We designed Sophia and Nikolas’ Mykonos elopement to look and feel true to ancient Greek Orthodox wedding traditions while being effortless, timeless and elegant.
Her lace Claire Pettibone gown with cape, tiara, and foraged nosegay along with Nikolas’s modern suit and black Greek leather sandals created an elegant and modern pairing.
The elopement took place in a classic Mykonian white stone church with a red door dating back to the late 1700s. This small chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was family-owned with deceased relatives buried beneath it. Upon entering the chapel you see the icons and wooden/stone architecture and smell the burning incense and beeswax candles – a feast for the senses.
The stationery was inspired by the idea of an ancient wedding along with the sea salt air and ocean surrounding the island. Styled with the suite was a photo of Sophia’s grandparent’s wedding ceremony, beeswax wedding candles, custom Orthodox wedding crowns, communion wine, and instruments used in a celebratory musical procession with locals following the nuptials.
The wedding crowns, a tradition dating back hundreds of years, tied together with a white raw silk ribbon, symbolize the glory and honor that is being bestowed on them by God during the sacrament. They also refer to the crown of martyrdom, since every true marriage involves self-sacrifice on both sides – the ribbon symbolizes them working together through marriage until their death.
Bride and Groom: Sophia & Nikolas | Photographer: Tracy Burch Photography | Stylist/Planner/Florist: Jaclyn Journey | Dress/Outfit Designer: Claire Pettibone | Suit: Zara | Prints: Photo Vision Prints | Stationary: High Fancy Paper | Calligraphy: Rachel Fisher Calligraphy | Tiara: All About Romance | Shoes: Bella Belle
