Dimitra’s Diary: A 3-Day (EPIC) Wedding  in Patmos

A breathtaking celebration of love, style, and sea — from boat parties to bridal magic on one of Greece’s most enchanting islands.

Hi everyone — it’s been a while since my last diary entry, but this one was too good not to share.

Earlier this July, I had the absolute joy of attending my dear friend Katie’s wedding celebration on the magical island of Patmos. Katie and I have been friends for over 15 years, and seeing her marry the love of her life, Mahir, in a setting so close to their hearts was unforgettable.

They live in New York now, but Patmos — with its spiritual energy, natural beauty and utter remoteness — was the only place they wanted to gather their people. And gather they did: nearly 200 guests from every corner of the globe made the long (and I mean long) journey.

Getting to Patmos isn’t exactly a breeze. You can either take a 10–12 hour ferry from Piraeus (which I did), or catch a small plane to Leros and hop on a ferry—or if you’re lucky, a helicopter. The boat ride, though long, turned into a pre-party. I met other guests onboard, swapped stories, laughed, and immediately felt the excitement in the air.

The next morning kicked off with a flotilla of twelve boats leaving from Groikos. We swam in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Aspronisi, before heading to the tiny island of Marathi for lunch at the iconic Pantelis taverna—which had been entirely taken over by us.

The table setting? Dreamy. Elegant, thoughtful, and custom-designed. Each guest was gifted a handmade linen kaftan by KYR LAKIS, which felt both luxurious and personal. The food? Think the freshest fish you’ve ever had, Greek meze heaven, and rosé flowing freely. There was swimming, barefoot dancing on tables, and the kind of joy that only happens when you’re surrounded by friends and sea spray. We returned just as the sun dipped into the Aegean, golden and glowing.

The next morning, I skipped the beach and made my way to the heart of the island: the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1088, the monastery has stood as a spiritual beacon for centuries. With its fortress-like exterior and sacred relics, it holds an energy that’s impossible to describe in words.

I wandered around Chora, the old town of Patmos, which is truly postcard-perfect. Whitewashed alleys, blooming bougainvillea, quiet terraces, and the scent of jasmine—it’s a place that lingers in your soul.

That evening was the White Party rehearsal dinner at the iconic Vaggelis in the main square of Chora. Once again, the entire square was reserved for us. Every detail was divine: white outfits, fairy lights, chic tables, and a DJ spinning under the stars. By 11pm, it had turned into a full-blown party, only to be gently wrapped up at 1am—out of respect for the monastery nearby.

After a serene morning swim at Kampos beach, we dressed for the ceremony and made our way to Chora’s City Hall, where Katie and Mahir exchanged vows. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

Katie—whom I’ve known since she was 20—was glowing in Elie Saab, the epitome of grace. Mahir wore Loro Piana, and though I only met him recently, I instantly understood why she loves him: he’s kind, warm, and effortlessly elegant.

The setting was delicate and poetic, with wild chamomile baskets dotting the square. The sky turned shades of honey and rose as the sun set, blessing the moment.

Then it was time for dinner (yes, again) at Benetos—a restaurant that defines refined island dining. Pre-dinner Margaritas? I lost count. The band, flown in from Switzerland, got everyone dancing from the first note. And around 2am, in true Greek fashion, thousands of ceramic plates were brought out… and smashed in a joyful blur of music, laughter, and love.
The after-party continued at Nama in Skala till 4:30am.

I caught the early boat back to Athens the next morning—sleep-deprived but beaming.

Thank you, Katie & Mahir, for gathering such a beautiful crowd and reminding us what celebration really looks like. We reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and left with our hearts full.

Patmos, you now have a permanent place in mine.