinated everything, this happy event turned into a unique experience for everyone present. Her skill and her rich experience in the wedding planning industry guaranteed a superb wedding decoration. The pictures speak for themselves… This wedding also gave me the chance to work with a dear friend and talented professional, the videographer George Zorbas. A couple, a stunning place, vibrant colours everywhere, great weather, and good friends – what more could a destination wedding photographer wish for?

Abi & Christos, thank you for everything and may your life be always as happy as your unforgettable wedding day!

Photography by Thanasis Kaiafas