Cherries, Champagne & a Cretan Sunset: Nicola & Lyam’s Wedding
A Different Side of Crete
When you think of a destination wedding in Crete, the sea is often the first thing that comes to mind. But the island has another, wilder kind of beauty and Villa Gavras in Rethymno captures it beautifully.
Surrounded by lush green hills and the untamed Cretan landscape, the villa feels immersed in nature while still offering all the comforts of a modern, beautifully cared-for setting. Here, mountain, sea and greenery exist within the same view, creating a sense of openness and calm that feels unmistakably Cretan.
And then, as the day begins to soften, the landscape offers one more surprise, beyond the lush green hills, the Cretan Sea opens into view, creating the perfect backdrop as the sun slowly sinks toward the horizon.
It was within this setting that Nicola and Lyam, who travelled from London to celebrate in Crete, gathered their favorite people for a wedding filled with elegance, bold details and as the night would soon prove an incredible amount of energy.
The location set the tone perfectly. Refined without feeling formal, surrounded by nature yet effortlessly comfortable, it allowed their celebration to move from a sun-filled Cretan afternoon into an unforgettable night under the open sky.
The Vision: Bold Romance with a Modern Edge
The styling combined timeless elegance with a richer, more dramatic color palette.
Deep burgundy and red florals were layered with crisp white blooms and dark-toned foliage, creating arrangements that felt romantic, sophisticated and slightly unexpected. Against the clean white tablescape and the Mediterranean surroundings of the villa, the deeper tones immediately stood out.
The guests also brought their own sense of style, with beautifully polished evening looks adding an almost black-tie feel to the celebration..
But while the aesthetic was refined, Nicola and Lyam made sure the atmosphere was anything but restrained.
Tambourines, Place Cards & a Table Full of Energy
One of our favorite details of the day was waiting for guests right at their seats.
Instead of traditional place cards, personalized tambourines, created by Nicola herself through her brand, @momntsbymela, became part of the tablescape. A thoughtful and personal touch that was not only beautiful, but also gave everyone something to join the celebration with.
And they certainly did!
As the energy began to build, the tambourines came out, the music got louder and the tables quickly became part of the party. It was one of those details that perfectly reflected Nicola and Lyam's celebration: thoughtfully designed, personal and always created with fun in mind.
Champagne, Cherries & a Moment to Remember
Before the night moved into full party mode, Nicola and Lyam added another playful twist to a wedding classic: the champagne tower.
Coupe glasses were stacked high with cherries placed inside, adding a deep red accent that beautifully echoed the wedding's floral palette.
Then came the champagne!
With bottles in hand, Nicola and Lyam poured the bubbles together as their guests gathered around them, turning the champagne tower into a celebration of its own: elegant, joyful and just a little bit theatrical.
It was the perfect transition from dinner into what was about to become a very memorable night..
The Party: Roameo Takes Over
And then came Roameo, all the way from London.
From the moment the live music started, the entire atmosphere shifted. The dance floor filled, the tambourines came back out and Nicola and Lyam's guests were completely ready to celebrate.
What followed wasn't simply a wedding reception; it was a proper party!
The band brought an infectious energy to the night, with guests dancing, singing along and celebrating without holding back. After the polished elegance of the earlier part of the day, the evening became wonderfully spontaneous and full of movement.
It was loud, joyful and completely alive, exactly the kind of party people talk about long after the wedding is over.
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From London to Crete, With Love
Nicola and Lyam's wedding at Villa Gavras was a beautiful reminder that elegance and fun never have to compete.
Rich florals, refined styling, handmade tambourines, cherries in champagne coupes and a live band that had everyone on their feet came together to create a celebration that felt unmistakably theirs.
From London to Rethymno, they brought their favorite people together under the Cretan sun and turned one beautiful summer celebration into an unforgettable party.
Vendors
Planning & Design: Fazou Events
Band: Roameo
Venue: Think Villa | Gavras Exclusive Villa
Photographer: DMOL Studio
Videographer: Chasourakis George
Florals: Manfler Florist
Candles: Cretan Candles
Catering: Salis Chania
Bar: Pour Choices
Stationery: Momnts by Mela | Memmel Studio
Linens & Rentals: Occasia Rentals
Hair: Beauty Bar
Makeup: MakeUp By Sophia
Rentals & Lighting: Rakintzis Events
Chairs: Maroq Rentals
Celebrant: The Crete Celebrant







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