Natalie and Ben’s gorgeous wedding in Santorini

Our Signature Collection sheath with dramatic illusion back and wow-factor lace train was the perfect choice for this breathtaking wedding in Santorini…

Natalie and Ben first met online. “Our first date was a ‘day date’ and we met for coffee,” says Natalie. “Ben later asked me to be his girlfriend at Hever Castle, my happy place."

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Ben proposed on 4th July 2022 in Natalie’s home town of Reading. “I was totally caught off guard,” says Natalie. “We had wandered into the site of the ruins of an abbey (I’m a history geek!). Unexpectedly, there was an open air performance that evening of Romeo & Juliet and the cast were rehearsing. Ben got down on one knee at the site of the abbey alter and at the exact moment I said yes, the rehearsal must’ve ended and the team applauded. A happy accident/coincidence but it really made us smile!”

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Discovering her Signature style

“My mum recommended wed2b, as it was the first time we had heard about somewhere that let you buy the exact dress you try on,” says Natalie. “We visited the Bromley store with the intention of getting an idea of styles but walked out with a dress!”

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“However, after I purchased the first dress, I lost quite a significant amount of weight,” says Natalie. “So, I visited again and bought another one! The team were fabulous (both times) and it was a great experience. I didn’t return the original dress and instead donated it to a bride in need.”

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Second dress lucky

Natalie’s final choice was Younes, a floral lace sheath with a striking illusion back and Chantilly lace train. “I loved the back and the train was beautiful,” she says. “It made me feel sexy but elegant and I felt amazing in it. We had a destination wedding in Santorini and something light and comfortable was important. I also bought an underskirt and a stunning cathedral-length veil.”

A clifftop wedding in Santorini

“The setting was incredible and Ben and I and our guests loved it,” says Natalie. “The views were stunning and made most of our guests emotional. We initially booked this venue based on social media pictures but a follow up visit confirmed we made the right decision. The venue was private and secluded and offered three completely different vibes. The bright Greek sunshine and the view of the caldera, then the incredible sunset and finally the beautiful lights of the disco ball at night.”

The big day

“The entire wedding party got ready at the wedding venue at lunchtime,” says Natalie. “The groom downstairs and the bridal party upstairs, and we each had a beautiful brunch.”

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“Before the ceremony, Ben and I had a first look, which really helped ease the nerves and created some beautiful photos. Then my eldest son (12) walked me down the aisle and my youngest son supported his step dad at the alter. The music was upbeat (‘Best Day of my Life’ by American Authors), so the bridesmaids skipped down the aisle! We signed the register to ‘Came Here for Love’ by Sigala.”

The afterparty

The ceremony was at 5pm and afterwards there were drinks and canapés, with mojitos during cocktail hour. “The table plan was a champagne wall with pink Prosecco and fruit juice for the kids,” says Natalie. “The wedding breakfast was an abundance of Greek food, salads and a main of chicken or pork. Our first dance was choreographed to ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars because we wanted a fun and upbeat song and was timed to coincide with the sunset.”

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Stylish blues, golds and whites

Luggage tag ‘Save the Date’ cards, with a watercolour map of Santorini, set the tone for the day, and these were followed by passport-style invitations. “They were really unique,” says Natalie. “We wanted the colours to complement, not overpower, the incredible scenery and be in keeping with Greece. So, we had a simple but elegant theme of white flowers with eucalyptus.”

Tables were set with gold cutlery and glass and gold charger plates with navy blue napkins. “The stationary was also navy and gold agate style, as my son loves crystals,” says Natalie. “We had gold wooden laser-cut name settings. There were also personalised wooden games of noughts and crosses for the children and an I Spy game for them to take pictures ‘old school style’ using digital cameras.”

Cocktails and dancing!

“We had personalised drinks stirrers and napkins, as well as fans doubling up as Orders of Service and a thank you note,” says Natalie. “There were also unique round menu cards on the tables and a wedding crossword on an easel that guests could fill in. The 360 video photo booth we hired went down a treat! During dinner and cocktail hour there was a live singer and then a DJ in the evening. The lighting and disco ball was a real hit! Our wedding cake was beautiful, lemon cake, which we served as a late night snack to end the day.”

And for other Signature brides…

“Do what makes you happy and this will make others happy,” says Natalie. “We broke tradition with a sunny and upbeat wedding and guests loved it. Plus, the destination helped!”

We love it when brides take our looks and make them their own so, if you’ve enjoyed Natalie's’s chic wedding in Santorini, then we’d love to see how you styled your own Signature look. Just click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch.

Stay bold and brilliant,
The Signature Collection team