Jumi is from the Philippines and Greg is from Brooklyn, New York. They are both food and travel bloggers, living an unconventional life fueled by their shared passions. The couple decided to organize an intimate elopement in Crete with just the two of them, instead of having a traditional wedding with many guests and social obligations in New York. The decision to get married in Crete was very special for them, as it was an opportunity for Greg to introduce Jumi to Crete, an island very close to Greg’s heart. It was also Jumi’s first time traveling to Greece, and the start of their new chapter in life together.
Sunset elopement in Balos Lagoon
Tell us how you met?
We met during Hurricane Sandy 2012 in NYC, through Instagram.
Tell us about the proposal?
It was intimate happened in our apartment - just the two of us.
Why did you choose to have your elopement in Crete?
Not long before Greg met Jumi, he visited Crete, Greece and fell in love with it. He tried to visit Balos Lagoon since he heard it’s a very beautiful place. Unfortunately, he didn’t get to visit it. Greg loves Crete he talked about it nonstop and keep telling Jumi she would fall in love with the island too if she goes. When we decided to elope we initially thought of Europe, and then Greg suggested Greece since Jumi has never been. After days of scouring the internet on where to elope in Greece, Greg thought of Crete and we stumbled upon Crete for Love elopement coordination in Balos. When Jumi saw the beautiful photos they booked it right away. It was also Jumi’s first time in Greece.
What was the inspiration behind your wedding day?
It was a reflection of who we are. We love travel and magical sunsets.
Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?
Jumi wore an earpiece that symbolizes Philippines and Greg wore his Papou’s (grandfather in Greek) cufflinks.
Any funny stories from the day or the planning process?
The night before we scrambled around the city trying to find an ATM to pay our wedding coordinators. We spent the entire night only to find out we can only withdraw a minimum. Good thing our coordinator is very nice, our elopement in Crete went through without full payment, haha. We did pay afterwards! That night we also planned on leaving the city to get closer to the port since we wanted to sail to our destination. That didn’t happen. What did happen was that we asked our videographer to drive us since we all are heading to the same location. Good thing he rented a car! Phew! we all drove to the port. We thought we had everything planned and then one by one they all fell (we can laugh about it now but it was kinda stressful) haha Our vendors are angels!!!
What was your favorite moment of the day?
The sailing part, hiking to the top and walking down the “aisle” as the sun slowly sets. We had a day full of adventure; first sailing from the port of Kastelli to the Balos Lagoon, and then hiking to the top of an impressive cliff overlooking the turquoise waters where the ceremony took place.
Anything you are really glad you did? Or wish you didn’t do?
We loved everything. The struggles are part of it and it was an adventure. We loved that it wasn’t just a typical wedding day.
Any words of wisdom for other couples?
Quit thinking what people want on YOUR wedding day. Its YOUR day! Do it YOUR way!
Credits
Filmmaker: Cinema of Poetry
Photographer: Andreas Markakis
Planner: Crete for Love
Sailboat: Mikros Naftilos Cruises
Location: Balos Lagoon Crete
Flowers: Kentro Louloudiou
Couple: Food and Footprints