Real Weddings Southampton: Zoe and Joseph's destination wedding

Sun drenched Santorini was the perfect location for this happy couples wedding day. Our WED2B Real Weddings Southampton feature reveals more:

Spanish lesson romance

Zoe first met Joseph in school in 2008. Sitting together in Spanish lessons, they became inseparable. "I told him he reminded me of Peter Pan, but I don't think he understood the compliment!" Zoe says. Their first proper date was to see the action film 'Batman'.

Out for a sunset walk under the pink sky, Joseph proposed in the same spot the couple had shared their first kiss, at Ascot Racecourse. Joseph picked the perfect moment as it was late evening and the sun was starting to set. Zoe says, "I was surprised by the proposal, but had a small inkling when I noticed Joe was looking for the dog-walkers to leave!"

Sparkling in the sun

Zoe's dress of choice was the gorgeous beaded Fleur. "I picked Fleur off the rails on a whim," Zoe says. "As cheesy as it sounds, I knew from the minute I put it on that it was 'the one'". Not sure if she wanted to accessorise her look, Zoe went looking for inspiration, finding the chapel length veil Fortune felt like fate as the diamante's on it matched Fleur's own. "I felt beautiful! The veil complemented my dress perfectly!" Zoe says. Under the beautiful Santorini sun, Zoe's dress and veil sparkled and glittered, creating the perfect princess look.

Zoe visited WED2B's Camberely and Southampton stores, on both occasions "the staff were always super helpful and have great knowledge! They'll help you buy based on your shape and what will suit you". She felt "the stores were spacious, the fitting rooms were huge and plush. It's lovely how your family can be seated outside ready for each big reveal!"

A Santorini wedding

Set on a destination wedding, Zoe and Joseph narrowed their search down to two beautiful islands, Cyprus and Santorini. Having been to the Dana Villas in Santorini a few years earlier, Zoe knew exactly how stunning the venue and the views were.

The ceremony took place on a terrace with breathtaking views, followed by the reception in a private venue overlooking the crystal blue Aegean Sea. "The views were stunning!" Zoe says.

Greek inspired

To tie in with the famous sights of Santorini's blue domes, the couple chose to have aqua blue incorporated into Joseph's and the bridesmaids outfits, as well as the flowers. Inspired by their wedding location each table was named after a Greek God or Goddess. "Everyone found the table names a lot of fun when they were finding themselves on the seating plan," Zoe says.

For their wedding cake, they had a "two-tier white cake with rustic looking frosting and olive leaves around each layer." Zoe says, "it looked very classically Greek... and tasted amazing too!"

A last minute surprise!

After their wonderful romantic day, once back at the hotel, Zoe and Joseph weren't expecting to find the surprise that they did! When they got into their room they found it covered in beautiful candles and love hearts. "My mother, sister and bridesmaid asked for our room key 'to get their bags' just after dinner... I didn't have a clue!" Zoe says, "it was a lovely surprise and something we'll never forget."

The funny thing about this lovely surprise is that Zoe's mother had carried all of the bits and bobs over in her hand-luggage!

Zoe's top tips

"Make sure you research your photographers well and suppliers that you intend to use, and don't stress on the day!"

A few more to inspire you…

Finally if you love Fleur's sparkling elegance just like Zoe, you should also take a look at Myla and Genesis! Both of these dresses are gorgeous beaded gowns to add a little glitz to your big day.

Photography credit: Wedvisions Studio

Did your wedding have the wow factor like our Real Weddings Southampton feature? If you would like to be a part of our real weddings feature send your favourite photo to info@wed2b.co.uk and we’ll be in touch!