Set against the breathtaking coastal backdrop of Athens, Maria and Hussein’s early fall wedding at Island Art & Taste was a celebration of love, family, and cultural heritage. The talented videographer Dimitris Pavlidis captured every candid moment, turning their story into a film-worthy masterpiece. Combining romantic elegance with touches of Greek and Lebanese traditions, the day was filled with beauty, emotion, and unforgettable memories. From the serene ceremony to the vibrant reception, it was a perfect reflection of their love.
Location: Athens, Greece
Style: Romantic, fairytale, classic
Time of planning: 6 months
Number of guests: 120
Setting: Estate
Season: Fall
Maria and Hussein’s love story began far from their home countries in Zambia, Central Africa. A chance meeting at the gym turned into a love that grew through years of long distance, different cultures, and shared challenges. Hussein, the traditional gentleman, made his intentions clear from the start. Their journey culminated in a heartfelt proposal in 2023, symbolizing their desire to build a family and celebrate their love surrounded by their closest ones.
“We have been through thick and thin together and have chosen to embrace and celebrate the differences in our cultures and our similar values!” the bride explained.
Fashion
Maria wore a stunning gown by Zuhair Murad with a princely silhouette featuring flowing layers of silk and intricate hand-stitched details that shimmered like fairy dust. “It was part of the Fall 2023 collection, where the Zuhair Murad bride surrenders to the magic of myth, blending fantasy and elegance,” Maria shared.
She paired the dress with Jimmy Choo Saeda heels, heirloom jewelry passed down from her mother, and a delicate headpiece that perfectly matched the intricate details of her gown. Her bouquet, a simple yet timeless arrangement of roses by Fleur du Jour Athens, added a touch of classic romance to her look. Soft waves in her hair and glowing makeup by Xristina Makeup highlighted her natural beauty, letting the dress shine while framing her radiant smile.
The groom looked effortlessly timeless in a sleek Fratelli Akra black tuxedo with a subtle shimmer. He completed the look with Santoni Oxfords, a Rolex, and gold cufflinks, keeping it classic and refined. For a personal touch, he chose Gisada perfume, which perfectly complemented his style. Together, they looked like they’d stepped out of a modern fairytale.
Ceremony
The ceremony was a perfect reflection of Maria and Hussein’s love and vision for their day. They dreamed of creating a celebration that felt intimate and magical, blending their personal touches with the natural charm of the Greek coastline. “We love pastel florals, and we wanted the concept to be a fairytale picturesque scenery without taking away from the beautiful island-looking, natural sea view and green scenery that the venue offered. We worked with our wedding planner and florists, inspiring the final outcome!” shared the bride.
The Archbishop of Zambia, a close family friend who had been there since the start of their relationship, blessed the union. Maria, escorted by her father and brother, walked toward Hussein, who couldn’t hide the emotion on his face. The ceremony was filled with love, tradition, and quiet joy, perfectly framed by the stunning coastal backdrop.
Dimitris Pavlidis captured the atmosphere beautifully, blending touching moments with lively celebrations in a way that makes the emotions of the day truly come alive. His seamless storytelling through film lets you feel every laugh, every tear, and every moment of delight as if you were there.
"It was truly beautiful. We both felt fulfilled that we have finally embarked on this long awaited journey successfully."
Reception
The ceremony was serene and heartfelt, but the reception brought pure energy and joy. The couple made a grand entrance, led by a lively Lebanese Debke dance group, and set the tone for an unforgettable evening. “It was an amazing touch and all Greek and non-Lebanese guests loved it!” added the bride. Under a canopy of crystal chandeliers and twinkling fairy lights, Maria and Hussein shared their first dance. Hussein dipped his bride with effortless grace, creating a moment that felt like time had stopped.
The celebration continued as Maria and Hussein moved to the cake-cutting. The elegant, multi-tiered white cake was a stunning centerpiece decorated with delicate flowers. Golden fountains of fireworks lit up behind them, filling the space with a warm, magical glow. It was one of those picture-perfect moments that everyone will remember.
Later in the evening, Maria gathered all the single ladies onto the dance floor for the traditional bouquet toss. Laughter and excitement filled the air as she tossed her timeless bouquet of roses into the crowd. Cheers erupted as one lucky guest caught it, adding even more fun to the celebration.
The evening came to a close with a spectacular fireworks display. Boats on the water launched bursts of gold and silver into the Aegean sky, creating a breathtaking finale. The glowing fireworks reflected off the sea, leaving guests in awe of the magical ending.
Maria and Hussein’s wedding day was everything they had dreamed of. The heartfelt ceremony, the joyous reception, and the stunning grand finale created memories that will last a lifetime. It was the perfect celebration of love, family, and culture — a beautiful beginning to their new chapter together.
"Everyone was happy, we all enjoyed ourselves, and it was the greatest celebration of our lives."
Advice from the couple:
• Choose a good team you can trust, communicate, and understand all your needs, and let them take away all your stress. We were very lucky with everyone who worked with us to make our fairytale wedding day come true.
• Enjoy every moment, it goes by so fast!
VIDEOGRAPHER Dimitris Pavlidis | PHOTOGRAPHER Olga Wedding Photography | PLANNER & DESIGN MME Events | VENUE Island Art & Taste | FLORALS Fleur du Jour Athens | MUA Xristina Makeup | HAIR Maira Grypaiou | DRESS Zuhair Murad | SHOES Jimmy Choo | CATERING Dipnosofistirion Catering | SOUND & LIGHTS Loud and clear | FIREWORKS Nanos Fireworks | STATIONERY Tsaldaris Luxury Craft | RENTALS PNE Events Rentals, The Letter Co | MUSIC Armani Mikaela
