High School Sweethearts
Family. Forever.
From a chance meeting at preschool through years spent apart during college, Maria and George have built a deep relationship and an easygoing friendship that stands the test of time. Their love has carried them through the past, and as for their future? It’s sure to be a family affair.
“When we were Young”
Maria and George originally met in preschool. Both locals born and raised in Santorini and George with Scottish heritage from his Mother’s side, they grew up almost side by side as so often happens in small places.
Maria remembers how George would tease her, pull her hair and take away her toys in preschool. Growing up they ended up going to the same schools and being in the same classes so a friendship grew that turned into romance in the early years of high school.
During college they separated, both leaving to study in different places and with a longing to discover life and meet new people. After finishing with their studies and both moving back to Santorini they rekindled their romance, now being sure that they wanted to move on in life together.
“We did date other people and we did try the “serious relationship” with others but it was never the same. Both of us wanted to get back together, it was never about being with anyone else, it was always just about finding our selves”
POPPING THE CORK AND THE QUESTION
George proposed to Maria one day spontaneously, when they were walking their dog.
“The time just felt right. I hadn’t planned it. We just decided to go for a walk in Megalochori with the dog and we ended up going to a specific part with amazing views, no houses, no people, just peace, quite and nature. At that moment, Maria was a bit further ahead of me with our dog and I just looked at her ,playfully walking along and I just though how much I wanted her to be my wife so with no ring and no prior planning I spontaneously proposed. She said yes! I obviously went after and chose a ring but Maria couldn’t care less about the ring, she just loved the moment”
“It’s her beauty. She’s beautiful outside, but mostly, she’s beautiful inside. If you spend any time with her, you notice that.
“When we decided to get married, when our first baby boy was due, we just wanted it small. With our favorite people on our home island where we grew up together and made so many life memories together and since Niovi was already a good friend of ours it just made sense that she would plan and arrange everything for us”.
Their wedding day was intimate and beautiful. Maria was 3 months pregnant and George couldn’t stop touching her belly. It took place on a small hotel terrace overlooking the Caldera views and on the specific day we were in awe of how orange the sunset was only to find out later that the colors where due to a big fire on a nearby island.
We all thought what a weird feeling it is that our special day that was one of our best days was the worst day for someone else. It just made us feel even more appreciative of all that we have.
Our advice to other couples
“My advice to couples planning their wedding is to always be flexible. Between our initial wedding plans and the actual wedding day, we had some vendor changes and cancellations happen but everything worked out for the best. Remember your wedding is about starting a life together, so it is okay if some part of your wedding planning does not work out the way you wanted it to. Also remember the only people who know what your wedding is supposed to look like is YOU! Your guests will not notice if small things don’t go according to plan, so don’t stress and soak in every moment of your wedding day, it goes by so fast!”
Photographer : Dana Convents
Location: Imerovigli
Venue: Sophia Luxury Suites
Flowers: Sofia’s Prestige
Event Planner: Wild Hearts
