A Two Day Wedding Celebration In Greece
In a captivating blend of love and serendipity, the story of their union unfolded. It all began with how they met, setting the stage for the romance that was to come. The proposal was nothing short of magical, leaving her breathless and him beaming with pride. As they embarked on planning their special day, they knew it had to be a wedding to remember. From choosing the perfect destination to selecting the most exquisite bridal gown, every detail counted in bringing their unique vision to life.
But what truly made this Greek love affair stand out was the way love radiated from every moment, filling the air with joy and laughter. As the happy couple looks back on their journey, they offer words of wisdom for future brides-to-be: savor each moment, cherish the memories, and never underestimate the power of love.
How They Met?
It was February 2018 when fate brought Nicole and Manoli together at Leadership 100, a Greek philanthropic event. A chance encounter between Nicole and Manoli’s father sparked a connection that would change their lives forever. As they began to talk, it seemed as though the universe had conspired to bring them together. Little did they know that their parents’ shared roots in the Greek community were paving the way for their serendipitous meeting.
The introduction was casual, but the impact was profound.
The Proposal
As the year drew to a close in December 2021, Manoli had a surprise up his sleeve for Nicole. He whisked her away to the picturesque Pelican Club in Clearwater, Florida, under the guise of a holiday black-tie event. The unsuspecting bride-to-be had no idea that this evening would mark a life-changing moment for the couple. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the atmosphere was set with romance and intimacy, as a violinist’s melodic tunes filled the air.
It was here, surrounded by elegance and beauty, that Manoli popped the question. The proposal was met with tears of joy and a sense of gratitude, as Nicole realized she had found not only her soulmate but also a loving family to call her own. But the surprises didn’t stop there; both families, who had traveled from afar to share in the celebration, were waiting to shower the couple with love and support.
A Wedding to Remember
As Nicole and Manoli exchanged vows, their loved ones surrounded them with warmth and closeness, making their special day truly unforgettable. The couple’s unique bond was palpable in every aspect of their celebration. Nicole’s creative flair shone through in the decor, transporting guests to a whimsical wonderland. Despite planning her destination wedding from afar, Nicole’s meticulous attention to detail ensured that her dream became a reality as she walked into the reception.
It was as if stepping into a fairy tale come true. The after-party proved to be an equally unforgettable highlight, with a live crepe-making station, savory gyros, and a DJ who kept the party going until the wee hours of 7am. It’s clear that the Greeks know how to keep the celebrations alive!
Choosing the Perfect Destination
As a Miami native, you might be curious about why Nicole and Manoli chose Greece as their dreamy wedding destination. The truth is that the idea had been simmering in their hearts since the early days of their relationship. They shared a deep affection for Greece, and the allure of a destination wedding was too great to resist.
It enabled them to create a three-day celebration extravaganza: an unforgettable all-white welcome party, a sun-kissed beach day, and finally, the ultimate wedding spectacle in Athens.
The Bride’s Gown
Nicole’s bespoke gown, designed by Galia Lahav as part of their Nadia collection, was a stunning reflection of her personal style. The custom-made masterpiece featured hand-beaded flowers and intricate crystal work on the bust, creating a romantic and ethereal effect. The two-piece design, comprising a sleek mermaid-style gown and an flowing overskirt, showcased Nicole’s sensuality while maintaining a whimsical charm.
The Nadia gown took over a year to craft, making it even more extraordinary that Nicole was one of the first brides to wear this unique creation.
A Greek Love Affair
Nicole and Manoli’s wedding celebration was a vibrant blend of their shared heritage and their romantic journey. The couple skillfully woven together various Greek customs to make their special day truly unforgettable. At the heart of the celebration was a traditional Greek ceremony, officiated by Archbishop Elpidophoros of North America, which added a deep sense of reverence.
The reception was filled with lively music, courtesy of a talented Greek band, playing popular line dance tunes that kept the crowd entertained all evening. To quench their thirst, guests enjoyed mastica drinks, a unique native liquor from Chios, Manoli’s ancestral homeland. One of the most poignant moments came when Nicole shared a heartfelt father-daughter dance with her father to their favorite Greek song, paying tribute to her roots and his unwavering love.
Words of Wisdom for Future Brides
For brides-to-be, Nicole offers three essential tips to make their special day truly unforgettable. First, stay true to yourself and your love story – after all, trends may come and go, but the essence of your relationship remains timeless. Next, tap into the vast creative potential of social media platforms like Pinterest, where you can curate a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration that perfectly capture your wedding vision.
Finally, surround yourself with people who understand and support you – find a wedding planner whose work resonates with you, and a dress that not only reflects your personality but also suits the weather and environment of your chosen venue. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to creating a day that’s as unique as it is unforgettable.
Wedding Vendors
For Anjie’s special day, the planner was none other than Planner @. The venue where love filled the air was Pyrgos Petreza in Athens, a truly enchanting spot. To capture every precious moment, Louis Gabriel Photography took care of photography and video duties. Adding to the romantic ambiance were beautiful flowers courtesy of Studio 7. Style Box handled all rental needs, while Agapi Temir ensured that Anjie looked stunning with her makeup.
The couple’s love was further celebrated through their unique engagement rings – Cartier for Anjie and Shopvasilea for Manoli. To complete the fairytale-like atmosphere, Soul n Passion brought their violinist talents to the celebration.
