With the dollar on the upswing against the Euro, there’s no better time to have a destination wedding abroad. We love the Greek Isles, so when wedding planner Kasey Conyers of Bliss Event Design in Columbus, Ohio told us about her visit to the tiny Greek isle of Amorgos, we wanted to hear more! Here’s her story, along with photos from Amanda Julca.
“I love traveling, I always have” says Kasey, who is launching Bliss Event Co. Destinations this year. “It’s an extension of Bliss Wedding & Event Design,” say Kasey, “but we’re taking our planning and design work around the globe!”
What brought you to Greece? Had you been before?
I love Europe; the history, different cultures and places fascinate me. I’d been to Greece before — Mykonos and Santorini. This time was a totally different! Amorgos is a very quiet island with small villages, perfect if you want to experience a true Greek island. It gets mostly Greek and European visitors, and only a handful of Americans.
Amorgos is off the beaten path, for sure. How do people get there?There are two options to get to Amorgos: ferry or private helicopter from Athens. We did the ferry; it’s about a 9-hour ride, and makes stops along the way.
Where did you stay?
We stayed at Aegalis Resort & Spa; it sits on a hillside overlooking the Aegialis Bay. They have around 40 rooms, simple and sweet with perfect views of the bay. There is a separate thalassotherapy spa, and gorgeous pool area overlooking the ocean. The hotel owners are onsite and always around, and super friendly!
What did you love about the island itself?
There is something magical about this island — it’s so peaceful and beautiful! The island has the most perfect quintessential Greek villages to visit, and there are little beaches all around, like the one at Aegialis Bay. Some are clothing optional, so be prepared!
Our favorite town was Chora, situated near the top of the island with little winding paths (the “streets” of the village) plus cafes and cute shops.
A trip to the Monastery of Panagia Chozoviatissa is a must; it’s from the 11th century and carved into a cliff.
There are hundreds of little chapels begging you to peek inside. I loved this one on the beach, called Agia Anna.
How hard is it to throw a wedding there?
The biggest challenge is the distance and the trip over. We looked at it as an adventure, which made it fun. For weddings, you can bring in everything that way, or ship things in from Athens. Anything is possible, it just requires some patience.
And a good planner, we say!