Sophia & Elliot's Intimate Wedding at Canaves Epitome, Santorini

Sophia & Elliot's Intimate Wedding Trailer at Canaves Epitome, Santorini

Greece has always held a special place in my heart. It was back in 2019 when I first took my camera on an international adventure to this stunning country, and from that moment; my career as a wedding filmmaker was forever changed. Fast forward to 2024, and I’ve been fortunate enough to capture love stories in breathtaking locations like Santorini—a place that never ceases to inspire me with it's stunning light, breathtaking sunsets and welcoming people.

Sophia & Elliot: A Love Story Years in the Making

Sophia and Elliot’s story began in 2003 when they met during Sophia’s summer internship at Elliot’s company. Over the years, their love blossomed, and in 2023, Elliot proposed in the very place where they would later say their vows—Santorini. Sophia, who runs a small social media agency specialising in food and travel, and Elliot, a director at Deloitte in IT consulting, had always envisioned a small, intimate wedding with their closest friends and family. Their wedding day was filled with neutral tones—whites and nude shades—perfectly reflecting their desire for understated elegance. Sophia’s father passed away in 2021, so her mother had the honour of walking her down the aisle, adding a deeply emotional touch to the day.

The Significance of Canaves Epitome

Choosing Canaves Epitome as their wedding venue was an easy decision for Sophia and Elliot. Not only is it a stunning location, but it also holds sentimental value, as Elliot proposed there. The venue’s serene atmosphere and breathtaking views provided the perfect backdrop for their intimate celebration.

Capturing the Day: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Rebecca Carpenter (photographer) and I began documenting Sophia and Elliot’s day at 11:30am, with their sunset ceremony set for 6:45pm. Before the ceremony, we took the couple to Megalochori, an intimate village in Santorini, for their portrait session. Earlier that morning, we had captured a sunrise shoot at Amoudi Bay, where Sophia and Elliot enjoyed a peaceful swim in a secret location, and we managed to beat the crowds at the iconic domes and churches in Oia. Sophia wore a stunning light pink dress for this session, adding a unique touch to the pre-wedding photos.

Crafting the Perfect Wedding Video

Understanding Sophia’s vision for her wedding video was key to creating something truly special. She expressed her love for my cinematic scenery, beautiful colour grading, and dramatic, atmospheric music. Most importantly, she wanted the vows to be the focal point of the audio. I made sure to incorporate these elements using her heartfelt vows as the voiceover in the teaser trailer. Capturing personal touches, like a silver charm made from her father's handwriting attached to her bouquet, was essential in telling their story.

Creative Techniques and Cinematic Moments

To bring Sophia and Elliot’s wedding day to life, I used a combination of techniques, including drone shots to showcase the venue and slow-motion footage to emphasise the romantic atmosphere during their portrait session on the windy cliffs. One standout moment was Sophia’s evening dress change, where I used an LED video light to create direct flash, paparazzi-style shots of them strutting, dancing, and eating their wedding cake. Additionally, placing a microphone inside Sophia’s dress helped capture clear audio away from the wind—an idea I’d recommend to other brides if they’re comfortable with it.

The Emotional Impact and Genuine Joy

What made this wedding video truly special was the personal vows. They added a layer of emotion that resonated throughout the entire film. Sophia and Elliot’s genuine joy and trust in Rebecca and me allowed us to get creative and capture their day authentically. Their happiness is palpable in every shot, making this one of the most memorable weddings I’ve had the pleasure of filming.

Why Santorini is the Perfect Wedding Destination

Santorini is one of my favourite wedding destinations, and for good reason - the light is simply magical, the views are unparalleled, and the warmth of the Greek people makes every visit unforgettable. For couples considering a destination wedding in Greece, I highly recommend hiring a British videography and photography team. This ensures that there’s no language barrier, and the style of the video and photos will align with your expectations. It’s also crucial to plan your timeline carefully, especially around the sunset, to ensure there’s plenty of time to capture all the moments you’ve envisioned.

Closing Thoughts

Sophia and Elliot’s intimate wedding at Canaves Epitome in Santorini was a day filled with love, beauty, and meaningful moments. I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of their special day, capturing memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Vendor Love:

• Planning and Styling: @herasweddings
• Video: @russellkentnicholls
• Photography: @rebeccacarpenterphotography (website)
• Makeup: @makeup.santorini.renia
• Hair: @rena_haircreations_santorini
• Dress: @millanova and @halfpennylondon
• Florals: @redboxdays
• Venue: @canavesepitome
• Stationery: @paigenco

Thank you for watching and being a part of this journey with me!