GREEK-AMERICAN WEDDINGS the NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 3 , 2012 the National Herald Old World Glamour in Heart of Athens a Weekly Publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC

The National Herald a b

MARCH 3 , 2012 www.thenationalherald.com 2 GREEK-AMERICAN WEDDINGS THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 3 , 2012 The National Herald Old World Glamour in Heart of Athens A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), By Angelike Contis very detailed and organized wed - tween weddings in the U.S. and reporting the news and address - ding book and asked what my Athens. However, her eye for de - ing the issues of paramount As a filmmaker, Greek-Amer - profession was. I answered that I tail gave away her American interest to the Greek American community ican bride Evie Michael Mpras was a director. She said, ‘Oh, that side, or so many guests ob - of the United States of America. knew a thing or two about set - makes sense!’ I took great care served. Among personalized ting a perfect scene. When it with every detail, always keeping touches were invitations de - Publisher-Editor came to her own marriage to in mind the overall effect. This is signed by the bride and groom. Antonis H. Diamataris Greek-born economist Nikos similar to the work of a director The bride lauds the creative Vasilarakis – on January 21st of who tries to construct a scene help from Kolonaki’s Drizos Assistant to Publisher, Advertising this year in Athens – she wanted with a particular atmosphere, Florists. She says: “Our florist Veta H. Diamataris everything to be perfect. mood, and structure.” was fantastic. She helped to cre - Papadopoulos The National Herald caught Mpras is currently working ate a very romantic and lush Special Section Editor up with the Greece-based new - on a documentary about the leg - look at both the church and the Angelike Contis lywed – via email from Greece - endary experimental Greek- reception.” Delicate orchids Production Manager to hear more about how she American filmmaker, Gregory hanging from chandeliers were Chrysoula Karametros pulled it all together. Mpras ex - Markopoulos. among the special touches. plains: “Our theme was 'Old When it came to Greek tra - 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 World Glamour.' We both love ditions, the bride and groom THE BRIDE’S LOOK Tel: (718)784-5255, Renaissance and Medieval peri - were wary of some things. When it came to her own ap - Fax: (718)472-0510, ods and channeled those eras Mpras notes: “When I was seven pearance – for the starring role– e-mail: when stylizing our wedding years old, I attended a wedding Mpras prepped for the big day [email protected] day.” in a Greek village and swore to not by dieting, but by observing The winter wedding cere - myself that I would never have a healthier diet. The recent Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, mony was held at Saint Dionys - a traditional Greek village wed - bride notes: “Adopting a healthy Athens, 10671, Greece ios Church in Kolonaki with an ding. I did not like the loud lifestyle is always important, Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: intimate (for Greece) reception chatter and shouting during the whether a wedding is coming [email protected] for the couple’s 280 nearest and church ceremony and the over - up or not. The wedding was a dearest at the city’s most historic all chaotic nature of the event.” PHOTOS: STamOS abaTiS great motivator for me to get Subscriptions by mail : 1 year $66.00, and central luxury hotel, the The couple – who both coin - with Greek citizenship. “At The couple skipped the tra - disciplined. I did not follow a 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, Grande Bretagne in Syntagma cidentally hail from the village every turn…we were delayed, dition where people toss money strict diet. I ate more vegetables 1 month $11.00 Square. of Menetes on Karpathos island stalled, and encountered several (or a baby boy) on the wedding and whole grains, and limited Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00, - wanted a religious ceremony, changes to the initial require - bed. However, they said yes to white bread, white pasta, and 3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00 TRADITION, THEIR WAY however. The bride notes: “We ments,” Mpras relates. “Two Greek dancing, lots of it. “After white rice.” Home delivery New England States, That this was a bride with a both love the Greek Orthodox weeks before the wedding, a our first dance at the reception, The bridal gown, a Reem Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland : vision was clear to all. She had, ceremony, which is so rich in priest actually told me I would we danced the traditional Acra ballgown, came from New 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, for starters, a wedding book pre - meaning, symbolism, and deep have to fly to Karpathos to get a Karpathiko and Kalamatiano York. Mpras chose a tulle of silk, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 On line subscription : Subscribers pared months in advance, with faith.” certain paper signed. Once I dances for over an hour.” which she points out is more to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, inspirations and examples of Though the religious service started crying in disbelief and common in Europe than the 6 months $23.95, 3 months $14.95; what she had in mind. Mpras re - was a solemn highpoint, acquir - exhaustion, he changed his tune ATTENTION TO DETAIL “nylon tulle veil with body” fa - Non subscribers : 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95 calls: “My wedding coordinator ing the license for it was frus - and found another way to get Mpras says there are more at the Grande Bretagne eyed my trating, even for two individuals my paper signed in Athens.” similarities than differences be - Continued on page 3

Greek American Weddings

Going way beyond the usual bridal checklist, we speak to the pros – including three recent Greek-American brides (pp. 2, 3 & 5)– to cover all aspects of tying the knot. Something Old… Flowers with ancient Greek symbolism (p. 13), Greek Orthodox wedding etiquette (p. 7), and early Greek- Jewish-American wedding photos (p. 8). Something New… The latest in fashion, jewelry, cakes/desserts, venues, music, videography and photography (pp. 6, 8, 9, 11, 12). Something Borrowed…Tasty wedding recipes from Crete and Naxos (pp. 4 & 8). Something Blue… The Mediterranean of course, with tips on getting to Greece for weddings and honeymoons (p. 13). THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 3 , 2012 GREEK-AMERICAN WEDDINGS 3 A Neo-Traditional Greek Wedding

By Angelike Contis she was 12 years old, for her hair says. The room’s chandeliers and and power in Greek songs,” says (kept comfortably up) and its palette of gold, warm colors, the bride whose first dance pick Real estate attorney Stephanie makeup. A colorful side head - cream and silver fit perfectly into was Marinella’s dramatic “ Για Σέ - Tsolis had met her future hus - piece with rhinestones replaced the wedding image in her head. νανε Μπορώ ( For You, I Can ). ” band, Greek-born computer en - a traditional crown Amidst the inevitable flurry of After their big day the couple gineer Nick Makos, through The bride kept her jewelry activity as the bride and groom spent a few days with guests (al - friends years ago, she recalls. And simple, due to the sparkles on celebrated with 350 guests, though they wish there was more they would sometimes meet in her dress – chosing dramatic everything went smoothly, and time to have enjoyed them) be - places like Astoria and say hello. drop earrings and a bracelet. the couple appreciated that at all fore flying to the French Polyne - Then finally, she recalls, “One When it came to her feet, how - times they each had a staffer sian islands of Tahiti and Bora night, we spoke a little more.” ever, the shoes were eye-catch - shadowing them to help out. Be - Bora. In retrospect, the bride is She thought to herself: “Wow, ing. “I have a shoe obsession,” fore the big day, having a Greek glad she followed one piece of he’s interesting.” the newlywed confesses. She planner at Garden City made it advice on her big day. A friend Flash forward to June 25th skipped the usual white shoes for less stressful to plan an event urged the couple to make sure – and the couple were wed at the a pair of pewter-colored strappy with mostly Greek guests. (Ac - in the chaos of the day -to con - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Giuiseppe Zanotti sandles that cepting help from family mem - sciously sit back, be still and en - Church in Flushing, a place not she has enjoyed wearing several bers proved vital too.) joy for a full two minutes. Amidst far from where the bride grew times since the wedding. The tunes – supplied by pop - the noise, the talking and move - up in Bayside, New York, where ular DJs Power Station/Christos ment that inevitably fill a wed - she had been baptized and at - THE VENUE Lambropoulos - were almost all ding, Stephanie and Nick will for - tended GOYA. On that day, Tsolis, While doing her venue re - Greek too. “There is more passion ever cherish those 120 seconds. with her elongated features and search, it was love at first site for dark tresses was every bit the the bride when she walked into Grecian beauty, but this was no the Garden City Hotel Grand cookie cutter bride – she wanted Ballroom. “I said, this is it,” she to do things a little differently. “I knew I’d be a very hands- on bride,” the attorney explains, noting that no detail was too small to avoid her attention. For one, she explains: “I wanted tra - ditional, with a twist.” In search - ing for a term to describe her wedding, she decides on “neo- traditional.” Her unique touches began with the invitations, which she crafted together with Anastasia of Anastasia’s Giftshop. The bride took a design and changed the ribbons, adding a brooch (a ing little stars of the children in white Ines Di Santo gown with theme that would follow on lam - the family. Swarovski crystals and sequins, bades candles, flower girls and a drop waist and just the right even the personalized Wedding A CLEAN LOOK amount of “poof.” Cake by Jay). Shopping for a bridal dress When it came to her hair and One memorable difference was no chore. “It was fun looking makeup, Tsolis notes: “I wanted with 99% of weddings in the U.S. for a dress,” she recalls, though a clean look.” It helped to achieve was that there were no brides - it took her a while to find some - a special glow by going to Helen maids. She skipped having a thing that was both traditional Chiasson, the Greek woman who crowd at the altar in lieu of mak - and modern. She went with a had cut her very thick hair since Old World Glamour in Heart of Athens

Continued from page 2 pop or requests were allowed. of first dance song, 'My Funny and Vienna, the bride now has Kefi was abundant. Valentine'. Mpras recalls: “Even the pleasant task of editing the vored in America. When it came “Nikos and I chose every sin - though we were in the middle movie of her big day herself. to “something old,” Mpras was gle song on our playlist. Love of of a crowded ballroom we felt As the Greek-American in delighted to use her grand - music is one of the things that like we were having an intimate Greece enjoys the afterglow of mother’s wedding purse from brought us together, so it was a moment.” her successful celebration, she has the 1950’s. “That was a special special part of the reception for Icelandic wonder Bjork’s no regrets about things she could sentimental touch in my acces - us. We tried to make a playlist "Like Someone in Love" was re - have done differently. Apart from sories.” that reflected our tastes, but served for the end, with only a having had an extra taste of the Her shoes were handcrafted that also would be fun and en - handful of people left. The bride wedding cake, the newlywed who in Greece, notes the bride: “I joyable for our guests. It was recalls: “I sang along and sere - planned out every last detail bought my shoes from Kozatsa mostly old-school: 60s and 70s naded to my husband who was notes: “I honestly can't think of creations in Athens. They make rock, jazz, and pop. Our favorite both embarrassed and laughing anything in particular that I shoes by hand and are incredi - songs were (our first dance uncontrollably.” would have done differently.” bly comfortable! The store was song) Chet Baker's 'My Funny The event was documented on founded in 1936 and used to Valentine', Al Green's 'I Can't Get digital and film by photographer TIPS make shoes for stars such as morning, so my shoes really had my husband's last name.” Next to You,' Jethro Tull's 'The friends led by Stamos Abatis. A • Though Greece’s crisis al - Jayne Mansfield.” to be comfortable!” Whistler,' Etta James 'If I Can't Greek filmmaker pro shot the lows for some negotiating There was a practical side to When it comes to her name, HEY, MR. DJ Have You,' and Led Zeppelin's event on Super 8 black and white power, don’t expect all venues the choice. “Greek reception Mpras notes: “I will be following For a couple that is passion - 'Whole Lotta Love.'” film, lending an antique look. to be open to bargaining. halls never have a time limit as the trend in Greece and will not ate about music, having control Among the memorable audio Having returned from a honey - • It is becoming increasingly American reception halls do. We legally change my last name. over the sounds heard on their treats was the scratchy, vinyl moon that extended the Old common for couples to register dance all night long into the However, I will socially go by big day was a big deal. No Greek recording the groom discovered World Glamour theme to Prague at a bank in Greece. 4 GREEK-AMERICAN WEDDINGS THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 3 , 2012 Recipe for a Greek Wedding

By Peter Minakis, • 1 red bell pepper, sliced www.kalofagas.ca • 1 tsp. smoked paprika • 3 bay leaves In less than two weeks, I’ll • 1 cup of dry red wine be back in Greece again for my • 2 Tbsp. of tomato paste vacation. This will be my 20th • 2 cups of vegetable stock time and I still get excited about • 6 large potatoes, peeled and going. cut into wedges I still have some experiences • salt and pepper to taste to share from last year’s trip. Pre-heated 350F oven One of the most cherished mem - ories has to be when I attended Season your lamb shanks a traditional Greek wedding on with salt and pepper. Place your the island of Naxos. olive oil in a large skillet and Naxos is located in the Cy - over medium-high heat, brown clades cluster of islands in the your shanks on all sides. Reserve Aegean Sea. I was cordially in - in a baking vessel/Dutch oven. vited by a reader of my blog, Deglaze the brown bits skillet Maria Degaitas. I would like to by adding your stock and red also thank the Fragoulopoulos wine and bring to a boil while family for their endless hospi - #2: TRADITION guests…lots of family and scraping/lifting with a wooden tality during my brief stay. The next ingredient for a friends. spoon. Reduce to medium, add Regardless if you’ve attended Greek wedding is tradition. After finding roadside park - your onions, garlic, peppers and a Greek wedding or not, attend - Family and friends related to the ing, we walked to the reception bay leaves and simmer for 5-7 ing one in a remote village on a groom met in Komiaki where bride. hall, kind of. In attendance for were goat meat, onions, garlic, minutes. Greek island is as fairy-tale as Raki (Tsipouro), sweets and At Koronos, friends and fam - this wedding were some 1,200 tomatoes and famous potatoes Transfer the liquid to the ves - they get. other offerings were laid out for ily of the bride gathered and people! The reception was held from Naxos. sel where your lamb shanks lay I’ve attended numerous guests. Like in any wedding of soon they were met with the outdoors in the courtyard of the The meat fell off the bone, it and pour it in (should just cover Greek weddings in my lifetime today, many photos are taken, groom’s side of the family. To - town’s school. was succulent, it was delicious your lamb shanks). Put the and the memory of the day (and video footage is shot, the old gether we walked towards the The stage for the band was and it had a slight smoky finish. cover on and place in your pre- long night) will be etched in my folks sit and wait and the church (also in Koronos) and al - in the center, bride and groom I was sure some smoked paprika heated oven for an hour. mind forever. sounds of young children can be though a small church (and seated up front with the “Koum - was added into the mix but on Take the cover off, take out For those that haven’t at - heard. overcrowded), most of us baro” and “Koumbara” and long second thought, cooking over your lamb shanks and place the tended a Greek wedding, I urge The groom-to-be started squeezed into the outdoor am - tables were squeezed into the burning embers will give such potato wedges in the sauce. you to happily accept the invite shooting off his rifle – some - phitheater-style courtyard. courtyard with immediate fam - flavor. Gently toss the potatoes to coat and DO attend the church ser - thing I had previously only ily nearby and other relations The band played on and on. and adjust seasoning with salt vice and the ensuing reception. heard of happening in Greece’s seated further and further back. I cut-out around 3am and slept and pepper. The wedding service is moving southernmost island, Crete. This Regardless if you’ve with the sounds of wedding Place the lamb shanks on top with it’s rituals, the ceremony was a Kodak moment and I lost #5: GREAT FOOD guests parting until sunrise. of the potatoes. ancient, historical, spiritual – al - count of how many shells were attended a Greek wedding IN ABUNDANCE I want to leave you with my Place back in the oven and ways reminds me of how special strewn on the ground. or not, attending one in a At a Greek Wedding, you rendition, my ode to this Goat bake uncovered for another 30- it is to be Greek. It was early evening and we know that you will be fed…fed Kokkinisto that was such a de - 40 minutes. The lamb shanks There are many, many details had to get a move-on. Many of remote village on a Greek well! light to eat on the occasion of will turn a deep-brown, your to relate about the Greek wed - the men of the village bear the island is as fairy-tale as I was lucky enough to be this marvelous Greek Island potatoes will cook through and ding. I share with you the name, Agapitos. When it was they get. .. seated with immediate family wedding. I’ve substituted goat your sauce will thicken. “recipe for a Greek Wedding”, time to get going, I heard a lot and each table had a tablecloth, with lamb shanks. I’m braising Remove the bay leafs and as the day unfolded in Naxos, of “Agapitos” being called. bottles of water, bottles of and then roasting the dish to taste to see if any adjustments last summer. The next ingredient needed The wedding ceremony took homemade village wine, the best emulate the flavors I expe - in seasoning are needed. Serve for a Greek wedding is music. place just outside of the front tastiest crusty bread I had in rienced that evening. each plate with some potatoes #1: FAMILY The bride-to-be was waiting in entrance of the church and the years, plates of Myzithra and I’ve added some smoked pa - and a lamb shank and spoon The first thing you need is the Koronos. couple-to-be were surrounded Feta cheeses (some of Greece’s prika, browned some lamb some sauce over. family. A procession was led by a by all their family and friends. best cheeses are made in shanks, deglazed with wine and Serve with a dry red wine, The Fragoulopoulos clan in traditional duo of lute and violin For anyone that’s been to Naxos), olives and Greek salads. placed them covered in the oven like a Paros Moraiti. Naxos is from Komiaki, a village players. These guys played on Greece, you know the evenings The main course would be to braise for about an hour. Af - clear on the opposite side of the our way to our vehicles, during can still be hot and I’m sure this what Mrs. Elisavet Degaitas- ter that, the potatoes are added This piece first appeared on island’s port town. Komiaki is the procession from the bride’s amphitheater built just outside Fraboulopoulou would call a into the mix and everything gets Peter Minakis’ website the village of the groom. This home to the church, then on to the church was Greek logic and Goat Kokkinisto. In Greek cui - baked (uncovered) for another www.kalofagas.ca on July 23, old village is 700 meters above the reception and the band its reply to the long hot sum - sine, there are many variations 45 minutes or until the potatoes 2009. It is reprinted with per - sea level and it was built barely played on….to the wee hours of mers. on a Kokkinisto, which is a dish are cooked and the meat flakes mission of the author. Minakis in view of the sea, so as to not the morning. After the wedding ceremony, simmered in tomatoes and other off the bone. is a Canadian of Greek descent be a target of pirates. The lute and violin duo took the many, many photos that aromatics. born in Toronto. He is a The bride comes from the breaks only between travel to were taken and the long proces - When I first arrived at the financial advisor with a passion neighboring village of Koronos, and from the villages, during sion of well-wishers that had village, I had passed two large, Braised Lamb Shanks for travel (especially to Greece) for years dependent on emery the wedding ceremony and only passed the newly-wedded cou - simmering cauldrons that were With Potatoes as well as food. His website mining. Today, agriculture, wine stopping when the “glenti” or ple, we were off to Komiaki cooking over burning embers Kalofagas.ca: Greek Food and production and tourism are the wedding reception ended. where the wedding reception and under the watchful eye of (serves 4) Beyond focuses on Greek and main economic concerns of Ko - was to take place. village elders. FIVE HUNDRED • 4 large lamb shanks Mediterranean food. He con - ronos. It is written that Dionysus #3: BEAUTIFUL BRIDE KILOS of goat meat were being • 1/4 cup olive oil tributes to publications indulged and enjoyed the wine An important ingredient to #4: MANY, MANY GUESTS cooked up for the 1200 guests. • 2 large onions including the Nostimies Greek of Naxos most. any wedding, is a beautiful Every Greek wedding needs The main ingredients of the dish • 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced gastronomy web portal.

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By Angelike Contis When they entered The Palm House, the 275 guests were Opting to hold their wedding greeted by yellow and purple at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden floral décor. At alternating ta - was an easy choice for Chrysoula bles, first yellow, then purple, Koukiotis and George Savidis. orchids, roses, hydrangeas, calla Says the recent bride: “I thought lilies and other flowers were it was like renting 52 acres in placed in varying sized vases by Brooklyn for your wedding, Ariston Flowers of Chelsea. The pretty amazing.” colors were not by chance: the The choice of church was yellow was inspired by the easy too, Brooklyn’s Kimisis bride’s yellow diamond Tiffany Theotokou Greek Orthodox engagement ring and the purple Church, due to their connection was inspired by the purple to it. amethyst gold ring she wore on Brooklyn is home for both that day, a gift that had belonged Koukiotis, a kindergarten to the grandmother of the teacher who was born in Greece groom. and came to the U.S. at age one The couple also arranged for and Savidis, an investment a host of lanterns to be placed banker born in Manhattan and throughout The Palm House and raised in Brooklyn. the pond outside – which set the In fact, the couple knew each tone and also made great gifts, other growing up only a few along with bunches of flowers, blocks from each other. They got for the guests as they left. There to know each other better, how - were also Lenox ice buckets as ever, while chatting as fellow makeup artist for the big day be - Transported by a Rolls Royce boubonieres. commuters on the X28 bus into cause of their natural approach. limousine to the Botanic Garden, Manhattan. Recalls Koukiotis, “I’m not a girl who wears a lot the couple continued their cele - GREAT MOMENTS then, a few years later, he asked of makeup,” notes the teacher, bration at the garden’s elegant, One of the evening’s special her out. “At a mutual friend’s who usually only applies a bit of glass Palm House. With the ex - moments was when the bride birthday party, he asked to go mascara and lip gloss. ception of the fact that the cock - and groom took to the floor for out to dinner the next night.” tail hour had to be held inside their first dance - and surprised

The two were wed five years n BACK TO THEIR ROOTS and not alongside the lovely Lilly everyone with some dance n e

– to the day- after that first date: l The religious service itself Pond (due to the sole, 15-minute moves, to the tune of Nat King G October 2, 2011. Working as a was invested with extra meaning stint of rain on their day), the Cole’s “L-O-V-E.” A friend had y O J

team, they did all the planning due to the groom’s long friend - event was flawless. coached them. “We did a basic : themselves, together, in just six S ship with V. Rev. Fr. Damaskinos “The flowers are my favorite swing, but we pulled it off,” re - O months. T Ganas. “It was great, because we part,” says the bride, adding: “I calls Koukiotis. O H

P have a real connection,” notes didn’t want to do just white.” The food and cake were great PANIGIRI PRACTICE the bride, who enjoyed the Guests first had a taste of the – provided by the garden’s cater - With many family members Mischka dress she had spotted then went for the A-line “Lex - priest’s words about her hus - floral colors that would greet ers, Charles, Sally & Charles– flying in from Greece and the at a bridal trunk show. A fan of ington” strapless dress of lace band – and his sharing a photo them in the bride’s bouquet of but the action was largely on the need to show non-Greek friends the designer, she had originally and organza. of him as a boy - during the ser - bold yellow calla lilies with a dance floor. The DJ and band a few Greek dance moves, the considered a drop-waist cut, She chose a Bobbi Brown vice. purple band. of Mylos Entertainment pro - bride and groom held a back - vided a 60% to 40% mix of yard “panigiri,” or party, two Greek and non-Greek tunes. The days before the wedding. There bride lauds them for the high was goat on the spit, lots of great energy of the event, noting: Greek food and a terrific chance “They knew when to slow down for everyone to mingle – plus a and start up again.” chance for neighbors and col - After being pampered while leagues alike to learn Greek honeymooning on what the dancing basics. bride calls “Paradise on Earth” - Then, the morning of the Sandy Lane, Barbados and five wedding, the bride’s quiet street months of post-wedding life, two in Brooklyn learned the big day wedding memories stand out the had arrived – as the bride’s fam - most for newlywed Koukiotis. ily danced in front of her house. The first is, she says, “this big Koukiotis explains that she had feeling of just being surrounded seen her cousin do the same in by love.” The second is the last Greece before his wedding. “I song, which was "Time of My knew that if I ever got married, Life" by The Black Eyed Peas. I wanted to bring that tradition “There was still so much energy and do the same.” So out came on the dance floor, so much hap - the iPod, the speakers and the piness and love. Even after the 40 guests – to perform a tradi - last song played, people were tional Greek Kalamatiano dance still on the dance floor wanting of joy with the bride. more… They literally had to re - The bride wore a Badgley mind us it was over.” 6 GREEK-AMERICAN WEDDINGS THE NATIONAL HERALD, MARCH 3 , 2012 Maximizing the Wedding Sparkles

creasingly matching the color of son, points out: “Millennial cou - pily, the recession has not af - ordinated earrings, necklaces gold, but not necessarily the de - ples want a high level of cus - fected long term investments in and bracelets are great options. sign, with their bride-to-be. The tomization. They don’t want engagement rings, wedding Venus Jewelers has a line of men often skip the more intri - what everybody else has and bands and bridal jewelry. The items for flower girls too. cate designs for simplicity al - they love our ability to custom jeweler underscores: “Venus Many grooms tradition - though, as the experts at Venus design one-of-a-kind pieces Jewelers is a direct diamond im - ally present their fiancees Jewelers note, some of them which symbolize their unique porter with unprecedented cus - with a bridal gift of jew - prefer designs specifically commitment to tomer service and quality prod - elry – be it a pair of dia - made for today's profes - each other.” ucts for the most competitive mond stud earrings, sional man who wants Stavrianides prices making this legendary es - pearl earrings or a neck - TNH Staff Writers to make a statement tablishment a true destination lace - the day before the with his jewelry in a store with distinguished clients wedding, to be worn on We spoke to the experts at subtle but elegant and all over the tri-state area and the couple’s big day. In Venus Jewelers in Somerset, masculine way. beyond.” turn, the bride-to-be of - New Jersey, about the latest Designer engage - trending ten reciprocates with a wed - trends and tips when it comes ment rings – by com - BRIDAL PEARLS out, the experts at Venus Jewel - ding watch. to wedding rings and other jew - panies such as Verra - The popularity of pearls con - ers point to an increasing popu - elry and accessories – which not gio, Ritani, Gelin and tinues to give brides that glam - larity of bejeweled hair pieces LAST-MINUTE SHINE only are important on that big Abaci - to mention a few orous final touch. Extravagant, that are worn on the side of the Venus Jewelers recommends day, but for many years to come. - are very much in de - drop style freshwater pearl ear - head. that all the pieces are brought mand with the round rings are popular for brides at to your favorite jeweler to be RINGS brilliant cut diamond Venus Jewelers. Especially when GIFTS cleaned and polished the day The experts at Venus Jewel - being the most popular, adds: their gowns are strapless, many Cuff links are as popular as before the wedding. Engage - ers report that platinum and closely followed by the "Ultimately the choice of a wed - women opt to skip wearing a ever for presents for the men in ment rings especially - which white gold are much more pop - princess cut diamond. As Venus ding ring is like ice cream, with necklace, leaving the neckline wedding parties, while brides have been worn, often for ular today than yellow gold. For Jewelers principal owner Peter each customer’s taste guiding bare. have a range of choices for gifts months, may look scratched un - wedding bands, men are in - Stavrianides, a.k.a Peter Sam - their choice.” He notes that hap - While tiaras seem to be to their bridal party. Color-co - less prepped for the big day. Popping the Question…with a Little Help

Have the perfect proposal idea red ribbon around its neck. “The in your mind, but need help in girl went crazy,” Jimenez recalls. How to Propose, making it happen? Or do you It’s all about taste and the de - have the perfect guy or gal to tails. Jimenez points to a romantic Garden City-Style wed, but no clear idea on how to wintry scene the hotel staged re - get them to say “Yes?” cently in their Grand Salon, Place engagement ring in Then you need a professional. where candles, a fireplace, dim sugar-glazed-creation inside Marriage Proposal Concierge Ro - lighting and roses set the perfect a glass of champagne, served cio Jimenez, of the Garden City scene. by a butler. Or hide it in a Hotel in Long Island has helped Sometimes she must steers ea - heart-shaped chocolate box, 25 guests with their dream mar - ger proposers away from awk - a bed of shredded coconut riage proposals in recent years. wardness. “Everyone wants to put or under a triple chocolate Whether it’s freezing an en - the ring inside food,” she says dome. gagement ring in a cocktail ice- with a chuckle. Instead of plop - Arrange a day out, com - cube, projecting a videotaped pro - ping the ring inside a drink, she plete with limo transport and posal, or spelling out “Will You nudges them towards more ele - dinner. Then return to a Marry Me” in rose petals on a gant choices, like specially-made room full of rose petals to bed, Jimenez makes it happen. desserts showcasing rings. pop the question. “Everything is customized to what Guests are only responsible for Surprise her with your the guest wants,” she explains. extra costs, such limos or major timing. When a bride-to-be Jimenez, who meets with the “props.” thinks she’s just going to a groom-to-be in advance to brain - While until now, she has con - pal's bridal shower, bring her storm about ideas and/or logis - sulted men popping the question, into a romantically set up tics, can work with as little or as Jimenez says her specialty can be room, with candles and a lit much time is available. With two useful to a broader group. She fireplace, and propose. decades plus of experience at the welcomes proactive brides-to-be Send a rose each day for hotel (her other title is Rooms Di - as well as same sex marriage cou - 11 days, leading to dinner at vision Director), she can cover all ples. the hotel’s Rein, where you the details. The site of a teary-eyed bride- present your bride-to-be with Some grooms-to-be have a to-be is Jimenez’s reward for a a dozen roses. Just when she clear idea of what they want, job well done. Creative romance thinks that that’s all - when while others need guidance, she runs in the proposal concierge’s you get back to your room, notes. One masterful plot in - own life. After all, her husband present a 12th long stem volved a fluffy Akita pup, with nanCy bOROWiCK proposed to her via a fortune rose…with an engagement the ring in a box attached to a Rocio Jimenez helps folks spell out their desire to wed, with style, at The Garden City Hotel. cookie. ring wrapped around it. Dream Cakes for All

TNH Staff Writers We organize weddings on the Greek islands Santorini, to know their background, what cake and another of Styrofoam, cookies) for them. they like and I try to incorporate and guests served from a sheet Since opening in 2003, mykonos, lesvos, Chios, Skopelos, Skiathos, lefkas, Kefalonia Whether you want a massive it into the wedding cake some - cake. However, she says, Greeks Katopodis has noted a trend to - and mainland such as athens, monemvasia, nafplio, Porto ivory cake with edible gold- how.” don’t tend to go for that. “They wards smaller cakes and wed - Heli, Pylos, Kalamata and other spectacular locations. beads and floral touches for an She quizzes them on venues, go more towards the real cake.” dings. Indian wedding of 1,000 guests, colors, and flowers in order to And when it comes to wed - While extravagance is still Weddings: Greek Orthodox, Civil, Renewal of vows or a cake for a smaller marriage create the perfect cake. ding day sweets, she notes of around, there is plenty of cost- and symbolic. decorated with hearts and the Katopodis promises: “I ask her compatriotes, “They don’t cutting too. Nonetheless Artopo - Manhattan skyline, Artopolis what you want to spend and I’ll skimp.” Greek couples tend to lis’ co-owner was surprised by a bakery/patisserie can create it. make you the cake of your order tray after tray of Artopolis’ do-it-yourself bride who showed Olympia Giannopoulou Regina Katopodis, co-owner dreams with what you have in traditional Greek sweets, from up in jeans to pop her elegant and manager of the Astoria es - your pocket.” mini- baklavadakia to melo - cake in the car, between the cen - tablishment explains: “When I One solution is a beautiful makarona . terpieces. sit down with a couple, I want dummy cake, with a pier of real With regards to cake flavors, But regardless of the econ - Katopodis has observed that omy, Katopodis remarks, “Peo - Greeks tend to go for traditional ple are still getting married.” options, though she tries to And whether or not your tempt them with the likes of ex - cake is big or small, it will be GEORGE KENT otic passion fruit. made from scratch and when it Greek-American International Orchestra & Entertainment However they exhibit more comes to chocolate, only Bel - INTERNATIONAL ORCHESTRA & ENTERTAINMENT experimentation when selecting gian chocolate is used. Expose Requested! “Book Early for 10% Rebate!” Artopolis’ imported Hatziyian - The bottom line, to nakis koufeta (sugar-covered al - Katopodis, is: “When anybody Only trust your social to a proven name group of FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS entertainers, at affordable prices, who’s only BUSINESS IS MUSIC , performing authentic Greek monds), with everything from walks out of here, bride, groom, music of all regions, colonies of Greece. Featuring the “PRIME VOICE OF GREECE” . tiramisu to island-inspired fla - mother of the bride, I want Clarino & Bouzouki plus Vocals. Beware! of Greek Bands promising American Music, vors, like Corfu kumquat. them to be smiling - with the then playing tapes! All our music is performed “LIVE” ... (718) 932-0262 “Edible” boubonieres (wed - wedding cake of their dreams.” OUR American sounds PURE AMERICAN , with NO accent! ding favors with koufeta) are Artopolis, Agora Plaza 23 - email: [email protected] See us on You Tube: GEORGE KENT site: www.marryme.com.gr @ www.santorini4wedding.com popular. Artopolis makes little 18 31 Street, Astoria, New York VLAHIKA POU PAS Facebook: marryme in Greece packages of mini-pastries, spoon 11105, Toll Free: 800-553-2270, Call Kent 1-914-476-3020 or write: 118 Bolmer Ave., N. Yonkers, NY 10703-1637 sweets or amygdalota (almond www.artopolis.net Send for stereo cassette albums “Zorba” or “Athena” $11.00 for one $20 for both to address above

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Something Old, New for Jews of Ioannina What’s Hot When Tying the Knot

The brides look dazzled, munity. Notes Haddad- fascinating tradition –whose evi - *New Jersey’s Adelphia Restaurant is heading towards its adorned in their bridal best. The Ikonomopoulos: “There was no dence remains – are the female- 25th Anniversary. Says Adelphia’s Evelyn Balis, “We cater to all grooms strike the pose of hus - doubt that the bride was a virgin. favoring ketubahs , or wedding types of weddings here and pride ourselves in making each band, alongside them. There is What else would she be?” The contracts. The Jews from Ioan - event unique for the bride and groom.” Adelphia prides itself only a hint of a smile on some American gowns were very dif - nina, says Haddad-Ikonomopou - on customizing everything from specialty linens to menu pref - faces, but all the eyes glow from ferent from the traditional wed - los drafted much more favorable erences to please a range of tastes and ethnic traditions. She the the newness of the situation. ding dresses on display at the “prenuptual” agreements than adds: “Making each wedding special and memorable is reward - These are images from the museum. those of other Jewish groups. She ing not only for our brides, grooms, and their families, but also family albums of the historic Ke - One tradition that Haddad- believes it has to do with the for us on a business level.” www.adelphiarestaurant.com hila Kedosha Janina Synagogue Ikonomopoulos says she’s only greater legal protection women and Museum on New York’s seen evidence of in early images had in Byzantium, where women *New York travel agents Crown Peters , who have been in Lower East Side. They were dis - from Kehila Kedosha Janina, was could study and own property. In the business for over four decades, have perfected the art of played in the wedding exhibit of men taking off their hats and the Ioannina ketubahs, brides’ crafting honeymoons in Greece. Their Crown Romance I and II “Something Old, Something women holding up their napkins property was listed in great detail packages, which start at $1750/person and $1475/person, re - New” held there over two years - down to the last spoon- so that spectively, pamper couples. Why not focus on the special person ago. she was covered in case of di - you just married in fantastic settings like Athens, Mykonos, Museum Director Marcia Had - vorce. Today, the Kehila Kedosha Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini - instead of worrying dad-Ikonomopoulos explains The wedding of Rabbi Jessoula Janina Synagogue remains a pop - about tickets, transfers, hotel bookings and the details? that, as in the old country, these Levy's youngest daughter ular spot for weddings. In 2009, http://crownpeters.com studio images are primarily of Rachel in 1942 in Kehila Ke - for instance, Daniela Smolov and arranged marriages of immi - dosha Janina, on New York’s Morris Levy (the great-grandson *Located in Manhattan’s chic Tribeca area, restaurant grants with modest means. Lower East Side. of the synagogue’s Rabbi Jessoula Thalassa offers, as general manager Tasso Zapanti calls it, “the “Probably every single one was a Levy) were wed, as the historic ideal boutique wedding lo - rented gown,” she explains. as the new couple passed. Are its site’s website notes, in “a confir - cation.” The venue is espe - They depict a group – which origins from Ioannina? The Mu - mation of our continuity and con - cially popular with couples dates back to Roman times in seum Director says it is very hard tinuance.” of different backgrounds Greece’s Ioannina- under change. to know, as the city’s Jewish pop - who enjoy the sea-inspired While in Ioannina Jewish cou - ulation was decimated in World To see more photos from the setting and food. A wed - ples, like Christians, used stefana War II, with only 151 of a popu - “Something Old, Something ding at Thalassa may begin (wreaths) in their wedding cere - lation of 2,000 surviving. “No one New” exhibit online, visit with 40-200 guests enjoy - mony, in the New World, this can go back and ask,” she regrets. www.kkjsm.org, clicking on “Ex - ing cocktails in the practice was abandoned. Back in The Ioannina Greeks in Amer - hibits” and “Previous exhibits.” bar/lounge area, before the Ioannina, there was no need to Sophie Negrin and Abraham ica, she explains, often married New immigration exhibit “Mem - wedding ceremony in the wear white to prove a bride’s pu - Malta, 1922. Both were born Jews from other groups and lost ories” opens at The Kehila Ke - Wine Cellar room and cock - rity in the tight-knit Jewish com - in Ioannina. traditions along the way. But a dosha Janina Museum on May 6. tails, dinner and dancing above in the third floor Gallery Loft. www.thalassanyc.com

* At Towers on the Green, in Floral Park , New York there is always “good food, good service,” and, Harry Savvides adds, Wedding Pilaf (Gamopilafo, Western Crete) “a nice scenic view of the 18-hole golf course.” He’s noticed that at Greek weddings, there is not just the Greek music and food, that people request, but a Viennese table too. “We, as From Dianna Farr Lois’ mals is more the norm at large most of the stock. Stir in the Greeks, like to have the elaborate dessert table.” Feasting & Fasting in Crete celebrations. lemon juice and salt and pepper Adding to the extravagance, to taste. Cover the saucepan *What’s changed in the wedding biz since George Andreakos This is the traditional pilaf several spoonfuls of bubbling with a clean dish towel and the played guitar for his dad’s Bill Andreakos Orchestra 26 years served at weddings and bap - staka [a rich Cretan cheese] are pan’s lid and remove from the ago? Weddings are today “a lot more elaborate,” he says. With tisms in western Crete, modified swirled into the pilaf before the burner. his International Sounds DJ entertainment company, his for home use. Its every grain hungry guests, who may num - Let stand 5 minutes, pour in Event Décor NYC event furnishing company and Eros Music symbolizes a wish for the young ber high in the hundreds or even the staka, and serve. Slice the NY live Greek orchestra, he’s part of that trend. Want a space couple’s wealth and prosperity. into the thousands, tuck in. You meats, sprinkle with more transformed by special colored/LED lighting or drapes? He’s Whenever Cretans talk about will have to omit this luxury, but lemon juice, and serve them your man. Want to create a trendy lounge area within a ball - this dish, they become even crème fraiche, mascarpone or separately. Serves 4 to 6. room? Ditto. When it comes to Greek music, people still ask more animated than usual, as if even hot clarified butter makes for classic “ Ωραία που είναι η νύφη μας ( How Beautiful Our it triggers a host of wonderful a reasonable substitute. Note: You’ll get a richer broth Bride Is ), ” but, many Greek-Americans are up-to-date on the memories. With thanks to Katerina if you bring chicken to the boil latest Greek hits, such as those by artists like Νikos Vertis. Although no seasonings are Farandaki for sharing this from a cold start, but you’ll get Today, too “The brides certainly know what they want,” the added, the dish is made in such recipe. whiter, better looking meat if wedding pro says. He vows to deliver, noting: “We’re very quantities that the broth in you add it when the liquid is meticulous, we are perfectionists.” which the rice is cooked is a • 1 lb lean lamb boiling. http://internationalsounds.com, www.eventdecornyc.com, heady extract. For example, a • 3-4 lb free range chicken Place the meat and chicken www.erosmusicnewyork.com pilaf made with seventeen • 8 cups chicken or meat stock in a large soup kettle and cover Reprinted with permission of chickens is not considered out (optional) with cold water or stock. Bring the author from Feasting & Fast - * Demetra Lecourezos of shop of the ordinary. In the past, • 2 cups rice, preferably to the boil, season with salt and ing in Crete: Delicious Mediter - Given with Love in Tarpon Springs , when chickens were still a lux - medium grain (Arborio, Va - skim well. Simmer for 1 hour or ranean Recipes (Kedros, 2001, Florida, which carries a host of wed - ury, they were preferred over lencia, Nyhaki) longer until you have a rick www.kedros.gr). Dianne Farr ding items, sees a trend towards “the lamb by those who could afford • 1/4 cup lemon juice and an stock (skim off the fat if you Louis’ book also includes the es - ivory and natural colors, with just a them. extra lemon wish) and remove the meat to a say “Ingredients for a splash of a bold color (teal, eggplant, Now some people make the • salt and freshly ground black platter. Traditional Western Cretan fuschia).” When it comes to wedding pilaf with a combination of pepper Pour 6 cups of the stock into Wedding,” with a rundown on candles, she reports that “bling's the chicken (free range, if possible) • 2-3 tablespoons warmed a clean saucepan and bring to all that is needed to have an au - thing,” with lace, silks, Swarovski and year-old kid (tzigouri) or staka, crème fraiche, mascar - the boil. Add the rice and sim - thentic Cretan wedding feast crystals and pearls. lamb, but broth from many ani - pone (optional) mer until the rice has absorbed and celebration.

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Alaska!” Her pieces have cross with pomegranate-hued ily would always stick together splashed across fashion maga - gems and the hand-engraved and his most valuable lesson… zines like Vogue, Mademoiselle, letters IS XS NI KA (the abbre - ‘Never give up!’” Harper’s Bazaar and Bride . viation of “Jesus Christ Con - For Antonopoulos, each piece She is most proud, however, quers”). The Crosses Byzantine is invested with meaning. She of a pair of vermeil wreaths Collection was born as she cus - notes: “My art and my craft are commissioned by the Annunci - tomized and named crosses af - truly more than just a ‘job’ to ation Greek Orthodox Church of ter each child, nephew/niece me. My art, craft and my faith Milwaukee as a gift to Arch - and godchild. are inseparable from one an - bishop Demetrios of America for Antonopoulos notes that other. It is my great joy to use the Wisconsin parish’s 100 year matching crosses (starting at precious metals and gems to anniversary. $75) serve for a couple as a pre - create Orthodox wedding sent “to commemorate their crowns and crosses. These JEWELRY WITH MEANING marriage to one another with pieces represent God, His sacri - The jewelry designer oper - God as an integral part.” fice for us and His interest in ates out of Paul’s Jewelers, a She also has a line of engage - being part of our wedding, mar - company created by her father ment rings coming soon. riage and daily life. What an Polychronis in 1967, after he Paul’s Jewelers has been, honor for the medium itself to had made his way from a village over the years, not just a place be used in this way. It is an TNH Staff Writers wreaths are so incredibly inspi - near Olympia, in Greece’s West - where family created and honor for me to be able to do rational.” ern Peloponnese, to Milwaukee. worked together, but also a this work as well.” Elaborate stefana (wedding She has studied the ancient “My father, Polychronis ‘Paul’ classroom of life, says wreaths) fit for royalty and strik - craftsmanship on display in and my mother, Marousa raised Antonopoulos: “My father’s www.ParaskeviforPaulsJewel - ing Byzantine crosses with vi - Athens as well as in Thessa - my brother and me in this busi - greatest dream was that his fam - ers.com brant gemstones are some of the loniki, including the famous ness,” notes the jewelry de - works of jeweler Paraskevi Poly - Macedonian royalty’s gold signer. chronis Antonopoulos that have wreaths of Vergina. At her father’s prompting, adorned people at landmarks in Her Olive Leaf style stefana she went beyond her degree in life for decades. are among the most popular secondary education to study at Ancient Greece and Byzan - and symbolic of her creations. the Gemological Institute of tium live in the creations of the She says: “Since the olive America and the Kulicke-Stark Wisconsin-based jeweler also wreath generally symbolizes Academy of Jewelry Arts. She known as Vivian Paul Anton. peace, it is a wonderful style to also studied for a summer at Il - Her Stefana Eternal line, with incorporate within a wedding.” ias Lalaounis’ Athens workshop. its wreaths of gold, silver, and Antonopoulos may be in the It was her father’s wish that pearls, have a clear influence Midwest, but her works are she apply her talents to making from the past. Pointing to visits everywhere. “It is gratifying to Byzantine crosses too. With the to Greece and its museums, she send a set of stefana to South arrival of her first child, Apollon, notes: “All of the ancient Africa or a Byzantine cross to she did so, creating a rose gold

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Nature is an inspiration not only for brides and grooms, but for the photographers who snap their share some of their seasonal favorites. wedding memories. TNH asked Philadelphia-area New Leaf Photography to open their albums and Co-owner/photographer Nicole Hope Matthews describes the thinking behind each composition. m O C . O T O H P F a e l n . W W W

Summer Glow Lush Spring Every wedding photographer knows that time is of the essence and weddings very rarely run on time. What better representation then the We captured this shot of the McCoy's within a quick lush new greens of spring? In this pho - six-minute shoot following their ceremony, which tograph we captured the couple's first lasted 30 minutes longer than scheduled. They are sight of each other on their big day. glowing with excitement.

Wintry Celebration It was a cold New Year’s Eve. This was a fun shot to capture as this couple walks through an arch of sparklers following Fall Foliage Train their wedding ceremony. It was worth a burnt sleeve to capture this moment. In the second image: Being nighttime, There wasn't much around the wedding loca - our goal was to find a spot with unique lighting. We chose tion ,but we found this perfect spot on the train this large tree that was decorated with lights from Christ - tracks behind the hall. You can see the crisp mas. Then, to spice it up a bit, we set up a light behind the dry fall leaves decorating the ground. couple to highlight them against the night sky.

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TNH Staff Writers the body, before flaring out – that matters. blushing wallflower but for a flamenco style, before the knee. http://demetriosbride.com bold, diva of a bride. Choosing the right wedding With over twenty stores in To watch the gowns in mo - www.sophiakokosalaki.com, look is one of the hardest parts the U.S, locations around the tion, see Demetrios at Bride www.net-a-porter.com of planning a wedding. But world (including several bou - Fashion Show, Amsterdam, there are a handful of Hellenic tiques in Greece), his For the 2012 video. MORE HELLENIC DESIGNS designers – with an interna - Bride Magazine (which just cel - http://youtu.be/ZnhXtyMFtzQ Another exciting contempo - tional presence - that can offer ebrated 20 years) and countless rary line with Hellenic origins brides and grooms plenty of in - trunk shows, Demetrios is an SOPHIA KOKOSALAKI is Christos. The 2012 collection spiration. From Demetrios’ prac - enduring bridal presence. His The gowns carry names like is by designer Amsale Aberra, tical new two looks-in-one philosophy? It’s not the trends Cassandra, Cythera, Ariadne who took over from Cypriot dresses and Sophia Kokosalaki’s that are important to follow, but and Galene. And the look is founder Christos Yiannakou goddess-themed gowns to John what’s flattering to each woman what a caryatid would resemble when he retired in 2005. Silk Varvatos’ decidedly hip tuxedos, if she were a hip contemporary organza and micro-sequins are these top designers can help the woman. Greek-born, London- the textures of the highly ro - stars of weddings look their ab - trained designer Sophia Kokos - mantic, long-gown looks. solute best. alaki, is turning heads with her http://christosbridal.com Here’s a look at the latest new bridal collection, designed For men, John Varvatos may ideas from these fashion lead - exclusively for Net-A- have established himself as the ers. Porter.com. source of cool, fashionable The line, which was unveiled clothing for the likes of band DEMETRIOS in January and will be made Green Day, but he also has With over 400 gowns to available later this month, takes clothes that could suit a groom. choose from, this long-standing a clear cue from ancient Greek The options include dark and bridal favorite offers plenty of sculptures in its gowns as well light layered suits and tuxes that choices. For his Spring 2012 col - as bold jewelry created with can be worn casual/Bohemian lection, this designer helps Greek jeweler Ilias Lalaounis. (ala Johnny Depp) or more for - brides be more versatile than The gowns, strapless or leav - mally. The groom can sport his ever. In his Young Sophisticates ing a single shoulder bare, fea - Italian-made leather shoes or collection, there are gowns ture silk and tulle and touches Converse high tops alike. whose long skirts are removable like a thin studded belt or www.johnvarvatos.com – aiding the bride to reveal a lit - Swarovski crystals. An island or U.K.-based fashion tle leg - and dance a little easier. ancient temple would be a per - expert/journalist Natasha Gian - Belts are in, Demetrios be - fect backdrop. nousi-Varney, who previously lieves – and he has introduced “Chevron pleating, hand was editor of Greece’s White a collection of detailed belts – draping and sculptural shap - Wedding magazine, also points even in black. Though you may ing,” as Net-A-Porter describes to the following Greek designers store your dress for all eternity, Kokosalaki’s touches, are in evi - for the fashion-conscious bride: the belt you can take out and dence. The designer says in a Chara Lebessi, Christos Costarel - wear in the meantime. press release that the gowns are los (www.costarellos.gr), Kon - Lace is a material that has a aimed at brides who love fash - Demetrios now has two-in-one wedding gowns that allow the staninos Tsigaros (www.kon - powerful romantic presence in ion: “I wanted my wedding bride to remove her organza skirt to go mini. stantinostsigaros.com), Erifilli S i many of his new gowns. His K dresses to feel very precious, Nikolopoulou, Konstantinos a l

strapless Ilissa gown, for in - a help the bride to feel beautiful, over the top, something cool ling silver covered in gold) in - Melis by Laskos (www.konstan - S stance, fits lace over a net O but never saccharine. An alter - with an edge.” cludes big cuffs and dangling tinosmelis.com) and Anem K sheath, following the curves of O native dress that never goes The Lalaounis jewelry (Ster - earrings sculpted not for a (www.anemcollections.gr). K Ancient, Local Flower Power

Greek-American weddings of - mary woven around a container ten feature Greek rituals, music (another herb of fidelity and re - and food. Why not “Greek” flow - membrance) and a mixture of ers too? We consulted with Jen - herbs such as fresh lavender (La - nifer Gay, landscape architect, vandula spp), oregano (Orig - gardener and author of Greece, anum spp), and chaste tree (Lig - Garden of the Gods , for a few aria, Vitex agnus-castus) ideas on the topic. arranged in a posy, along with Myrtle (Mytria, Myrtus com - delicate seasonal color from the munis) is a flower with ancient beautiful blue flowers of chicory symbolism, as U.K. native Gay (Chicorum intybus), and wheat observes. “Myrtle was tradition - ears.” Flowering in mid-late ally woven into the bridal bou - summer, notes Gay, the chaste A still from one of Lee Bakogiannakis’ wedding videos, where quet to signify love and fidelity. tree is said to symbolize purity. details, texture, color and music set the tone. Myrtle was sacred to Aphrodite She adds: “Hera, Goddess of the Goddess of Love and it came Marriage is said to have been to symbolize youth and beauty. born under a chaste tree.” The ancient Greeks used it to Gay points out that the ex - Shaking Up the decorate temples and sanctuar - travagant royal wedding in the ies. Sadly it is rarely used now - U.K. last year was an example I asked several women who had of going local for bridal flora. recently married whether they She says: “I love the trend which Wedding Film Genre would consider using myrtle and Catherine Middleton either be - none knew of this tradition. I gan (or is part of) towards a adore it for the aromatic leaves, more environmentally-friendly On wedding videographer lights of most Greek night wed - the beautiful creamy star-like style. Her bridal bouquet was Lee Bakogiannakis’ site dings. At seven feet, he can go flowers - and it is often flowering small and subtle and almost www.2dgstyle.com, the trailers from “very high to very low, in in August/September, a popular looked like it could have been of happy couples’ wedding seconds.” At the same time, he time for weddings.” picked in the garden.” Gay adds: videos look like commercials for is discrete. “I don’t ever talk at Today, splashier flowers pre - “She only used flowers in sea - a delicious product called love. weddings,” he says. dominate, however, notes Gay. son, and all of them had a sig - From Stefanos & Margie’s wed - He tries to avoid narration “Tropical orchids are very popu - nificant meaning in the 'lan - ding in Athens, that rocks to and any monotony, instead cap - lar now, as are lilies and roses, guage of flowers' - lily of the song “Living on a Prayer,” to Fil - turing a slice of life, using de - and subtler flowers are often valley represents 'trust,' while ipino couple Rod & Leilani’s tails that “will trigger memories overlooked, though they may be myrtle (she used it!) represents Venice marriage full of Italian in a decade.” His rule is “to go very beautiful.” She notes, how - 'love and hope.’” The trees too romance, the bride and groom with the flow of things,” even ever, that Basil has become a placed within Westminster are featured in stories with clear including the inevitable bridal popular wedding table-top dec - Abbey, says Gay, “lent a spring - narratives and texture. panic. Each wedding has a dif - oration. like feel to the proceedings.” The Athens-based Bakogiannakis ferent mood to capture. Pomegranates – also rife with trees were also symbolic. She ex - – whose company is called 2dg He covers about 20 weddings symbolism- are a great choice In Greece, fragrant local op - imagination.” plains: “hornbeam means 're - Style - has shot destination wed - a year, admitting he’s “one of for autumn weddings. Gay re - tions may offer a unique al - For instance, when a bride silience' while maple means 'hu - dings in every corner of Greece. the most expensive in Greece.” calls a row of them at an Octo - ternative to the flashier asked Gay for local flora sug - mility and reserve.’” The He says he used to know every On destination weddings, he of - ber wedding: “An avenue of flowers imported from gestions for an early Septem - landscape artist adds that it was - priest in his native Thessaloniki, ten shoots for several days - and pomegranate trees (Rodia, The Netherlands. Gay ber wedding, there were n’t just good ecology that the but is now going global, shoot - loves screening the final cut Punica granatum) on approach points out: “Imported many options. “I trees were replanted on a royal ing in the U.S too. The Wedpro with clients on their couch. to the church was lovely - they out of season flow - suggested creat - estate, but also symbolic of Alliance member is also a mas - While weddings are the (un - were fruiting and still with leaf.” ers can be a bit ing small herbal growth in marriage. ter editor with a deft, hip touch. married) filmmaker’s 24/7 main The couple also used Pomegran - green 'blingish'. table arrange - With roots including Egypt gig, he calls his work on baptism ate fruits in the table decora - The native flora ments, using Jennifer Gay, Landscape Archi - and Australia, multicultural videos “my personal play - tions. Gay approved: “It was sea - tends to be rose - tect, gardener and garden Greek weddings are his spe - ground.” He’s also made the sonal and completely much more columnist for Athens News can cialty. award-winning 48 Hour Film appropriate as Pomegranate is subtle and less be reached via email at med - Before each wedding, he gets Project short in 2010 and, most associated with Aphrodite (God - showy. But you [email protected]. She to know his clients. “Depending recently, a wonderful promo - dess of Love and Beauty), Hera can make and partner Piers Goldson are on what kind of feeling I get, I tional spot for the Theotokos Re - (Goddess of Marriage) as well charming, deli - based in Greece, where they de - start working.” He describes his habilitation Center for Children as Demeter (Goddess of the Har - cate and intricate sign and create gardens with a shooting style as “run and gun.” and Young Adults with Intellec - vest), and was a symbol of fe - arrangements of strong ecological basis. A recent He travels light, with the latest tual Disabilities in the U.K.. cundity and life for the ancient great beauty with a example of their work is Corfu’s digital (DSLR) cameras allowing One story at a time, he cap - Greeks.” little thought and Rou Estate. him to avoid the distracting tures life’s magic, (2dg) style.

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TNH Staff Writers

When sisters Stella and Moscha Chanioti launched their wedding planning company Stella and Moscha, which spe - cializes in Greek island wed - dings, it was a return to their roots. They were following, after all, in the footsteps of their mother Evangelia Mendrinou, founder of Weddings in San - torini, one of the first wedding planning and design companies in Greece. Their grandfather Palamas Mendrinos was one of the island’s first hoteliers and the family remains in the hotel business, owning the historic Theoxania hotel and Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites. Yet returning to Greece and to the wedding biz for the sisters took some years. Stella’s back - ground was in business event or - ganizing (with IQPC in London) and then, more recently in a management position with Chios mastic gum distributors Mastiha Shop. Younger sister Moscha also took the business route in her studies in the UK, WeDDinG DeSiGn: STellaanDmOSCHa.COm, PHOTOGRaPHy by: GeORGe lizaRDOS but worked in advertising. Yet both sisters felt something miss - ing…Santorini. They followed their heart when they launched their company in 2007, entering the family business and helping others realize their dream wed - dings. The boutique wedding plan - ners specialize, as the sisters note in an email communication with TNH, in “the Greek Island wedding of your dreams,” one that is perfect when it comes to décor, choreography and hospi - tality while expressing a couple’s unique character, style and des - tination. The inimitable Greek islands are an easy sell for couples around the world. About 90% of Stella & Moscha’s clients are from abroad, from countries like the US, Japan, Germany, Qatar, and Australia. The planners add: “Around 30% are second/third generation Greeks who wish to Yet Stella & Moscha also spe - age myriad other tasks.” Brides opt for silk or paper flow - our pricing, couples trust us with a major job perk: “There is noth - honor their inheritance and cel - cialize in marriage events with The difference with the com - ers in lieu of real ones and often their weddings and we are proud ing better and more rewarding ebrate this very important day in 5-star hotel service on other petition, pledge the sisters, after go local when it comes to select - to say that we have friends of than receiving an email from our their lives in Greece.” Greek islands too. There is cer - two decades in the family busi - ing menu ingredients. past couples being referred to us brides when they get back home AN ISLAND FOR EVERYONE tainly an island for every style of ness, is in a personal approach. While the global and Greek over and over again.” saying how much they miss our As for their island of San - wedding. They point to Paros, They write: “You’ll find warmth, crisis has affected the Greek The buzz has been helped emails. They consider us part of torini, the sisters point to “mag - Mykonos or Rhodes for a “cos - passion and pride in all we do, tourism sectors and clients from along with references to their their family and invite us into ical sunsets, azure waters and mopolitan fete,” Sifnos, Folegan - down to the smallest of details. abroad alike, word-of-mouth is work in the Style Me Pretty and their homes; this is what keeps spectacular views.” Wedding dros and Ios for those seeking We treasure every surprise en - spreading fast on the sister’s Merci New York internet blogs. us going!” venues there include white - tradition, Koufonisia, Amorgos trance, blue-domed church “I weddings. They write: “Through Apart from this PR reward for washed churches overlooking and Chalki for off-the-beaten do,” Caldera side reception, fa - careful consideration of our years of hard work, feedback Stella & Moscha’s website: the Caldera, beaches and luxury track events and The Venetian ther of the bride speech and get - product offering in relation to from brides around the world is www.stellaandmoscha.com hotels alike. They note that Castle in Naxos for the Romeo away under the stars.” They take there are many sides of the is - and Juliet-style romantic. the historic significance of each land. “There are ‘many’ San - Regardless of location, as the special day seriously. Their torini Weddings: a couple can sisters explain, a planner’s job is mother remains very much a part either celebrate on a white - the same: “Ultimately, a wedding of the business. washed chapel literally hanging planner’s role is to ensure a cou - GREEK STYLE IS “IN” of the cliff with a spectacular ple’s wedding day is as imagined In recent weddings, they’ve view of the Caldera. For beach while minimizing stress through - noted “a huge trend for ‘All lovers, why not organize a out the process.” They make a things Grecian,’” whether in unique beach wedding on a point of introducing ideas the bridal gown fashions, jewelry or black sandy beach with a recep - couple may not have initially venue décor. The wedding plan - tion dinner to follow full of considered and helping them ners note: “Couples love the idea lanterns and candles creating a each step of the way, whether in of introducing these into their truly memorable event? And selecting bridal gowns, brides - wedding concept; they love the how about a Castle wedding? maid dresses or finding venues simplicity and elegance of a Gre - Get married in one of the eldest and vendors. The sisters add: cian look. Grecian dresses and churches on the island within “We are also responsible for the shoes as well as jewelry have the Venetian castle of Pyrgos not-so-fun aspects, such as man - dominated big fashion houses and continue the celebration in aging the budget, planning the such as Versace, Dolce & Cabana a nearby Relais & Chateaux ho - timelines and wrangling with and Diane Von Furstenberg.” tel; guests will walk through the vendors. On the wedding day, Today’s couples are increas - castle alleyways to get to the re - we make sure that we keeps ingly ecologically-conscious too. ception venue lit with torches everyone (wedding party, guests, They skip printing and mailing creating a true medieval envi - and vendors) on schedule, or - invitations, preferring cus - ronment.” chestrate all the details and man - tomized e-invitations instead.

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