Date

Guests

85

June 9, 2015

A surprise proposal in Greece is what prompted James Zibarras and Sarah Conlin to choose the location for their dreamy destination wedding. "Four years after we started dating, James planned a trip to Greece, where his family is from. I had no idea at the time, but he was planning to propose on the trip," Sarah says. "He enlisted the help of his mother, Anna-who is in the diamond business-and picked out the most stunning ring, which he carried around in the bottom of his backpack during the trip." The engagement happened halfway through the trip while the pair were enjoying a romantic dinner overlooking the water in Santorini. "To say I was surprised would be a huge understatement," Sarah says, smiling. "It was the biggest and best surprise of my life! I, of course, said yes."

Inspired by their surroundings, the two instantly knew a wedding in Greece would be perfect. As for the location, Sarah and James chose to get married by the Athenian Riviera, just south of Athens along the Aegean coast. "There is absolutely no competing with the jaw-dropping scenery, so we decided to work with it," the pair shares. "We had a Greek Orthodox ceremony outdoors at 8 p.m. in front of a tiny white chapel perched above the water."

Sarah walked down the aisle to a classical trio playing "All You Need Is Love" by the Beatles, one of her favourite songs. She wore a unique boho-style dress purchased from the Stone Fox Bride boutique in New York. "I loved my dress; it was the only dress that felt right and was exactly what I wanted: simple, clean and elegant," Sarah says.

Following their "I dos," Sarah, James and their 85 guests enjoyed dining al fresco outside of the villa underneath a pergola. Upon arrival, friends and family were met with an elegant display of hanging chandeliers, fairy lights, white flowers, candlelight and miles of lush greenery and olive branches. "We wanted a glamorous and timeless aesthetic," Sarah says. "We worked with event planner Paige Lewis-who is truly a goddess-to help execute our vision."

For their evening entertainment, Sarah and James had a DJ spin a classic playlist of '70s and '80s music during dinner. "It was perfection," Sarah says. "Everyone was singing along-it was so much fun!" The night was filled with music and dancing, followed by a midnight buffet of sweet and savoury treats planned by the newlyweds. "James loves sweets and I don't-to satisfy both palates we had a completely overindulgent and decadent dessert bar," Sarah recalls. "The menu included Greek pastries, crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, pavlovas and gyros!"

One of the best parts of the couple's incredible party was the perfect weather, which meant celebrating into the wee hours under the stars. "The night sky was absolutely stunning, even more so because we were in the most incredible place," she says. "We ended the night by taking some wedding cake back to our hotel room and popped some champagne to enjoy with our friends."

Photography courtesy of Krista Fox.

Vendors
Venue: Island Art & Taste
Bridal gown: Stone Fox Bride
Bridesmaids dresses: Reformation
Groom's tux: Garrison Bespoke
Wedding planner: Paige Lewis Events
Hair and makeup: Danielle Carson
Stationery: Anista Designs
Rings: Anzi Gems