‘Mamma Mia’ Weddings at Karimalis Winery Ikaria
In September this year I was very lucky to photograph one of the first ‘Mamma Mia’ weddings at Karimalis Winery Ikaria.
Ikaria is one of the most beautiful Greek Islands and the most perfect setting for weddings at Karimalis Winery Ikaria.
The wedding was a truly ‘Mamma Mia’ style wedding for such a lovely couple Charlotte and Yoel to host their wedding with their many friends and family. Charlotte and Yoel both live in London and came across the Karimalis Winery Ikaria completely by chance whilst on holiday last year and decided it would be the perfect place to have their wedding. The couple are both following their respective successful careers in London. Charlotte is a book publicist and Yoel is a writer.
So, this was one the very first weddings at Karimalis Winery Ikaria. Below are a few photographs from the day along with a link to a video should you wish to see more about weddings at Karimalis Winery Ikaria. The photographs and video were taken and produced by Dorset Wedding Photographer, Dave Broomfield – owner at Dave Broomfield Photography. More information about Dave can be found by clicking here.
A brief background to Weddings at the Karamalis Winery Ikaria.
The winery was set up by George Karimalis and his wife Eleni, when they decided to leave their jobs and life in the city of Athens. This was in 1999 when they returned to their homeland and decided to work their ancestral land and enjoy the Ikarian way of life. With this in mind they set about to restore the family vineyard which is thought to be around 500 years old. Hosting weddings at Karimalis Winery Ikaria is one of the latest developments in the vineyards history.
As you can see from the video, the wedding itself took place in the Pigi Ampitheatre, Ikaria which was led by one of their closest friends Daniel who acted as celebrant for the ceremony. In addition there were three lovely readings during the service…
The Ganapath Dhyanam from the Vedas read by ‘Freddy’.
The Only Absolute Knowledge Attainable By Man Is that Life is Meaningless form Woody Allen’s Hannah and Her Sisters read by Catrin.
Happy by Lana Del Ray read by Dan.
Following the ceremony was a drinks reception consisting of the local wines produced at the Karamalis Winery.
As you can see from the photographs, the views from the outdoor restaurant setting for the meal are absolutely stunning as you look out across the beautiful blue Aegean Sea.
Ikaria
Ikaria itself is a truly beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is just 10 nautical miles southwest of Samos. Ikaria derives its name from Icarus who was the son of Daedalus in Greek mythology and was believed to have fallen into the sea nearby.
Back to the wedding… and the food!!
The food along with the wine was truly amazing!!
As you can see from the photographs,
On arrival the wedding party were offered Bread and Olives (all produced at the Karimalis Winery).
To Start was
Dolma – Rice Stuffed Vine Leaves
Pitarakia – Traditional Ikarian Cheese Pies
Greek Salad
Tzatziki
Main
Gamopilafo – ‘Rice of the Wedding’ with Goat
and…
After
Baklava, Fresh Fruit, Greek coffee and finally Wedding Cake.
The evening event then consisted of Ikarian dancing enjoyed by all.
In summary, Charlotte and Yoel had the most magnificent wedding day that I’m sure will remain in their memories for the rest of their lives. In terms of a wedding that is very different to the traditional UK weddings and if you’re looking for that true ‘Mamma Mia’ feel and style, I would certainly take a look at weddings at Karimalis Winery Ikaria.
