Lianne & Ollie got married on 23rd August 2016 at Le Ciel in Santorini, organised by Ionian Weddings. Here is their story…
How did you meet?
We both worked for the same investment bank. I worked in the Scottish office and Ollie worked in the London office but we met when I visited the London office to do a presentation and then again when Ollie came to Scotland on business. Shortly after we met, I was offered a role out in India to do a 3-4 month project. Ollie came out to India to visit me and we did some sightseeing including the Taj Mahal! When I got back to the UK, I transferred to the London office! Bit of a whirlwind! : )
Tell us about the proposal?
Ollie planned a trip to New York and Las Vegas the year after we met. We both love to travel and see different things so were very excited about it. He bought the ring in New York. After NY, we went to Vegas. I was told on one morning, to get my things ready as we were going on a surprise trip! We were driven to an airfield and got on a helicopter. We stopped in the Gran Canyon and took some amazing pictures when we came back the pilot had set up a picnic and stood with a bottle of champagne…that’s when Ollie proposed!! It was very romantic!!!
Why did you decide to marry in Santorini?
It was important to us that we had a relaxed, fun and chilled out wedding. When we were looking at venues, we wanted somewhere that our friends and family could plan a holiday there too if they wanted and something to accommodate families and couples. We visited Santorini the year before we got married and knew straight away that it was the perfect location – the pictures really don’t do it justice! It was very romantic and just different, that’s why we loved it and we booked the venue there and then!
Tell us about the theme for your wedding…colours etc?
The theme of our wedding was ivory and gold. The bridesmaids had beautiful gold dresses on and this tied in nicely with my dress. The flowers were stunning hydrangeas and roses and matched in with the theme of our wedding. For the place name settings, we used Santorini’s rocks which had our guest’s names written on them. For favours, the kids had a games bag with personalised items in it depending on their age and if for a boy or girl. For the men, they had whiskey (Scottish, of course!) and ladies had a Jo Malone perfume to tie in with the ivory and gold theme. Other special touches included a harpist during the ceremony, Greek dancers during the reception and sparklers for the guests.
Where was your wedding dress from?
It was from Fleur De Lys Bridal in Saffron Walden. The ladies in there are amazing. They took the time to understand what I was looking for and helped me find the right dress! I absolutely loved it!
Did you do anything special with your guests leading up to the wedding?
I think the way it all just came together. Ollie and I agreed from the start that the wedding was about us and our friends and family…we just wanted to have a good time. Ionian Weddings were exceptional both in London and in Santorini – everything was being orchestrated in the background whilst we enjoyed the run up to it and the big day! Having Ionian Weddings played a massive part in that as they made it so enjoyable and it just turned out that everything was actually perfect and was so much more that we could have asked for!!!
What The Couple Had To Say
Anna, WOW WOW WOW! We had an absolutely amazing time in Santorini!!! You have been simply amazing to work with these last few months. My friends and family who have contacted you have said you were wonderful too.
Thank you so much for making this so relaxed and stress free – we have been in excellent hands with you.
It’s the simply things like responding straight away and always communicating updates to us that has made this so hassle free. It wouldn’t have been the same without your help.
Everyone was always asking if we were stressed organising things in the run up to it but there was absolutely no stress with this at all – we loved every minute of it When we arrived in Santorini, the local coordinator continued this excellent service. He had a brilliant handover from you so knew what to expect. Our pre wedding planning meeting helped us tie everything up and again made sure it was all relaxed. On the day, the local coordinator was always coordinating things in the background and making sure everything was to our liking.
They made suggestions to us throughout the day and was always there but never over fussing. He had things in hand – he is brilliant! We loved Santorini – our friends and family absolutely loved the venue. They were simply fantastic. Anna – thank you once again for all your help – you are amazing!!!!!! With love,
Lianne & Oliver