Tell us about the location and the people.

The beautiful Sarah and Yiannis are both born and raised in Melbourne (westside represent). They chose to locate their “Big Fat Greek Wedding” to the picturesque village of Leonidio, a special place for both of them, as it is the hometown of Yiannia’s mama. Leonidio is in the Peloponnese, tucked in a valley where the Badron Gorge meets the ocean. Their loved ones came from all around the world, travelling as far as Greece, Melbourne, New York, Japan, and England.

What was special about this wedding?

The wedding brought together the people Sarah and Yiannis love and cherish, and oh my, there was no doubt how much their people loved them back. It left us feeling like were part of one big family.

How did the landscape of Greece influence your work?

We felt like a cinematography kid in a candy store! The light that hit the sides of the mountain faces bounced around Leonidio creating an angelic frosted glass effect (like that gorgeous light you see inside a church). To add to the magic, the port-side locations were breathtakingly peaceful, as fishing boats gently bobbed away and sand crabs wandered across the rocks. It was beautiful and mesmerising and there wasn’t a second we didn’t have the camera pointed at something.

What was the style and theme the couple were going for?

For Sarah and Yiannis, their wedding style was a reflection of both themselves and their beautiful friends and family – that is honest, elegant and authentic. They chose to honour Greek traditions and local Leonidio produce, with details like olive branches, Oriental lilies and sugar-coated almonds. Their wedding palette was ivory, navy and olive, perfectly matching the surrounding port-side and mountain views. Pulling off an overseas wedding is no simple feat, but these guys made it look easy!

What was your favourite moment to capture from This wedding?

There were many moments that were a highlight to capture but our favourite was after their Greek Orthodox ceremony. As guests moved onto the reception venue, Sarah and Yiannis took a few minutes to explore the village and bask in their newlywed feels. It was humbling to witness the couple’s heartfelt love, especially when they forgot we were there (and these moments are what make us love our job!).

Where else have you travelled to? Where else would you like to?

Our work has previously seen us fly across Australia to film, Greece was our first international wedding and our next will be in January in Bali. I personally lived in Rome for over 8 years before moving to Australia and often make trips back to see friends, It’s a city that I’m deeply in love with and I would be over the moon if I could film a wedding there.

What do people need to know about booking a videographer for a destination wedding?

When booking a videographer for a destination wedding, it is important that you feel a connection to who is behind the lens. Our approach on the day is unobtrusive and relaxed, but we want you to feel comfortable and forget we’re even there – and that is easier when we aren’t complete strangers. So, before you head off, make sure you have a quality catch up with your videographer… we are always keen for a glass of champers!

About Native Weddings: Native Weddings is a production house based in Melbourne that specialises in creating personalised, hand crafted films that reflect the emotion of your big day. Every wedding is unique and we pride ourselves in capturing that individuality in a beautifully candid manner.