Our couples: Or & Paul

Or & Paul's Greek Wedding Extravaganza: Love Knows No Distance

April 16, 2024

Tell us about yourselves, and how did you meet?

Or & Paul: “We’re Or and Paul, an Israeli-Irish couple who met by chance in Thailand. Our story took us from an unforgettable two weeks in Asia to a long-distance relationship that we eventually paused. Years later, fate brought us back together in Amsterdam, under the most unexpected circumstances. This time, we knew it was for keeps.”

Sirtaki :

When Or and Paul shared their story with us, we were touched by the serendipity of their relationship. It’s these unique love stories that truly inspire our work, pushing us to create weddings that are as special and unique as the couples themselves.

What made you decide to get married in Greece?

Or & Paul: “Greece was the perfect middle ground for our families in Israel and Ireland. The climate, food, and venue choices sealed the deal for us. It felt like Greece chose us as much as we chose it.”

Sirtaki :

"Choosing a location that’s accessible and appealing for all guests is crucial for a destination wedding. Greece offers that perfect blend, making it a popular choice for couples from around the globe."

How long did it take to plan the wedding? Tell us about the challenges you faced

Or & Paul: It took about 8 months to plan the wedding. The challenge was planning without being able to physically access everything or rely on a suite of recommendations we personally experienced. Normally, you’d visit venues and meet suppliers in person, building confidence in your choices. This time, we had to place our trust entirely in our wedding planners, Anat and Yonathan, without the possibility of seeing their previous work firsthand. It was a leap of faith, trusting them to understand our vision and execute it flawlessly from a distance.”

Sirtaki :

"Planning a destination wedding indeed requires a deep level of trust between the couple and their planners. Our role is to make this process as transparent and reassuring as possible. We understand the leap of faith involved in such an important event in your life, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Ensuring that Or and Paul felt comfortable and confident in their decisions was our top priority, and we strived to provide them with peace of mind, knowing their dream wedding was in capable hands."

Tell us about the wedding planning process with Anat and Yonathan?

Or & Paul: Trust was key. We couldn’t inspect everything in person, so relying on Anat and Yonathan’s expertise and taste was essential. They got our vibe immediately, suggesting things we loved and handling it all so we could stay stress-free.

Working with Anat and Yonathan was amazing, we really felt that they understood us and the vibe we wanted for our wedding, this made things so much easier and there wasn’t a need to go back and forth much, it felt like they understood us right away and made suggestions that were exactly to our taste with things we didn’t even know we needed!

During the wedding they were so personable yet professional and in control, we were able to focus on each other and not worry about anything. They are also very generous and we felt really taken care of. The guests also all had positive things to say about both of them.

Sirtaki :

Understanding a couple’s vision and translating it into reality is what we do best. Or and Paul put their faith in us, and together, we curated a wedding that was a true reflection of their personalities and preferences.

What part of the planning did you enjoy the most?

Or & Paul: Visiting Greece to finalize the details was definitely a highlight. Tasting the food, seeing the venue, and meeting Anat and Yonathan in person made everything come alive.

Sirtaki :

Sirtaki: We always recommend a pre-wedding visit. It’s an exciting part of the process, and it helps us ensure every detail is aligned with the couple’s dreams.

What was the most important thing for you in the process?

Or & Paul: For Paul, being Irish, the bar had a critical importance. Thankfully, this is Yonantan’s speciality 😉 Music was very important for Paul as well and we got an unbelievable band that we nor the guests will ever forget.

For Or, the location of the ceremony was very important, we had a few options at the venue, all had their own pros and cons, but Or fell in love with one location and Anat and Yonatan made it absolutely perfect.

Sirtaki :

Balancing practicality with personal touches is what transforms a good wedding into an unforgettable one. We’re thrilled we could hit the mark for both Or and Paul.

Tell us about your wedding day.

Or & Paul: Our wedding was relaxed and intimate, with every moment unfolding against the stunning Greek backdrop. We had exclusive use of our beautiful venue throughout the weekend.

On the day of the wedding, all our guests enjoyed their day at the pool and the beach until the ceremony by the water in the early evening, which was performed by a best friend.

What followed was the wedding dinner, and the band and DJ kept us going until the early hours. Everything took place outside.

The decor was colourful boho and there were fairy lights everywhere and some cosy sitting areas with pillows and lights for after the dinner and during the day. We had a big arch for the ceremony and it was decorated with colorful flowers, these florals continued through to the seating areas and the centerpieces . The dinner was very Greek and delicious, the staff were so friendly they were practically part of the party!

Sirtaki :

A hotel buyout allows our couples and their guests to spend some real time relaxing and enjoying each other's company. So often, a wedding day goes by in a flash and you don’t get this quality time with your guests. This is especially true on the day of the wedding, there is no waiting around, and guests are able to enjoy their day in full before getting ready for the celebrations. Seeing our couple so happy and their guests thoroughly enjoying the celebration is always the most rewarding part of our job.

Any tips for couples planning a destination wedding?

Or & Paul: Find planners who get you. The right planners will understand your vibe and make the planning process a breeze, even from afar.

Sirtaki :

Sirtaki: Absolutely! A good planner is your ally, especially when you’re planning a wedding in Greece. Trust is everything.

An unforgettable moment?

Or & Paul: Seeing each other for the first time on our wedding day, away from all the hustle, was incredibly special. It was just us, in that moment, and it’s something we’ll always cherish.

Sirtaki :

Facilitating these intimate moments is something we always strive for. It’s these snapshots in time that remain etched in your memory forever.
Originally, there were a few close family members who were not going to be able to make the wedding. When their plans changed, they contacted us in secret to help them plan their trip. Their surprise reveal to the couple was a beautiful moment and we all got a bit emotional.

Or and Paul’s story is a testament to love’s enduring power and the beauty of celebrating it in a place as magical as Greece. Through the challenges of distance and the intricacies of planning, their journey with Sirtaki Wedding Planners not only made their dream wedding a reality but also created memories that will last a lifetime.

Need help bringing your dreams to life – contact us today!