After months of meticulous planning, Anthony and Bianca’s summer wedding unfolded with breathtaking views of Athens, Greece, heartfelt moments, and timeless details, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
Location: Athens, Greece
Style: Glamorous, timeless, opulent
Time of planning: 10 months
Number of guests: 165
Setting: Mansion
Season: Summer
Anthony and Bianca’s love story began over a decade ago through mutual friends. Their relationship blossomed over nearly seven years before Anthony proposed at a beautiful beachside venue in Chicago, the Shore Club. The proposal was a grand surprise under a breathtaking canopy on the beach at sunset, followed by a celebration with Bianca’s closest friends and family.
Location & Planning
The wedding took place at the stunning Hatzi Mansion just outside of Athens. Anthony, originally from Greece, he and Bianca wanted to incorporate Greek culture into their wedding day. Their inspiration leaned heavily into Old World vibes, using ornate charger plates, gold accents, olive greens, and wax seals. They chose a color palette of gold, white, and green to enhance the already gorgeous surroundings of the venue.
Lisa from Elegante Weddings and Events played a key role in bringing Anthony and Bianca’s vision to life. Her expertise and dedication were evident in every aspect of the wedding, from the seamless coordination to the stunning decor and thoughtful touches.
Bridal Morning
Bianca’s wedding look was nothing short of stunning. She wore a sleek intricate dress by Martina Liana from Bella Bianca Bridal in Chicago. The dress featured a textural, floral overskirt with a nude undertone to match Anthony’s suit. “She went with more of a nude undertone in the dress to match the groom’s suit,” noted the planner.
She accessorized with custom diamond jewelry collected during their travels in Greece. Bianca wore two different pairs of shoes: Christian Louboutins from the Greek Islands collection and nude embellished Gucci shoes. Her perfume, Burberry Goddess, complemented the Greek goddess theme she envisioned.
“For the look, I wanted a sleek style for the ceremony to draw more attention to my train. After the train came off, I switched to bouncy luxurious curls.”
Groom's Fashion
Anthony wore a light-colored, nude suit from Suit Supply, paired with Ferragamo shoes. He sported two watches: a black Audemars Piguet and a silver Rolex. A personal touch was the gold olive branch cufflinks gifted by Bianca, matching his boutonniere.
“He wanted a look that fit the venue and the style of the wedding with a light-colored, nude suit.”
Ceremony
The couple wanted to incorporate both cultures, Greek and English, so they had two ceremonies: a traditional one within a Greek Orthodox church complemented with a Greek serenade.
"Then the guests were asked to meet at the mansion with a beautiful ceremony on the grounds.”
With a violinist performing John Legend’s “All of Me”, Bianca walked down the dramatic staircase at the front of the mansion. “They were framed in with an incredible, statement white and green floral piece,” the planner added.
Moment Alone
After the ceremony, Anthony and Bianca shared a quiet moment alone, surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of the cliffs. The soft, golden light of the setting sun perfectly highlighted their love and joy, expertly captured by Rossini Photography, creating timeless and romantic memories against the stunning backdrop.
Reception
Decor & Setting
The bride and groom walk guests through the mansion to reveal the breathtaking reception scenery. Guests were greeted by a large chandelier over the pool, adorned with stunning white wisteria. The chandelier reflected the sunset throughout the evening, becoming a centerpiece of the reception.
"They wanted it to feel timeless and enhance the incredible view of the historic mansion on the cliffs along the water just outside of Athens."
The decor included gold, white, and green elements, with ornate charger plates and olive oil bottle place cards. The floral arrangements by Jim LaBraco featured lush white flowers and greenery, enhancing the venue’s natural beauty. The stationery by Atelier Invitations matched the elegant theme, with wax seals adding a timeless touch. Olive oil bottles with calligraphy served as place cards at each setting, further leaning into the groves that surrounded the property.
Dinner & Evening
The couple’s first dance stood out as one of the most memorable parts of the day. A saxophone player performing “Song Was Cinema” by Gary Go, transitioning into their first dance to “I’m Good” by David Guetta.
“Our first dance will always be one of the most memorable parts of the day. It was beyond perfect.”
“The huge chandelier was such a staple piece that reflected the sunset off of it throughout the evening."
The cake-cutting and champagne tower were highlights, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Traditional Greek dancing and a hookah bar provided guests with unique experiences, making the night unforgettable.
Advice from the couple:
• Every detail really counts. I can perfectly picture every piece of plateware we chose, every centerpiece, every arrangement, and in the end, when it all comes together, the little details that you thought wouldn’t matter are burned into your memory, and it brings back such enjoyment.
PLANNER Elegante Weddings and Events | VENUE Hatzi Mansion | PHOTOGRAPHER Rossini Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Vangelis Petalias | FLORALS Jim LaBraco | MUAH Theoni Stavokefalou, Studio Konstantinos | DRESS Martina Liana | BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Bella Bianca Bridal | GROOM’S ATTIRE Suit Supply | STATIONER Atelier Invitations | RENTALS White Lilac Rentals, Zazoo Event Rentals | ENTERTAINMENT Charles Protege, Tom Giannakopoulos, Violin Events Music
