Real Weddings - Weddingchicks

wedding in thailand with not one, but two epic ceremonies

Kate — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

When it came to planning their wedding, this couple wanted to make sure that both of their families felt represented. So, for their destination wedding in Thailand they had two completely unique ceremonies…each with their own epic floral installation! Keep reading to hear all about how they fused their American and Thai cultures into one magical celebration and to see more of these breathtaking photos by Madiow Photography.

the inspo: a fusion of two cultures

Our inspiration was to host the best celebration for our family and friends by showcasing the beauty of both our cultures! We knew we wanted a destination wedding so that our American guests could attend an event in a tropical paradise. We have known each other since we were eight years old, so it was a true blessing to share our love story with others, many of whom have supported us since we were kids. In all the design and thematic elements, we made sure to pay homage to Thailand’s natural beauty. The Wedding Bliss Thailand and IAMFLOWER teams did a great job working with our vision.

every last outfit

Starting with their traditional Thai wedding ceremony, the bride stunned in a white and gold Sabai-style dress with gold jewelry. Her bridal party also wore traditional Thai ensembles in shades of silver, blue, and green. The groom wore chong kraben pants and a gold silk jacket for the ceremony and his groomsmen wore complementary looks in shades of blue and green.

For their Western ceremony, the bride slipped into a lovely strapless jacquard ballgown with a dropped waist and accessorized with pearl earrings and shoes. The groom looked just as chic in his classic black tuxedo.

a traditional thai ceremony

We knew we wanted to have a traditional Thai ceremony because Matthew was so eager to lead the Khan Maak procession! He even practiced learning Thai for months leading up to the wedding. We loved that each guest got to participate in the water blessing ceremony. My mom walked me down the aisle and that is a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life.

With the misty water and mountains in the backdrop Anantara Layan Phuket fulfilled all of their tropical destination wedding dreams and then some!

a surprise performance

As a surprise to everyone, including the groom, the bride performed by singing and playing the piano during the reception–a truly magical moment that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.

advice from the happy couple

Trust yourself in the whole process! Only you know what is best for your wedding day and what will make you the happiest. Try to avoid making comparisons to others or giving in to pressure to look a certain way at your wedding if it doesn’t bring you joy. Remember to be present and show appreciation for all your loved ones who have supported you through it all.

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This modern ceremony setup will have you rethink a traditional aisle

Kate — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

For their big day, Tori and Tommy wanted to think outside the box. From their modern winding aisle to their vibrant color palette and clear tented reception, Haley Kelly Events created something truly unique for this couple. Keep scrolling to see more of this beautiful day in these photos captured by Niki Marie Photography, and you’ll be just as obsessed with this wedding as we are!

a picnic proposal

Tommy had just joined the research lab as a junior in college, where Tori was working as a senior. After a few months of a blossoming friendship, they began dating. Both on their pre-med track, they were thrilled to be accepted into the same medical school, starting their programs amid the challenges of the pandemic. During their third year of med school, Tommy took Tori on a romantic picnic, where, over a glass of champagne, he asked her to marry him. She said yes, and their journey from friends to lifelong partners took a beautiful new turn.

the invitations

Orange is definitely trending for weddings at the moment, but we love how Prairie and Sage decided to pair it with this rich plum shade in this stunning invitation suite–a lovely combo that you’ll see referenced throughout this wedding design.

a unique venue

Hotel Domestique lent its Euro-inspired design to the couple’s fantastic vision of color. The entrance to the foyer featured a bold floral installation that accented the stone stairway with vibrant bursts of roses, alliums, irises, and citrus fruits.

a modern aisle

Tori walked down the aisle, which was lined with pops of vivid-colored arrangements by Philo Floral arranged in an asymmetrical layout through the acrylic chairs. At the altar rested a moon gate of florals, where Tori’s stepfather officiated the ceremony against the backdrop of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and lush grassy hillsides.

the fashion

Both lovers of fashion, Tommy wore a custom jacquard tuxedo, while Tori was radiant in a multi-layered tulle ballgown with a corseted bodice draped delicately in fabric to evoke the feeling of weightlessness.

taking time for each other

The couple enjoyed a quiet moment alone, sharing dinner in their room and savoring the joy and excitement of their first moments as husband and wife. The couple frolicked through the property, capturing golden hour photos, and returned to cut their wedding cake, elegantly decorated in painted ferns and buds.

a funky, free-spirited reception

Their reception was held beneath a clear tent adjoining the building, adorned with funky fringed lamps and decorated with mod furniture. More rose and citrus installations created free-spirited energy, inviting guests to embrace a non-traditional dining atmosphere with small tables and plenty of room to lounge.

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POV: your wedding is in the middle of a lavender field

Kate — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Led by the talented Emily Wren Photography, a team of wedding creatives wandered out into a lavender field and didn’t emerge until they had created something truly spectacular. A satin-clad serpent table wound its way through rows of flowers, framed by hanging crystal chandeliers, and the happy couple, dressed in light-as-air organza layers and crisp linen, danced the night away in the middle of what can only be referred to as nature’s ballroom. Keep scrolling to see even more from this otherworldly shoot and get ready to Pin because it’s dripping with inspo…

a fairy tale venue

Amidst the rolling hills of Chester County lies a hidden gem where the air is sweetly scented with lavender’s delicate fragrance. Warwick Furnace Farm, with its enchanting lavender fields, played host to the second chapter of our photography workshop series, “Capturing Connection, Crafting Depth.” This event transcended the typical styled shoot, evolving into a true celebration of collaboration, creativity, and community, where every meticulously crafted detail was designed to inspire and elevate our attendees’ experience.

a culinary experience

We gathered for an intimate dinner in the farm’s historic barn, catered by the culinary artisans at Peachtree Catering. Their family-style Spanish tapas menu was nothing short of exceptional, transforming the meal into an experience of shared connection and conversation. This communal dining moment allowed us to deepen relationships, with an informal Q&A led by Shannon Wellington encouraging participants to share their journeys. We believe that fostering these connections is vital, as the bonds formed with fellow photographers often become invaluable support systems in our creative and professional growth.

the theme: painted lavender fields

The lavender fields, with their soft purples and greens, provided a tranquil canvas that harmonized beautifully with the elegant decor. Fresh Design Florist surpassed expectations, crafting vibrant floral installations that introduced a striking contrast to the natural beauty of the fields, creating a visual narrative unlike any other. Via Sketch Studio further enriched this storytelling with her hand-painted invitation suite and menus, which seamlessly blended with the farm’s handcrafted essence. The entire scene was elevated by rentals from Vision Furniture, Citrine, and Party Rental, with luxurious linens from Nuage Designs transforming the lavender fields into a dreamscape of elegance.

the looks

Sofia Serrano Beauty added the final touch of magic, enhancing our models’ natural beauty with flawless hair and makeup. Our models were draped in ethereal gowns from Clair De Lune, perfectly complemented by chic shoes from Bella Bella and exquisite jewelry from L Priori Jewelry. The groom, dressed in refined attire from Suit Shop, added a layer of sophistication that balanced haute couture with the rustic charm of the farm.

a champagne tower finalé

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden glow across the fields, our participants gathered for the day’s pinnacle—the sunset styled shoot. Divided into small groups, they explored a series of meticulously curated vignettes, each one a reflection of the collaborative creativity that defined the day. A champagne tower from Citrine added a celebratory touch, encapsulating the joy and elegance of the moment. This workshop’s success is a testament to the incredible teamwork and shared passion of everyone involved.

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Have you heard of lake maggiore? well you sure have now

Kate — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Did you know that Lake Como had a big sister that’s just as pretty? This couple fell in love with Lake Maggiore! It has everything there is to love about Lake Como–epic views, bright blue water, and a breathtaking mountain backdrop surrounded by historic villas. The best part? It’s much less known so it’s not flooded with tourists and your guests can actually find a room! From their lakefront garden ceremony to the timeless greenhouse reception, you won’t want to miss a single one of these photos by Duet Friday, so keep scrolling!

a spectacular destination

Resting in the majestic Alps of Northern Italy Lake Maggiore is the ideal wedding destination! Although this gorgeous Lake seems a bit remote, the trip is worth every minute spent on its banks. Since the time of Queen Victoria Lake Maggiore has always been a luxurious destination thanks to the Mediterranean atmosphere and awe-inspiring scenery–gorgeous coastal areas rich with vegetation of a lost Eden. Emma and Olkan chose Villa Risponi Clerici, on the Piedmont shore of Lake Maggiore for their big day. The finely preserved late 19th-century residence overlooks the waters of the Borromeo Gulf with a beautiful view of the islands bearing the same name.

the vibe: stylish with a touch of old-money

The couple wanted the wedding to feel stylish, elegant, and emotionally full with a drop of old-money style. The wedding colors were ivory mixed with rich white and gentle blush pink, that rhythmically repeated the rhyme of the villa. The Blondie Flower assembled a charming table setting with waves of blush pink, cream, and ivory French roses mixed with laurel leaves and Sambuca branches.

the fashion

The bride’s dress from Mila Nova was practically seafoam transformed into a fabric, with splashes floating in the air while she moved. The veil added a lovely accent of old-money style to the look. The colors of the groom’s ensemble were relaxed and classical–the look custom-made by Basel Atelier.

a greenhouse reception

With everything you love from a garden party and all of the comfort of the indoors, we love a greenhouse reception! Vintage cream chairs paired with sage and peach linens to create a lovely pastel palette for this romantic wedding.

the cake

The wedding cake was served by candlelight–three tiers that seemed to float on the cloud of rose petals.

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This dreamy garden wedding had a bounce house for the kids

Kate — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

When this wedding planner and her partner decided to tie the knot, they had one BIG rule when it came to kids–the more, the merrier! They felt this so fiercely that they actually had a giant (and perfectly chic) inflatable bounce house at their outdoor reception. Keep reading to see all of the amazing ways that this couple made their big day all about family and to see more of these stunning images from Danielle Aisling.

the theme: ethereal garden

Amelia and Nolan met over a decade ago when they worked at rival skate shops in the same city. They now have two young daughters and live in the forest in Quebec. Amelia is a wedding planner and created an “Ethereal Garden” theme for their own wedding day. They requested that guests wear all white or neutrals, had a pink escort wall containing all of her favorite flowers, served a glitter cocktail at the reception bar, perhaps most importantly, booked their dream venue, Le Peaches & Cream, in Quebec for the entire weekend with all of their family.

They trusted ACW Weddings to bring their vision to life. Clean lines and Mid-century Modern elements mixed beautifully with organic, whimsical florals by AM Floral Studio, creating a fresh and inviting space for the couple and their guests.

all about family

Because family is so important to them, they made sure to involve the kids in a big way. Amelia did a “first look” with her oldest daughter, and she had her nephew walk her down the aisle. During the ceremony, Amelia and Nolan first exchanged vows with one another, and then also recited vows to their two girls. They had their daughter cut the wedding cake with them, and had a white bouncy castle for the kids to play on after the ceremony.

the fashion

For the big day, the bride rocked a stunning off-the-shoulder tulle ball gown with lace appliques and custom detachable sleeves. In shades of peach and sage, her bridesmaids’ dresses blended beautifully with the wedding’s design. The groom looked elegant as well in a warm gray suit while his groomsmen kept it more laid back with mix-and-match printed linen shirts.

an overnight reception

They served their favorite pizzas for dinner, had a space for guests to set up tents to stay overnight, and everyone danced barefoot in the reception space. It was a beautiful wedding, and all was within Amelia’s pre-planned budget.

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Proof that rain on your wedding day makes for the best photos

Kate — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

When Natalie and Ashraf learned it would likely rain on their big day, they did something unprecedented. Instead of swapping their plans of an outdoor ceremony and reception to the indoor Plan B, they decided to go on as planned! And, we’re so glad they did, because these photos by Chrisnova Photography turned out incredible! Not only is the lighting from the moody sky perfect, we love the candid nature of every snapshot and the way the rain contributed to the overall feeling of the day. Besides, rain on your wedding day is actually said to be good luck. Keep reading to hear more about how this perfectionist couple overcame this potentially catastrophic obstacle and turned it into a memory they’ll cherish for a lifetime.

a meticulous design

Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, the wedding of Natalie, who is of Armenian descent with a global upbringing, and Ashraf, hailing from Morocco, was a celebration of precision and passion. Co-founders of their interior design firm, the couple infused their expertise into every detail of their special day. For Natalie, whose affinity for geometry and meticulous lines guided the planning, every aspect of the décor was a testament to her exacting standards. Soft, ambient lighting, carefully curated to create an intimate evening, underscored their architectural sensibilities.

rain on their wedding day

Despite forecasts of rain, days before the ceremony, Natalie remained resolute in her vision, opting to embrace the unpredictability of the weather. As the planner, Modd Weddings, aptly remarked, navigating a wedding with someone so decisive yet adventurous can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. However, their gamble paid off—raindrops gracefully punctuated the day, enhancing rather than detracting from the beauty of the occasion.

well-dressed

This has to be one of the best-dressed weddings we’ve ever seen. Yes, the bride was stunning in her tea-length ruched tulle dress with matching sleeves, and the groom looked great in his tux, but these guests… Literally everyone brought it when it came to dressing for this wedding and you know we love that!

family and tradition

From live music to traditional dancers, this couple made sure to honor their family traditions in their wedding ceremony. And, from the looks of it, this dancefloor was never empty!

a vintage getaway car

We always love a chance to remind couples to book a getaway car for the day of your wedding. Whether you go for something flashy and modern or a cool vintage ride like this couple, the photos practically take themselves!

dancing (and dining) in the rain

Framed by lovely floral and vine installations by Art Mood Decor, guests sat down for a candlelit dinner outside followed by dancing where the rain continued to come and go. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, this is the perfect example of how to work with the weather and your venue rather than against it. These clear umbrellas look adorable on camera and will keep all of your guests dry without disrupting the ambiance.

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Understated luxe-inspired wedding in an english garden

Kate — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Everything about this English garden wedding was so effortlessly romantic, from the ivy-clad stone walls of the venue to the fields of wildflowers. We absolutely love how Sophie Mort Photography captured the essence of the day in these photos. They’re up-close and immersive, it’s like you’re right there! Keep scrolling to see even more of this dreamy wedding and score some ideas for your own.

the vibe: luxurious yet understated

Chloe and Chris’ wedding day was so beautiful. It was refined yet luxurious, full of flowers yet understated. Middleton Lodge was the perfect English garden backdrop, filled with flowers by Wizz and Wild, it was the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor, and the flowers brought the garden inside.

all the fashion

Chloe was the true definition of class with her stunning Eva Lendel ceremony gown and Milla Nova reception dress (and a multitude of Jimmy Choos).

Chirs looked equally dapper for the occasion, sporting a classic black tuxedo.

a timeless reception

Crisp white linens popped against the brick backdrop where guests joined the happy couple for the reception. Blush and ivory floral centerpieces by Wizz and Wild lined the table while blush tapered candles added to the refined and romantic ambiance.

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The bridesmaids set the color palette for this wedding in costa rica

Kate — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

This stunning destination wedding in Costa Rica is proof that with the right team and creative fashion choices, you can create a unique and cohesive wedding design without having to go crazy with flowers and rentals. Parissa and Mick knew that they wanted to embrace the laid-back “Pura Vida” vibe of their tropical destination, but they still wanted the pomp and circumstance of a black-tie wedding. Instead of investing in over-the-top floral installations to set the tone for the big day, Mil Besos leaned into the venue’s natural beauty used the color from the bridesmaids’ dresses as the color palette for the day. Keep reading to hear all about this magical day and to see every touching moment captured by Raw Shoots.

a tropical destination

Living in the vibrant city of New York, Parissa and Mick brought their love for adventure, food, and travel to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Set in Playa Danta, their wedding was a celebration of their shared passions and the beautiful journey they’ve embarked on together.

dressed to the nines

The bride stunned in an ivory satin gown and gorgeous white embellished Manolo Blahniks, while her bridesmaids wore an array of peach, pink, rosy red, and green hues. The groom sported a cream tux, with his groomsmen in classic black.

a neutral color palette with pops of orange

Parissa and Mick’s favorite colors—whites, browns, beiges, and greens with subtle hints of orange and peachy tones—were woven seamlessly throughout their wedding decor. These colors created an elegant yet minimalist vibe that complemented the natural beauty of Las Catalinas.

a ceremony on the water

Their love story, which began on Hinge and blossomed into a memorable engagement boat trip in NYC, was beautifully honored during their wedding. Being by the water or on a boat is very “them”—they love the ocean and boating. Inevitably the ceremony’s ocean views followed by the reception at Casa Chameleon, overlooking the infinity pool and sunset, served as the perfect backdrops for their celebration.

the reception vibe: chic and cozy

The reception was chic yet comfortable, with buffet-style tables adorned with candles, potted orchids from Stylos y Flores, and crystal stemware. Dried orange slices added a tropical twist to each plate, and warm bistro lights created a cozy ambiance as the sun set over the ocean. As self-proclaimed foodies, Parissa + Mick’s wedding menu was a delightful Costa Rican feast. From traditional dishes to a special pumpkin cheesecake for Mick, the cuisine was a hit. As night fell, the party moved indoors where guests danced the night away. Unforgettable memories were made including a surprise appearance by a blow-up unicorn. It was truly a celebration of love, adventure, and the vibrant life they share.

the cake

To add a personal touch, Parissa brought a small sword made of Grecian olive wood, bought on their trip to Greece, to cut the cake.

In keeping with the natural theme, the couple opted for a simple tiered buttercream cake with tropical floral embellishments.

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Travel influencer’s baz luhrmann inspired wedding in fair verona

Kate — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 19:00:00 +0000

If this lovely bride looks familiar, it’s probably because she’s Insta-famous luxury travel influencer @hofitkimcohen. She and her hubby tied the knot and it’s safe to say we’ve never seen anything quite on the level of this wedding…Ok, maybe the Baz Luhrmann films that inspired it. Vibrant colors, rich textures, and all the sparkle your little heart can take–this wedding has it all. You won’t want to miss a single one of these photos by Ersy Photography, so keep scrolling!

meant to be

Ben and I met in an elevator in our Miami condo building while walking our dogs in 2020 during COVID. I had just moved to Miami, two weeks before COVID started from Los Angeles, CA where I was raised. From the moment we met, we realized we had so many things in common, like we are both Leos, both left-handed, I was born in Israel in moved to LA when I was 8 years old and Ben was born in LA and moved to Israel when he was 8 years and so many other things! We knew this couldn’t be random. The funny part is that I’m 10 years older than Ben, but somehow it always worked out between us since I’m very childlike and Ben has always been super mature for his age. I traveled the world solo for 6 years before COVID started, to 67 countries, and Ben couldn’t wait to go on my travel adventures with me. One of the first countries we visited together was Italy and we both just knew that this is where we wanted to get married!

curating the right team

Our dreamy Verona wedding lasted three days with four pre-wedding events, all with their own unique themes. I believe something that’s very important is hiring and building a team of vendors who you actually like, personality-wise. We struggled a lot at different phases dealing with entitled personality types who wouldn’t get back to us on important matters leading up to the wedding which was super stressful for us. Halfway through hiring vendors, we decided that it was more important to us to hire people who were kind and that we liked because we would be spending a good amount of time with them on the most important day of our lives and we wanted positive people with a good attitude.

the theme: baz luhrmann’s happily ever after

Our wedding had a luxury celestial + happily ever after theme to it, inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s (director of Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby, Romeo + Juliet) greatest creations and designer Paolo Sebastian’s themed collections (Once upon a Dream and East of the Sun & West of the Moon). Everything was elegantly bedazzled with stars, moons, suns, and astrological symbols to align with our theme and packed with endless romantic quotes from our favorite movies that are related to the stars and happily ever after. I really wanted to create a unique touch to our wedding as far as theme and stationery went. I used my creative skills to draw and design all of our wedding and pre-wedding stationery and wedding invitations, alongside being the creative director of this destination wedding. I turned to Instagram for endless wedding ideas and inspiration, and I was following Wedding Chicks religiously to get ideas and inspiration during this 8-month planning journey.

the fashion

I had three couture gowns for the wedding weekend and we hired celebrity hairstylist, Lidor Hadida and celebrity makeup artist, Tali Moas (who we flow all the way from Israel to do full glam looks for all of the events). I was drawn to the dress, the moment it was handed to me, I literally started to cry! This was the second shop and time I went dress shopping and I just found the dress. I always thought it would take forever because I’m such a picky person.

I discovered Nicole + Felicia after I saw J.Lo wearing their gowns. I’ve always been a fan of up-and-coming brands, having someone unique and special before everyone knows all about it and wearing it and it just felt like the perfect move to make. Nicole + Felicia has very elegant, feminine, and dreamy gowns. I also had a Nicole + Felicia veil that matched my dress exactly, hand-beaded and designed to match my gown. I really felt like this dress aligned with the celestial theme. It sparkled like all the stars in the sky; it was magical.

All the bridesmaid dresses are from Milla. I’m obsessed with their timeless, dreamy gowns! I really wanted my bridesmaids to feel super beautiful and like they were the stars of the night too, like princesses in a fairytale movie.

the color palette: pastel rainbow

The vision for our wedding colors was pastel rainbow without the pink. Our main wedding colors consisted of pastel blues and purple with royal gold. This was showcased through the stationery, wedding invitations, and bridesmaid dresses. For the wedding flowers, I wanted sunset colors: purples, peach, baby yellow, pink, and a little bit of white.

a dramatic red rose aisle

We picked the dramatic red color of garden roses for the aisle because I wanted an edgy, dramatic, and moody feel to things. The aisle was inspired by Moulin Rouge (one of our favorite movies) but also by The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy and the gang are on the way to Emerald City. We also brought our dogs to Italy to walk down the aisle with us, Peanut and Mamba.

a fairy tale reception

Our reception took place in the Arena part of the garden of Villa Rizzardi, the design for this was actually inspired by Beauty and the Beast. I needed my Lumiere candelabra and searched all of Italy for the perfect vintage gold ones, of course, mixed in with our celestial wedding theme. On the side of the sweetheart table were lyrics from Moulin Rouge’s “Come What May”. All of our guests received personalized letters in their escort cards at their seats which left many in tears. We highly recommend!

a tale of two cakes

We had two wedding cakes. One was a traditional Italian wedding cake, Millefoglie, which was a live show that we created with the chef, and later on, we had a traditional American wedding cake, followed by one of the greatest fireworks shows that left everyone in tears.

the music

We had three separate live bands (no DJ)! The Krystal Kuartet violin girls performed at Ed Westwick’s wedding two weeks before our wedding. We also hired famous Israeli singer, Dor Shimon to perform our ceremony songs and Brazilian Italian singer, Claudston Cosra and his band, who we met earlier in the year in Sorrento, Italy, while searching for wedding venues. He was playing at an upscale restaurant and we fell in love with him and his energy. We knew he had to perform at our wedding.

Our first dance was to “Young & Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey because our wedding was partly inspired by The Great Gatsby. We even took private dance classes for the big moment. We also had the violinists playing all of my favorite Disney songs, as guests were arriving and later on in the night they did a special performance with dresses and violins that led up with lights and made our guests so emotional. It was incredible.

advice from the happy couple

When it comes to planning a wedding in Italy, the most important thing is to get super clear on your vision and then find a venue. Many venues we originally really liked had strict rules that didn’t align with our wedding vision, things like no music outside after 9 PM in many venues on Lake Como and other restrictions, or that all attending guests had to stay on property at the venue. Reach out to venues you like and get all the information you need first. We wasted a long time falling in love with venues that we later found out were never going to work out for us. What made the day special was truly the little moments–the little details, we had created for ourselves and guests like tossing the bouquet off of the balcony, the champagne tower I had dreamt of doing since I was a little kid, the firework show that we almost passed up, and all the moments we didn’t plan.

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Hundreds of candles lit the walkway to this Athenian Riviera wedding

cat — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Each summer, Alexandra would bring Frank back to her ancestral home in Greece. Together, they fell deeply in love—not just with each other, but also with the calm, easy-going serenity of the Athenian Riviera. Even early on in their relationship, they knew Greece would be where they would one day marry. On the anniversary of their first trip to Greece 10 years earlier, Frank surprised Alexandra with a sunset beach picnic overlooking the Ionian Sea and proposed, setting the stage for their dream wedding. Over the course of a three-day celebration, Alexandra and Frank embraced the timeless allure of an elegant Mediterranean garden set against the picturesque backdrops of Athens at Island Art and Taste. They worked meticulously with planner Mando Metaxa to blend sophisticated elegance with romantic charm for their fairytale wedding, all captured by Aristotelis Fakiolas.

Invitations: Science meets art

The stationery, designed by Marianna Konitopoulou of Bright White Design, was a work of art that echoed the elegance of the Athenian Riviera and paid homage to Alexandra and Frank’s shared background in science. Featuring a beautifully intertwined DNA symbol with ethereal flowers and botanicals, the design also graced all the wedding signage throughout the event, creating a symbolic bridge between their scientific roots and the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Rooftop welcome party

To welcome their guests, the festivities began with a rooftop event at Muse Athens overlooking the Athenian Bazaar and the Acropolis. Guests sipped cocktails and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres to the sounds of traditional Greek music while taking in panoramic views of the city and the Parthenon.

Good food and Greek dancing

The night before the wedding, the couple hosted a dinner at Moorings, a seaside gem featuring fresh local seafood, Greek wine, and views of the open ocean. A lively performance by traditional Greek folk dancers added a joyful touch, offering guests the chance to learn Greek dancing before the big day.

An alternative to the bouquet toss

On the morning of the wedding, Alexandra gathered with her bridesmaids at Somewhere Boutique Hotel for an intimate bridal party and bridal portraits captured by photographer Aristotelis Fakiolas. Embracing a beloved Greek tradition, she wrote the names of her single friends on the bottom of her wedding shoes; those whose names wore off by the end of the night would be next in line to marry.

A six-foot-long train

Alexandra wore a breathtaking gown by Berta, an intricate masterpiece adorned with hand-stitched floral applique and a nearly six-foot-long train that was perfect for their enchanting fairytale wedding. Her look was elegantly complemented by hair and makeup artist Vassia Papakonstantinou.

Traditional Greek ceremony

The couple exchanged vows at Faneromeni Church in a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony. Frank awaited Alexandra outside the church, and together they walked in to receive their marriage blessing. Following tradition, guests showered the newlyweds with rice to bring luck and fortune in their new life together.

The getaway car: Vintage VW

The couple departed in a flower-adorned vintage VW Beetle from Drive Vintage that whisked them away to the tip of the Riviera for a quiet sunset photo session before the reception.

Island Art and Taste

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the couple returned to Island Art and Taste Athens Riviera for the main reception, where the inherent beauty of the region was amplified to create a Mediterranean paradise. The venue was transformed into an ethereal garden thanks to Studio 7 Flowers, seamlessly blending elegant sophistication with romantic charm.

Let candles light the way

Floral arrangements by Studio 7 Flowers featured cascading wisteria, baby blue delphiniums, and white roses, while small ancient Greek statues nestled among the blooms added a timeless touch. At the entrance, a pathway lit by hundreds of candles led guests to an elegant tableau—a wooden French table crowned with a mirror and surrounded by hanging wisteria and chandeliers, setting a dreamlike tone for the evening. Crystal chandeliers hung from ivy-draped arches, and dangling white wisteria intertwined with olive branches created a canopy over the dance floor.

Provincial-style seating

Vintage French provincial-style seating from Zazoo Rentals lent classical elegance, inviting guests to relax and revel in the enchanting atmosphere. Each table was adorned with gold-accented chargers and silverware from White Lilac Rentals, dusty blue water goblets, vintage-style gold-rimmed glasses, and napkins embossed with the couple’s initials.

The favors: Symbols of prosperity

At each guest’s seat, a custom box embossed with the couple’s logo held a wedding favor from — a light blue or white ceramic pomegranate adorned with a small evil eye charm, symbolizing prosperity and good luck for each guest to take home.

Traditional Greek desserts

Wooden tables displayed family photographs in gold frames, crystal jars filled with Greek wedding almonds, and traditional Greek desserts. A whisky station featuring provincial furniture and cascading ivy-wrapped chandeliers provided a picturesque spot by the ocean for guests to relax.

A grand finale of fireworks

The Passepartout Band provided an impeccable live performance, seamlessly blending American and Greek music that kept the dance floor lively all night. As fireworks lit up the sky courtesy of Nanos Fireworks, the evening truly came alive. Lanterns and candles illuminated tables and walkways, creating a romantic ambiance as the couple and their guests celebrated under the moonlit Athenian sky.

After-the-fact advice from the couple

“Many people advised us to ‘enjoy the day,’ but what truly resonated was the suggestion to enjoy the day with each other. That simple shift in perspective was made possible by having a photographer and planner we completely trusted. They allowed us to relax, be present, and fully immerse ourselves in each other’s love on our wedding day, without worrying about all of the details.”

Vimeo Video

The post Hundreds of candles lit the walkway to this Athenian Riviera wedding appeared first on Weddingchicks.

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