The image of the couple exchanging vows against the backdrop of Agriomandra’s unspoiled beauty feels like a scene from a romantic film. But this isn’t a Hollywood production set on some faraway tropical shore. It’s a real wedding on the island of Crete, filled with love, emotion, joy, and the fulfillment of a shared dream: for Aliya and David to seal their union in a place they both hold dear.
Their connection to Crete didn’t begin with the wedding. Though David is originally from the Netherlands and Aliya from Switzerland, both now live on the island. David’s parents moved to Crete when he was just five years old, and he’s grown up here ever since. As for Aliya, she relocated to Crete four years ago. “I’m from Switzerland,” she explains. “But my grandmother has lived in Myrtos for the past 30 years, and I’ve been spending holidays here my whole life.”
The ceremony took place on Agriomandra beach, located 24 km east of Agios Nikolaos and just 3 km west of Kavousi, Ierapetra. It’s a stunningly beautiful and remote beach, untouched by development and difficult to access—unless by sea or a steep 15–20-minute descent down a rugged slope after a dirt road.
Aliya, David, and their guests chose the land route. Wedding photographer Giorgos Balothiaris, who made the same trek, shared details with P: “Many guests traveled from abroad to witness this special moment. They all made their way down to the beach—including the priest, a close family friend from Switzerland who baptized the bride. It was quite a challenging process.”
As the sun set over the Cretan Sea, David and Aliya exchanged vows surrounded by loved ones. Giorgos Balothiaris captured the moments with heartfelt artistry. “The whole wedding was put together by the couple and their friends,” he said. “From the decorations to the food served after the ceremony, everything was planned with care. What struck me most was how emotional and respectful everyone was throughout the event.”
After the ceremony, the celebration continued with a wedding party in the village of Myrtos—another cherished place in the couple’s story.
