We had no plans to marry in Paxos.
If anything, we had a hazy idea of a winter wedding (we both ski) with Huskies sledges and lots of fun in the snow.
On the down side the temperature could be minus 20 / 30 degrees and some of the family may not have taken kindly to those prevailing conditions. Idly ‘Googling’ around we came upon Paxos (a tiny island, approximately seven miles long by three miles wide, with over 30 white pebbly beaches and crystal clear blue sea) and wedding co-ordinators Sam and Stu.
It was a possibility!
Several e-mails later we had booked a holiday in Paxos and had planned to meet up with Sam and Stu.
From the moment we arrived we knew Paxos was for us, and in meeting Sam and Stu for the first time we just knew our wedding would be in Paxos. We both liked Sam and Stu instantly, their warmth, their friendliness and obvious love of the island and its people.
They gave us lots of ideas of where to have the reception, from a quiet romantic spot on a sandy beach to a full blown reception for many guests in one of the many excellent eating haunts around the island. By the time our holiday was over and we were leaving Paxos we could not imagine getting married anywhere else.
A year later, with family and friends in tow we were married by the Mayor of Paxos in the lovely town of Gaios.
Our personal vows were said in another ceremony on a decorated boat, celebrated with champagne and canapés in a secluded romantic inlet to the south of Paxos. A beautiful white church high up on the hillside formed a perfect backdrop.
Following the celebrations on the boat was the wedding meal on Mongonissi beach, each course being interleaved with a swim or a dance with Greek music provided by Spiro and friends. Spiro derives a special mention as he has stories to tell - no - you will have to find out for yourselves by taking the plunge in your own special way and marrying in Paxos.
Thank you so much Sam and Stu for making this amazing day happen - we will treasure the memories always - and have already booked to come to Paxos next year. Where else could we possibly celebrate our first wedding anniversary?