Jo & Ricky's Bouka Beach Wedding in Zakynthos

How did you two meet and where did the proposal take place?

We met in the middle of the North Sea! We both came to be working on the same oil Platform at the same time. This was 9 years ago and whilst I am still on the same Platform, Ricky is on a different one. The proposal took place on the doorstop of our house after Ricky surprised me by getting off the platform early.

Why did you choose Greece and Zakynthos for your wedding?

We chose Greece as lots of family and friends wanted to come over so we decided that short haul was best! We both love Greece anyway and wanted a very laid back wedding on the beach. After looking into all the Islands, we decided that Zakynthos was the place for us as it looked stunning and had plenty to see and do. When we read the proposal Ionian Weddings sent us for the wedding we knew we had made the right choice.

How easy was it planning a wedding from the North Sea?

Access to the internet when offshore made it a whole lot easier! I had lots of contact with Ionian Weddings which helped keep me calm. The most stressful part was when we were arranging our certifications of non - impediment and I got stuck offshore for an extra six days due to the volcanic eruptions. I thought I would miss our appointments for the certificates and that the whole wedding would be doomed! Luckily the platform arranged for me to get off by boat and I made it to the appointment with a couple of hours to spare.

Was it your first time to Zante? What did you think?

Ricky had been to Zakynthos 20 years previously on holiday but couldn't really remember it and I had never been before. We tried to get over before the wedding but our rotas weren't working out for going. Therefore it was all lovely and exciting and a 'surprise' when we went. We loved Zakynthos - it is very beautiful, friendly and laid back. All of our guests thought so too and many are planning to return.

How did your guests react to your wedding in Greece? And after?

Everyone enjoyed the wedding a huge amount and said it was unlike any wedding they had been to before, and was the best wedding ever! Everything from the location to the flowers to the fireworks and Greeks dancing was enjoyed by all. They all enjoyed the island so much that we will be having a reunion there in 2 years time!

Please describe the most memorable moment from your big day.

The whole day was truly amazing and so happy and emotional, it was perfect for us. We had around 48 guests and being surrounded by so many family and friends really made our day. Lots of things stand out but to name a few the beautiful setting on the beach, and going around Tsilvi town in the horse and carriage to cheers after the ceremony and standing watching the fireworks on the beach at night was truly unforgettable. It was a very romantic day.

Is there anything quirky or funny that reminds you of your Greek wedding experience?

So many! The day was filled with laughter. From Ricky promising to cook for me once a week in his wedding vows to the horse that started reared when we were in the horse and carriage (it was part of the show!) an also the Greek dancer who put my sister over his shoulder and twirled her around. Too many magic funny moments to name them all!!!

What advice would you give to other brides considering getting married in Greece?

First of all I would encourage anyone to get married in Greece, such a different beautiful and romantic setting. I would also advise them to get in touch with Ionian Weddings who will help and advise them the whole way through. They can be assured that both Ionian Weddings and the wedding coordinators in Greece will give them the best day they have ever had. I am sure that all the locations available are spectacular, though for us our Beach wedding on Tsilivi was everything we could have wished for and more.

We would like to thank Andreas and Jane from the bottom of our hearts for our brilliant wedding which we and our guests will treasure forever. Nothing was too much trouble and all the reassurance was very calming! It was the very best start to married life that we could imagine.