Santorini Elopement Shooting
There are many reasons for my passion to take photos but one of the most important reasons is that photography takes you to most beautiful places in the world. Santorini, which is 50 minutes air distance away from my home is one of them. Dear Sam and Stephen reached me from Denver, America and requested an offer and this made me so happy. I think they also felt it from my enthusiastic reply. Later on I’ve found out that they have investigated 70 photographers serving in that region and decided to work with me. I was so proud for sure.
You can read the whole story at the bottom of the page (after the photos and video)!…
Sam and Santorini
Sam and Stephen were visiting Santorini for the first time. They wanted to have an unplanned, unscheduled day after their own hearts. Another couple, Kelsey and Jay, who are their closest friends will accompany them. Their dream was a ceremony away from people, in other words elopement, on top of the cliffs, at the exact moment of sunset. This mentality excited me more and I decided to go to the island 2 days before the shooting to look for the best places for photo session and the marriage ceremony.
As a matter of fact, Santorini is a crater formed as a result of volcanic eruption that occurred 2200 year ago. Following the formation of the volcano, some part of the crater have submerged and the structure composed of islands rose to the surface. Most popular settlements on the island are Fira and Oia. Whited houses on the cliffs, pathways and stairs reaching down from rocky slopes and the famous sunset in front of this background are factors that make this island extra romantic. For me, it is an exciting and huge photography set.
Wedding Day
In the morning of the wedding day we have met with Sam, Stephen, Kelsey and Joy at an incredible villa shaped as a windmill where they stay. We began the shooting here. Our plan was a photo shooting in Fira and then go to scenic rocks that we determined for wedding. After the preparations in the villa, Stephen decided to check into a place with a view and suggested to continue the preparations there after the photo shooting. I loved this idea for sure. We explored Fira to find additional locations that I have found before. We had a break and had some food and drinks. In the meantime we have known each other better and thanks to them, I felt like a family member.
After the preparation in the room with an incredible view in Fira we left for the rockies by two cars. I was in one of the cars with Stephen and Sam was in the other with the group. Our aim was preventing them to see each other before the wedding and we achieved this. I and Stephen were the first to arrive there and began waiting for Sam after climbing the rocks. We got together at the sunset. Her veil and hair were flying about in the hot breeze and there were teardrops. I would say I have witnessed one of the most perfect and extraordinary marriage ceremonies ever. I was so excited on their behalf and on behalf of photography. I think those kind of moments are the reason of my life. It is a great honour to witness such special moments of two persons who are deeply in love with each other. Jay performed the marriage ceremony and made a wonderful speech. I experienced an incredible sunset owing to them.
Santorini Night
We went to Athenian House for dinner. I have taken some group photos during dinner and laid the foundations of close friendships. That night I had wonderful conversations and met with awesome people. Later on we visited Tropical Bar and Murphy’s Bar respectively and the finale of the night was in Two Brothers. We have really enjoyed ourselves. I have to confess that I kept taking photos even though they told me not to so that we all can party together:)
One of the happiest moments for me was when I received Sam’s e-mail 6 days later:
Dear Sam and Stephen, being with you was an experience far beyond taking photos. Your sincerity, kindness, candidness, enthusiasm, goodwill, nice conversation and your love that I have witnessed were unforgettable. I feel lucky to know you. Be happy and I hope seeing you again as soon as possible.
The slide show of the elopement:
Santorini Wedding Photos Ufuk Sarisen
