Corfu Destination Wedding

Corfu Destination Wedding

Glorious Greek Paleokastritsa Corfu Wedding

view of Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa Corfu Destination Wedding Photography

Are you planning a Corfu wedding? and re you looking for a relaxed Greek destination wedding venue in the most stunning location in the prettiest part of Corfu?
Then look no further and let this blog post inspire you for Greek gorgeousness.
Pixsmiths were honored to be invited to capture Tammi and Dave’s wedding in the glorious stunning scenic Paleokastritsa.

Situated on the northwest coast of sunny Corfu island, with its many bays and beaches, and bars to explore.
It really is an idyllic spot. All the guests so enjoyed this stunning part of Corfu. So many apartment options, friendly locals, and oh my the food in the oh-so-many tavernas!
Paleokastritsa is situated in the beautiful northwest of Corfu and yes the water is really that colour.

Paleokastrista is just a 30-minute drive away from the capital Corfu Town.
It’s a windy road through the village with many inviting Greek tavernas to enjoy
The village has a number of bays and coves – best appreciated by boat.
Especially beautiful at sunset on a boat trip to visit the caves – just as this wedding party did the night before.

Also worth a visit is the peaceful authentic greek village of Lakones just above Paleokastritsa in the hills.
Tammi and Dave stayed in apartments near their chosen wedding venue Acapulco Pool  Bar.
Acapulco bar has amazing views over toward Liapdeds beach which you can swim across to from here.
The staff at Acapulco Bar are really friendly and helpful.  They have organised several Corfu weddings here so can advise on plans for your day.

view of Acapulco Bar from Lipades Beach

Bride & Groom Preps

Preparations for the day were taking place in a differing apartment so we covered both as the girls and the guys got ready.
Dave could simply stroll down the road to Acapulco Bar.  Tammi’s journey was a bit more eventful!
A trip to the harbour, where serenaded by musicians, Tammi her mum and maids boarded a Paleoseamaster boat to take her on a short sea journey to the venue

Paleokastritsa Corfu destination wedding ceremony location

journey by boat to wed her man in Paleokastritsa

Such a scenic way to arrive!  Several steps to climb up and a little tricky getting off the boat at Acapulco landing stage in wedge heels, but helping hands were there.
Tammi and her party made their way up to a waiting Dave. Just loved his reaction when he saw her – think the sunglasses were hiding a few emotions!

ascending steps to Acapulco Bar Paleokastritsa destination wedding

Wedding Ceremony Acapulco Bar Paleokastritsa

The ceremony was intimate and beautiful. The celebrant gave the vows and a poignant poem, penned by Dave’s sister was given
Soon there were hugs and kisses, prosecco, and beer to celebrate with the happy couple.
Family groups flowed and portraits were taken in the olive grove behind and with those glorious views


Acapulco Bar wedding reception

The reception took place just beyond the pool area with the hills as a backdrop
The food at Acapulco is amazing  – they also own Taverna Ellia – definitely worth a visit whilst in Paleokastritsa
Naturally, then the food for the wedding was delicious and plentiful and the wine was flowing.
Greek dancers entertained the gusts and got all involved in the fun.
The evening progressed into the bar area for dancing and merriment
Absolutely perfect relaxed wedding, enjoyed by all.

Corfu wedding reception Acaplco Bar Paleokastritsa

Acapulco Bar Paleokastritsa

wedding speeches Paleokastritsa Acapluco Bar Corfu wedding photography

Greek dancing Acapulco Bar Paleokastritsa Corfu wedding evening

dancing and plate smashing fun Corfu wedding

Tammi and Dave thank you so much for giving us this wonderful opportunity to capture your Corfu Destination wedding
We so enjoyed being with you and your family and friends at this special time.
We were all so at ease with each other.  We know you will never forget this day and neither will we.
These are just a few of the images taken that will bring back all the memories in years to come.

much love Dave & Sandy xx

Dream Dubrovnik Wedding Hotel Excelsior

Dream Dubrovnik Wedding Hotel Excelsior

Dream Dubrovnik Wedding: Steph & Warren

Wow where to start for this dream of a Dubrovnik wedding at the Hotel Excelsior for Steph and Warren.  Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik  is a 5 star luxury hotel – part of the Adriatic luxury chain
Ideal setting for a gorgeous wedding.  So may options for outdoor and indoor locations and fine dining.

We first met at a wedding fayre several years ago, fellow exhibitors at the time. Steph loved our style and easy going rapport and said then when the time came she knew she had found her destination wedding photographers.So fast forward to their engagement announcement and we gave a whoop of delight and thought ooh will they….
Sure enough Steph contacted us and said ..think we have found the location  …will you travel …to Bali…will we???
Well plans change and here we were in Dubrovnik for their wedding date…leaving Bali for a honeymoon later.
Like us they love to travel, walks, good food and cats.  Match made for us!

Bridal & Groom Preps

Dubrovnik is a beautiful walled city with so many locations for portraits to choose from we were spoilt for choice.
We have visited Dubrovnik twice before – pre and post-war – but always something new to discover.
Steph and Warren were staying out at the Valamar President on the Babin Kuk area where many of the hotels are located.
we started at their hotel for the bride and groom preps where everyone was in good spirits.
Steph knows how much Sandy loves details and had decorated a table  with her details

Although a little pensive about the weather which had turned slightly…a little rain fell in the morning and then cleared by the time guests were leaving for the Hotel Excelsior near to the walled old town.
A bus was thoughtfully laid on for the guests whilst the bride and groom left in a Mercedes.












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Wedding Ceremony Hotel Excelsior Palm Terrace

The ceremony area was elegantly set out on the hotel’s Palm Terrace with cute little jars of flowers hanging in the trees overlooking the walled town and close to Banje Beach, just idyllic and the outdoor ceremony wished for. Guest had arrival drinks in the piano bar but soon time to take their seats – think they were glad of the fans as even at 5pm it was warm and humid.
So Steph and Warren said their vows in this gorgeous setting and then time for more drinks,  confetti and family shots.

 Dubrovnik wedding Hotel Excelssior ceremony location

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wedding vows Dubrovnik wedding Hotel Excelsior

Wedding Portraits Dubrovnik Old Town

We had the luxury of a whole hour to walk the 10 mins down to Dubrovnik old town for some portraits
We’d scouted a beautiful art gallery courtyard where they could have a few mins to themselves.
The setting did perfect justice to Steph’s bridal gown fro The Bridal Room Hoylake
Dubrovnik is always a busy popular town so with street scenes we just embrace the ambience  and so many congratulated them and wanted to take pics too!.
We found some quiet spots too in the alleyways that were on the must shoot list
We were heading back just as a few drops of rain started to fall and the storm was rolling in.  Made it just in time!

 

ooh these stairs were partly used in the sequence of the game of thrones walk of shame! ..we told them later!

portraits old town Dubrovnik wedding walk of shame stairs game of thrones fame

Wedding Reception Hotel Excelsior

The Hotel Excelsior is a great venue though for indoor and outdoor options, plenty of space.
The planned for reception on the Palm terrace was switched to a large covered terrace – actually loved how the outdoor scenery and town were reflected in the windows behind the top table. A scrumptious dinner first and then speeches.
Steph’s dad royally entertained everyone with a rendition of Its Amore – such a good singer, at first thought it was a backing track but no it was live singing.

Lots of props for guests to enjoy, jenja bricks to help build their memories and a heart keepsake frame too.
An I spy game for guests to capture some images of their own too.
Walls were decorated with Polaroid images from their springtime engagement session with us back in the uk
– its lovely to see images used in such a special way, a lovely keepsake.

Their was the first dance and lots of great dancing going. We managed to sneak Steph and Warren down to the Palm terrace to have a private dance amongst the twinkling lights on the trees.
Guests then replenished their energy with the dessert buffet..so scrumptious ..for more merriment.
Even the cracking thunderstorm we had later was all part of the memories. Guests were out capturing videos of it on phones and trying to get pictures of the forked lightning.
Evening party went on til early hours of the morning.  We left them to enjoy the last couple of hours and strolled back to our next door hotel the Grand Villa Argentina.

Steph and Warren it was a marvellous wedding date in Dubrovnik for your memories.  I know we will never forget it/
It was a real honour and privilege to be with you and your wonderful welcoming friends and family.
as your props said it truly was “Best Day Ever”

So many pics to choose for your highlights, enjoy.  Much love Sandy & Dave xx

Sunny Torre Perrotti Wedding Santa Maria di Castellabate

Sunny Torre Perrotti Wedding Santa Maria di Castellabate

Sunshine & Surprises: Torre Perrotti Santa Maria Wedding

Destination Wedding Italy, Torre Perrotti Wedding

Janine and Bryan where do we start for your fabulous romantic fun filled, sunshine Torre Perrotti wedding in beautiful sunny Santa Maria di Castellabate
A princess – yes you are – marrying in your fairytale castle surrounded by your loved ones.  Such a wonderful day and night you had, simply epic!
We loved it!…as did all your family and friends

We were so thrilled to be back here in the gorgeous twinkle town that is Santa Maria on the Cilento coast of Italy.  Our previous Santa Maria wedding was on the beach which was better suited to the early season as not so busy with sunbathers.
This wedding was atop the Palazzo Perrotti Tower roof space, a romantic location overlooking the clear blue waters of the sea.

Janine and Bryan’s day was impeccably planned by the amazing planner  Julie of My Secret Italy.
She excels at being a wonderful host, making sure guests are looked after and providing couples with extra little surprises throughout the day to create a magical day.

Janine and her girls got ready in Residenz 1893, beautiful apartments overlooking the promenade leading to the beach.
Julie pooped along with balloons from Bryan, tied with messages to be opened throughout the morning, and then balloons released to signify she was on her way!
I took a few goes and the wind kept blowing them back in, much to everyone’s amusement! There were a few moist eyes as Janine came down the stairs to her waiting Dad.
Then the bridal party was serenaded along the quaint Italian alleyways to the Perrotti Tower, Janine being led by her proud dad to her waiting groom.

Torre Perrotti Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony was intimate and funny with personal humorous vows, reading from both mums and lots of kisses!
Soon it was time to go back down the tower stairs for a courtyard reception of music and canapes and cake.  Another surprise was a Spanish castanet musician.

Later when Janine and Bryan had signed the registers at the improvised Town Hall and returned there was confetti by the masses as they exited the courtyard gardens of the Torre Perrotti
Then ice cream from Baffo was really appreciated in the warm weather.  Time for portraits and then back to the Lido Azzurro for the evening reception where the guests were enjoying the beach.
…but not before our couple took time to enjoy a stunning Santa Maria sunset.  They are a bit special here

Lido Azzurro Reception

Speeches done  – oh little Ollie did an amazing speech, so natural! touched everyone in the room.
Next up food – a delicious bbq and lots of salads –  and party time! The evening was filled with music dancing and fireworks.
Lots of dancing and singing., a fabulous dance where a member of the family kept being added to the line, and a famous rendition of Rick Astley’s, “Never Gonna Give you Up”
The Maieutiké live band were fabulous as usual, always a pleasure to hear them play and sing.
The fireworks were the icing on the cake of such a memorable day.

Thank you Janine and Bryan for bringing us back to Santa Maria for your wedding, it was flipping awesome!
Wishing you much love and happiness  Sandy & Dave xx

view of Torre Perrotti

Torre Perrotti wedding Santa Maria di Castellabate

 

 

maieutiké liveband at Lido Azzurro

Destination Wedding Italy: Santa Maria Di Castellabate Photography

Destination Wedding Italy: Santa Maria Di Castellabate Photography

Stephanie and Barry’s Destination Wedding Italy: Santa Maria di Castellabate

Wow where to start with this fabulous destination beach wedding in Santa Maria di Castellabate, an idyllic authentic part of Italy.  A little  known seaside town in comapison to the Amalfi coast but just what Barry and Stephanie wanted.  A laid back affair with the closest of their friends (some whose weddings we had covered in the uk) and family.  They thought Italy would be too expensive and they wanted a lovely beach …..so I showed them Santa Maria and they fell in love with the place!
The number 19 is an important date for Steph and Barry – they met on the 19th, one of their daughters was born on a 19th, somehow their wedding in Santa Maria was booked for the 19th May They even chose row 19 on the plane out to Naples! It was meant to be!
The family stayed in the humunous Villa Virginia up in the hills overlooking Santa Maria.  Lost count of the number of bedrooms!

Bridal preps were in the local hair dressers – Angela’s in the main street, before heading back to the Villa for final preps and dressing.  Stephanie chose a gorgeous Italian design from Tina Louise for her lace bridal gown.  Soon time for the taxi and cars to wish the bride and bridal party to the Lido Azzurro for the beautiful beach ceremony.  So touching at the end when Stephanie and her Dad linked by phone to her sister, who unfortuantely could not be with them.
The customary walk through the town to sign papers at the Town Hall, taking pics as we went along and then back for the Lido Reception to enjoy a fine meal, hilarious speeches with Barry demonstating his chat up moves, dancing and fireworks on the beach for a spectacular end to a most memorable day.
Thank you Steph and arry for our personalised favours, a lovely touch with the poem , so happy you an amazing time here and know you will be back!

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palazzo Santa Maria di Castellabate

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Venue: Lido Azzurro Di Sessa
Wedding Planner: Slow Dreams
Photography: Pixsmiths Creative Photography

 

Destination Wedding: Santa Maria, Italy :Paul and Bev

Destination Wedding: Santa Maria, Italy :Paul and Bev

Santa Maria di Castellabate Destination Wedding

Ooh we just love loved-up couples and Paul and Bev are no exception, sizzling chemistry guys!
They were a dream to shoot on the Secret Retreat workshop – led by Claire Penn, Andrea Ellison and Lucy Woodrow.
Twinkle town Santa Maria di Castellabate and the Summer Palace (wedding) and the town’s  Belmonte Palace were the perfect backdrops for these shoots.  Enjoy!

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Italy Destination Wedding Workshop: Santa Maria Secret Retreat

Italy Destination Wedding Workshop: Santa Maria Secret Retreat

A picture of a quaint authentic Italian seaside town, Santa Maria, or twinkle town as I later learnt its affectionate name, tugged at my travel-prone heartstrings. Booked a holiday here…and then just a short while later The Secret Retreat workshop was launched. I had to go, simply could not miss this opportunity with 3 fabulous photographers I’ve admired   for a while Claire Penn, Andrea Ellison and Lucy Woodrow in this special place. No lie it sold with an hour … …but yay I got a place!!

As we were flying in to Naples I took some shots of  islands just offshore Naples, I knew it wasn’t Capri…. Mental note to google map later.

So there we were 30 girls all mixing well and having a great time in the sunshine, eating pizza, sunbathing by the pool, we had a party night with music, dancing and surprise fireworks…..oh  yes and we did get t to shoot in two amazing palaces  with real couples head over heels in love with each other and meet the Prince and Princess of Belmonte who were so hospitable to us. What more could we want!

Each day a  leader set up a styled shoot and gave an informative talk and exercises to help with the business planning  side of things, something for everyone whatever level. Even with many years’ experience but I craved new inspiration, new creativity and new guidance on branding and marketing, always developing.

I can honestly say I got all this out of it and so much more – really cannot thank ALL the girls enough for this experience.  Valuable time was also spent networking and bouncing ideas off each other.  Special thanks to Mandy the creative expert from Saddleworth Shindigs for all the goodies she used was in detail heaven!  And to the florist and make up artist who did a fabulous work on our amazing couples Paul and Bev and Luigi and Antonia.  Extra special thanks to Julie McKenzie and daughter Emily of My Secret Italy  they really are the best wedding planners her and go the extra mile for you– can appreciate how much hard work goes into organising such an event, often having to make impromptu changes on the day.

Words are inadequate to fully sum up this amazing amazing experience, we all received motivational kick up the backsides and I know not only myself but everybody else will be buzzing from this magical workshop  and putting things into practice for a good few months yet.

I dared to dream ….and  my dream is coming true I will be back here in May 2016 for a wedding….and as for those islands I discovered it was Ischia and Procdia…places I wanted to visit on honeymoon 30 years ago   …and now we are in less than 2 weeks time carrying on the love affair with Italy.

Santa Maria in the summer

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Want to see more of this amazing workshop – then check out this amazing secret retreat 2015 video

captured by Laura Jane Dale Photogrpahy – huge thanks Laura, fabulous memories