A Dream Wedding Week with Two Ceremonies on a Greek Island
29 October 2023
Joe Ranzenbach and Jennifer Choi were one of those couples who had their destination wedding vision set within hours of Joe’s April 2022 proposal, which took place on a catamaran in the Adriatic Sea. “We had no idea we wanted a destination wedding until we got engaged in Santorini. We just fell in love with the place,” says Jen, who also spent childhood trips visiting Greece. The couple wanted their friends to experience the island, too, and decided that they would return for their nuptials. Jen has a deep connection to Greece; her late grandfather was the South Korean ambassador to Greece, which deeply influenced her family’s bond with the Mediterranean nation.
Efficient Wedding Planning
The couple’s decisiveness served them well throughout the planning process for their May 2023 celebration. “One of the first things that I truly admired about Jen was how decisive she is. She knows who she is and what she stands for, and she’s put in work that 99 percent of people will never do,” says Joe. Their venue was booked shortly after their engagement, and they chose their first-dance song within moments, showcasing highly efficient wedding planning.
Selecting the Right Location
After their engagement in Santorini, their next stop was the island of Paros. While they enjoyed the rustic charm of Paros, they realized it would be challenging to host a wedding there due to its different tourism infrastructure compared to Santorini. The venues on Santorini were more experienced in managing destination weddings, making it a more practical choice for their celebration.
Keeping the Guest List Intimate
The couple decided on a multi-day affair, aiming to keep the guest list under 30 people. This decision proved challenging, especially for Joe, who had friends across various groups. To streamline the process, they established clear rules: only immediate family and their closest friends would be invited. Ultimately, they managed to gather a group of 22 guests, allowing for an intimate and enjoyable experience.
Communicating Early with Guests
To facilitate travel arrangements for their guests, Joe and Jen communicated the wedding date and location early on. This advance notice was crucial for guests traveling from afar and those needing to obtain passports. They aimed to ensure that their loved ones were well-informed and could prepare accordingly.
Choosing a Venue with Built-In Planning Support
The couple utilized a methodical approach in selecting their venue by listing criteria that mattered to them. They ultimately chose Canaves Oia Suites for its stunning location and included wedding planner services. This decision simplified many aspects of their planning, allowing them to focus on the celebration and guest activities.
Planning a Group Itinerary
To create a special vacation experience for their guests, the couple planned a week filled with enjoyable activities. They chose their favorite pastimes from their engagement trip, like wine-tasting at Venetsanos Winery and sunset boat rides. By considering the group’s energy levels and interests, they crafted an itinerary that ensured everyone felt relaxed and engaged during the wedding week.
Honoring Cultural Heritage
One of the unique aspects of their celebration included a Korean wedding ceremony, which took place a few nights before their formal wedding day. This ceremony paid homage to Jen’s heritage and was an essential aspect for her family, especially her mother. Jennifer wore traditional clothing, and they created a meaningful yet simple celebration that honored their cultures.
Personal Touches and Local Culture
Throughout their journey, the couple emphasized the importance of slowing down and enjoying each moment. They embraced the calmer pace of life in Greece, fostering connections between guests, allowing for quality time together, and building lasting memories. By blending their cultural traditions with the local ambiance, they created a wedding that was truly a reflection of their story.
