Emily and Pete’s Real Wedding | Crete, Greece
Emily and Pete’s love story is proof that Today’s Bride really does bring people together—literally. The couple first met while modeling in one of our fashion shows, and years later, they tied the knot in one of the most breathtaking settings imaginable: Crete, Greece. With whitewashed buildings overlooking the Aegean Sea, their destination wedding was the perfect mix of romance, glamour, and personal touches.
Even though their celebration took place thousands of miles from home, Emily and Pete leaned on the talent of their Northeast Ohio wedding vendors to bring their vision to life. Their day was captured beautifully by Swidrak & Co., a local Ohio-based photographer who joined them abroad to document every sparkling detail. Their story proves that when planning a destination wedding, you don’t have to leave your trusted vendor team behind—many are willing (and excited!) to travel.
getting ready | Bold & Glamorous Style
The couple’s wedding design embraced bold colors and modern elegance. Emily stunned in a fully beaded, sequin gown from Harper + Ivory that shimmered against the Greek sunset, while Pete looked classic in a black tux from HUGO BOSS. Their wedding palette—fuchsia, white, and silver—popped against the iconic blue-and-white architecture of Crete. The result was a celebration that felt both glamorous and deeply personal, combining European romance with Midwest authenticity.
Why Local Vendors Matter… Even Abroad
One of the biggest takeaways from Emily and Pete’s story is that choosing local vendors—even for a wedding halfway around the world—adds trust and comfort to the planning process. Working with professionals who already know your style, your story, and your personality ensures the day feels authentically “you,” no matter the location. For couples in Northeast Ohio dreaming of a destination wedding, their story is a reminder: your hometown vendor team can make your vision a reality anywhere.
“Erin from Paper Mill Studio totally captured my vision for invitations and brought it to life! Not only did she help me create this beautiful suite, but also helped me with personalized itineraries to send out to guests before the big trip to Greece! Also, she created beautiful programs, and my table name cards and menus for me to bring over! It was so much easier communicating the final touches with a vendor nearby!” commented Emily.
Swidrak & Co. Photography & Videography
“David Swidrak is also a complete master at his craft, producing the most unique engagement photos all of film before our wedding. He spent so much time getting to know us as people, making the day fun and personalized! Our photos represent us perfectly, and we are beyond excited to bring him with us to Greece!” Emily added.
David’s team also supplied the videography for the day, ensuring that the magic of Crete and the joy of their celebration would live on beyond just photographs.
The Ceremony
The day started out with a traditional Greek ceremony. Greek weddings are rich with history, symbolism, and joy. While not every couple includes every tradition, many of these elements still play a role today—whether in Greece itself or brought abroad by couples with Greek heritage.
The Crowning
One of the most recognizable Greek Orthodox traditions, the bride and groom are crowned with ornate wreaths called stefana, joined by a ribbon. The crowns symbolize unity, the creation of a new household, and the couple’s equal partnership. The priest places the crowns on their heads, then switches them back and forth three times.
A Chic Outdoor Reception in Crete
Emily and Pete’s reception felt like something out of a dream—set in a sun-soaked courtyard lined with palms and accented by crisp white décor. Round tables draped in classic white linens surrounded a serene fountain, while tall floral arrangements of fuchsia, white, and greenery brought their bold color palette to life.
Guests dined al fresco as the Mediterranean breeze carried through the space, enjoying an atmosphere that was both romantic and celebratory. Their reception beautifully blended Greek charm with Emily and Pete’s signature flair.
Golden Hour Magic
During the reception, Emily and Pete slipped away to the shoreline for a few quiet moments together. With the sun dipping low, the golden hour light cast a warm glow that made Emily’s sparkling sequin gown shimmer with every step. Barefoot in the sand, the couple shared laughter, tender glances, and a sense of calm before returning to the celebration. These portraits are proof that sometimes the best wedding memories come from the simplest moments—just the two of you, soaking in the beauty of the day.
The party
As the sun set and the music picked up, the dance floor came alive. Emily and Pete celebrated surrounded by family and friends, their joy filling the night with energy, laughter, and lots of dancing.
Emily and Pete’s destination wedding in Crete was everything a celebration should be—romantic, stylish, and uniquely theirs. From the Northeast Ohio vendors who brought their vision to life, to the breathtaking Greek backdrop that made every moment unforgettable, their story is proof that love knows no borders.
“When planning a wedding, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Planning a wedding in another country was even more confusing. Meeting with local vendors helped me understand the process, and simplified the tasks I needed to accomplish overseas. The vendors here gave me amazing advice and guided me through all of the decisions I was able to make here in Akron! We are even fortunate enough to have my hairstylist, photographer, and videographer traveling with us overseas!” Emily added.
Whether at home or across the world, what matters most is creating a day that feels authentically you—and theirs was nothing short of magical.
Local Vendors
Alterations: Cara’s Bridal Alterations
Bridal Shop: Harper + Ivory
Hair Salon: Sara Fraraccio
Invitations & Stationery: Paper Mill Studio
Men’s Attire: Hugo Boss
Men’s Attire Alterations: Saville Lane
Photography: Swidrak & Co.
Videography: Jared Howell from Swidrak & Co.
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