Two weeks ago today, my nephew Costa married the woman of his dreams, Jessica (who also happens to be the über-chic author of the fashion blog Westmount Fashionista). This was a wedding that took a little over a year in the planning, with no detail left overlooked and believe me, when it comes to Greeks, there are a lot of details!

• The date: Saturday, September 29th, 2012
• The venue: The Montréal Science Centre
• The church: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

My nephew Costa – the eldest of my brother’s 2 sons – has always been my “unofficial first born”, as he also happens to be the first of the new generation in our family and we all went a little nuts when he burst onto the scene; there was a lot of spoiling going on, but somehow he managed to rise above that and grow not only into the handsome young man you see here, but also one of the smartest (he’s a lawyer) and nicest people I know. He also happens to be my late father’s namesake, and they always shared the most closest bond. In honour of that relationship, my mom had a special keepsake for Costa’s wedding day: the boutonnière my father wore on his own wedding day, which my mom had split into 3 segments – one for my brother, one for Costa, and the other for Angelo, his brother and Best Man. A truly special and poignant touch!

As to the the bride’s details, I’ll leave that for Jessica to fill you in when she prepares her post on this special day. My part was limited to doing my own nails, hair and makeup, along with my mom’s manicure and makeup, and finally my sister-in-law’s makeup – and may I say that we all still looked as good at 3 am as we did at 1 pm! Not bad at all for a day full of emotions and major partying!

*I need to add here that I wound up changing my shoes 3 times that day: I began with a pair of 5 1/2″ Louboutin heels, changed into 5″ Valentino heels for the reception, and had my Sam Edelman gunmetal silver flats on by the time the meal was over – and not a moment too soon! My outfit was a Ralph Lauren Couture deep eggplant velvet halter evening gown which I dressed with a fur shrug for the church (and thank God as it wound up being a little chilly that day), and I also carried a vintage silver clutch given to me by my mother years ago. As to makeup, I test-drove many looks before finally deciding on what you see here; I will be posting a breakdown of some of items I used in a future review.
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Both Jessica and Costa decided from the very first that they were to have a traditional Greek wedding, which also included the groom walking to the church accompanied by his groomsmen, grandparents, and some close family members – good thing the church was close by! The bride and bridesmaids came by limousine, as long gowns and high heels were made for more impressive entrances!

The church, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, also holds special meaning for our family; it happens to be where Costa was baptized and where his parents got married, and the church my father – his grandfather – helped to build and devoted so much of himself to. Yet another beautiful touch falling into place …

Our family is huge – we’re Greek … enough said … and both Jessica and Costa opted to include the cousins in the wedding party; my daughter (who happens to also be Costa’s eldest first cousin) was one of the six bridesmaids – and a more stunning group of girls, I’ve yet to see. Nope…no bias here!

The venue was The Montréal Science Centre located by the port in Old Montréal, which overlooks the downtown area as well as the St. Lawrence River, and from the tastefully decorated hall, to the breathtaking flower arrangements, elegant chairs and table settings, the absolutely mouth-watering catered meal (and free-flowing alcohol – plus the traditional “moonshine” Costa’s grandfather brought … not to be discussed here!), as well as all the beautifully dressed guests in attendance, it was an evening no one will quickly forget. And the speeches; my younger nephew, Angelo, had me crying (both sad & happy tears) with his touching words. Then, there was the party … oh yes, we Greeks definitely know how to do THAT very, very well!
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I wanted to share this incredibly special moment in my family’s life with you all, and give you a glimpse as to what a traditional Greek wedding REALLY looks like – a definitively more sophisticated version of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”!

Enjoy and may this fabulous young couple be always happy, healthy and blessed! I love you both so very, very much! ♥

With the groom, my nephew Costa

With my brother and mom

Siblings: my husband & I with my brother and sister-in-law

My two handsome nephews: Costa and Angelo

A detail view of Costa’s boutonnière

At the church, awaiting the arrival of the wedding party

Costa with Angelo, his Best Man (and brother!) coming down the aisle

Finally! The bride and her parents coming down the aisle

The wedding party assembled before the altar

At the altar, joined by the “wedding crowns”

The “Dance of Isaiah” which symbolizes the couple’s first steps in Holy Matrimony

Before the priest for the final blessing (crowns still on!)

The newly wedded couple! How royal do they look, I ask you?

The newlyweds leaving the church!

Presenting: Costa & Jessica, newlyweds!

The four stunning cousins (of 6 bridesmaids) – my daughter Anna, is on the far right

Me, with the bride!

With my loves, Jessica & Costa!

Mother and daughter: gowned & ready!

With my total knock-out of a daughter, Anna

My family!

Love this one – with my amazing & HOT husband!

My gown!

The table setting – just look at those flowers! And the chairs!

Costa & Jessica’s first dance as newlyweds

The Twirl!

… and dip!

Party – Greek style! That’s me grooving on the left with my daughter on the right!

The groom doing his best Gagnam Style moves!

The Kiss

 
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