Rafaela's parents were married on Symi, the first chapter of a long-running relationship between us and the island, continued later through a wedding day after session and film in Amsterdam. Years and a handful of friends' weddings later, they returned to Symi for their daughter's christening.

The ceremony was held at Panormitis Monastery, a pilgrimage site tied to the Archangel Michael that most Symiots visit at least once in their lives. Byzantine wall paintings by native hagiographers cover the interior, alongside ornaments and gifts left by generations of pilgrims.

The day included a cruise around the island aboard the boat Poseidon, captained by Yiannis, returning to Gialos as the sun set over the harbor. The reception followed at Yachta, a restaurant in Gialos run by the Symiot chef Pandelis.

Few families have a longer history with the studio than Rafaela's parents. We can easily reference them as our best ambassadors. What began as a wedding on Symi extended to a session in Amsterdam and now to a christening back on the island where it started. A relationship built across nearly a decade rather than a single day of work. It is heartwarming to be part of so many happy moments in a family's history.

That history meant working with people who already trust our vision, which showed in how relaxed the day felt: the boat cruise, the ceremony at Panormitis, and the reception at Yachta, photographed with the same ease as old friends rather than new clients.

One of the images from the day recreated a favorite shot from their wedding, the couple holding hands, one in front of the other, both smiling. This time, Rafaela sat in her father's arms. We like our images to carry that kind of continuity, a legacy built one photograph at a time.

For more of our portfolio in Symi, visit wedding photographer Symi. For the studio's christening commissions, visit christening photography.