Today’s real wedding was an absolute dream! New York-based couple Tansy and Mark whisked 45 of their nearest and dearest to the island of Naxos for their summer celebration that was so uniquely theirs. They tied the knot in the serene sanctuary Kambones 1615, a meticulously restored Venetian Tower House that has been owned by the same family for over five centuries.

Woven with handcrafted details and beautiful personal moments, the aesthetic of their al fresco celebration was inspired by the beauty of Greece. From their circular ceremony to swapping the wedding cake for traditional Greek sweet treats, the couple marched to the beat of their own drum on their happiest day. Magdalene Kourti captured all the raw emotions and natural beauty of their celebration so magically, check out the photos below!

Tansy is from Toronto, Canada, while Mark hails from Tampa, USA. The couple met when Mark was auditioning at a New York venue where Tansy worked. They tell us, “She came backstage and said, ‘We haven’t met yet, but we should.’ The rest is history. A magician and a burlesque dancer… How vaudevillian!”

Just like their destination wedding venue, the proposal also came with a side of take-your-breath-away scenery as Mark popped the question high above New York State on top of Bear Mountain. Today they live in Brooklyn.

Greece itself was the inspiration for their celebration. “Its light, its history, its simplicity. Olive trees, sea air and stone walls,” they explain. “It was perfect: Grecian simplicity, beauty, and all our dreams coming true at once.”

Their guests were their top priority and they wanted their wedding to celebrate the beauty of being together. “From the very beginning, we wanted our guests to feel seen, cherished, and woven into the fabric of the day. Our ceremony was a circle: friends and family encircled us, not only as witnesses, but as the ones who married us together.”

Tansy had stayed at the venue on the Greek island before and she fell in love with it instantly. When she returned with Mark they were left absolutely spellbound by its magic. “Kambones is more than a venue; it is a sanctuary. Sophia, who runs it, has become family. Mark’s Greek roots, the timeless beauty of Naxos, and the spirit of Kambones made it the only possible choice.”

Their family and friends were the heartbeat of their outdoor ceremony that was soaked in soft sunlight. “We had a circular ceremony where groomsmen offered Mark tokens they had carried with them. Friends and family stepped forward to speak a single line, binding us with words.”

Their ceremony music included a tender and absolutely unforgettable cover of Cyndi Lauper’s iconic ballad Time After Time performed by their cherished friends Jake and Michael.

Secluded and surrounded by stunning unspoilt scenery, the venue is lauded as a haven for a slow and serene escape and time really stood still as they celebrated their happiest day. 

So effortlessly stylish! Languid, luscious and boasting a beautiful neckline of delicate lace, Tansy’s wedding dress was by Mark Gieringer. Her husband’s cream ensemble, which included an Atelier Munro suit, was the perfect complement.

No surprises that the rooftop was a popular spot for photos, what an incredible backdrop!

Their dream day would not have been possible without the help of their nearest and dearest and their wonderful vendors. “This day was built by many hands: Sophia at Kambones, her sons Nikos and Costas, and our beloved friends Michael, Jake, Scott, Erik, Jason, Boo, Jenny, Frank, Sister, and our parents! Their love made it possible.” Beautiful handcrafted touches were prepared in the days running up to the wedding making their celebration so unique to their love story.

The reception included an olive bar and they opted for a selection of scrumptious traditional Greek desserts instead of a cake.

The styling of their outdoor reception tablescape was neutral and airy with a long table dressed with a crisp white tablecloth, napkins tied with olive green ribbons that were complemented with olive leaves. Pillar candles held in glass cylinders brought a beautifully romantic glow to the proceedings.

We couldn’t agree with their wedding advice more, “Be present. The day is fleeting. Don’t let it get away.”

Their first dance was a Greek waltz under the stars, could it get anymore romantic?

Their honeymoon took them on a stunning adventure through the South of France. “We wandered through Toulon, La Ciotat and Simionde de Terre. Quiet ports, hidden coves… We would recommend it to anyone: go, and lose yourself there.”

Congratulations Tansy and Mark! We are so grateful to our lovely couple and photographer Magdalene Kourti for allowing us to take a glimpse inside their dreamy destination wedding.

Dreaming of tying the knot abroad? You’ll find more Destination Wedding inspiration here!