Blog: A Love Blessed Beneath the Olive Trees: Vanessa & Alex’s Wedding Story

“Two hearts, one faith, and a love story blessed under the Greek sky.”

Meeting Vanessa & Alex

When I first met Vanessa and Alex, I could instantly sense how beautifully grounded their connection was. There was this calmness between them — the kind that comes from knowing you’ve truly found your person. As we began planning their ceremony together, I knew it would be one filled with warmth, laughter, and deep emotion.

married couple looking into each other's eyes
Love in its truest form — steady, kind, and full of faith

Their Story

Vanessa and Alex’s love story began in 2021, thanks to a simple online connection that quickly turned into something extraordinary. What started with a few messages soon became hours of conversations, laughter, and a shared sense of belonging. Their early days weren’t without challenges — living a few hours apart and navigating long-distance love — but they turned those challenges into strength. That distance became the foundation of their bond, teaching them trust, patience, and the kind of partnership that weathers any storm.

couple laughing together during the ceremony
A love built on patience, laughter, and a faith that endures distance

The Proposal and Their Journey Together

When Alex proposed to Vanessa, he did so on a day that already carried meaning — her mum’s birthday — during a romantic trip to Paris. Originally, he had planned to get down on one knee at the Eiffel Tower, but when the crowd felt too busy, he found a quiet spot by the river. In that peaceful moment, with Paris glimmering in the background, Alex asked Vanessa to be his wife. It was a proposal filled with sincerity and grace — a true reflection of their love.

wedding rings resting on soft blush cushion
A promise sealed in faith and devotion

A Day to Remember in Zakynthos

The island of Zakynthos holds a special place in Vanessa’s heart — it’s a place tied to many family memories and to their first holiday together as a couple. So it felt only right that they chose this beautiful Greek island to exchange their vows, surrounded by the sea breeze, olive trees, and their closest loved ones. As their celebrant, I had the honour of welcoming everyone to witness their second ceremony — one that brought their families and cultures together in the most heartfelt way.

ceremony setup among the olive trees
Nature, faith, and love woven into one moment

The Ceremony

The ceremony began with Vanessa walking down the aisle, escorted by her father, Toni — a moment that touched everyone’s hearts. You could feel the love between father and daughter, a lifetime of memories coming full circle. Their ceremony was a beautiful blend of cultures, faith, and personal touches. Every word they exchanged carried intention — their vows were deeply personal, full of emotion, and truly reflected the way they live and love.

a dad walking his daughter down the aisle
A walk of love, pride, and new beginnings

The Greek Crown Ritual

To honour Vanessa’s connection to Greece, we included a traditional Greek element — the Stefana (wedding crowns) — joined together by a ribbon symbolising unity. As they were crowned, I explained how, in Greek tradition, the crowns represent the couple’s shared strength, sacrifice, and eternal bond. That moment, with the crowns resting gently upon their heads and the afternoon light filtering through the olive branches, was utterly moving.

Greek crowns being placed on couple's heads
A sacred moment of unity beneath the olive trees

Faith and Love

Vanessa and Alex’s ceremony was not only a celebration of love but also of faith. They chose to include a reading of Psalm 121, reminding everyone that their love is guided by something greater — a faith that anchors them through every chapter of life. It was a moment of stillness, of gratitude, of feeling the divine presence in the Greek breeze.

couple holding hands during their vows
Faith and love, side by side

A Celebration of Togetherness

As they exchanged rings and sealed their vows with a kiss, the atmosphere was filled with pure joy. Their guests erupted into cheers and confetti, surrounding them with love and laughter. Their little boy, Maxim, watched proudly — a sweet reminder of the beautiful life they’ve already built together.

bride and groom after ceremony
A kiss to begin forever

A Love Blessed Beneath the Greek Sky

As the sun began to set over Zakynthos, I stood back for a moment, taking it all in — the laughter, the happy tears, the golden light over the olive grove. It reminded me exactly why I do what I do. Vanessa and Alex’s ceremony was a beautiful reminder that love, when rooted in faith and family, becomes something truly sacred.

wedding couple kissing at sunset
Two souls, one faith, forever intertwined

A Reflection from RoussaCelebrant

Being part of Vanessa & Alex’s day was a genuine honour — not just as their celebrant, but as a witness to their love story. Creating a ceremony that reflects two hearts coming together across cultures and faiths is always something I hold dear. If you’re dreaming of a meaningful, personal, and heartfelt ceremony in Greece, I would love to help you create your perfect day.

couple smiling as they walk back down the aisle after the ceremony
Where every love story finds its voice

Photography credits: Aneza Weddings

Posted in

My Celebrant Services

Wedding Ceremonies

Create the wedding of your dreams with a bespoke ceremony that tells your unique love story. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, I'll craft a ceremony that reflects your vision and creates memories to last a lifetime.

Vow Renewals

Celebrate your continuing love story against the stunning backdrop of Greece. Whether marking an anniversary milestone or simply reaffirming your commitment, a vow renewal ceremony honors your journey together.

Special Celebrations

Beyond weddings, I create meaningful ceremonies for life's other important moments—from naming ceremonies to milestone birthdays, graduations, and retirement celebrations.

Ceremony Locations

Discover breathtaking settings for your ceremony across Zakynthos, the Ionian Islands, and mainland Greece and in general all over Greece—from iconic beaches to historic ruins and luxury private villas.

Let's create something beautiful together. Ready to begin your journey?

FM7C8144
heart-yellow