Maria and Etienne Moshevich’s wedding was a stunning celebration of elegance, love, and cultural heritage. Set in the picturesque coastal town of Vouliagmeni, Greece, the couple’s vision came to life with breathtaking details, heartfelt moments, and a celebration spanning multiple days. Capturing every unforgettable moment were Vesi & Yiannis Simopoulos, whose photography beautifully showcased the timeless elegance of the couple on their special day.
Location: Athens, Greece
Style: Elegant, classy, formal
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 200
Setting: Estate
Season: Summer
Maria and Etienne’s love story began on a stormy Halloween night in Vancouver. Both were out with friends at Pierre’s Lounge, unaware that their lives were about to change forever. Etienne noticed Maria from across the room, drawn to her radiant smile and warm presence. Summoning his courage, he approached her and asked, “Are you Greek?” That simple question sparked a connection that grew into a deep and lasting love. Maria said “yes” again later when Etienne asked his Greek goddess to marry him. Maria recalled, “What started as a dreary night turned into an incredible love story.”
Location & Planning
Maria and Etienne’s wedding took place in Vouliagmeni, Athens, at the stunning Island Art and Taste, a private estate overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea. The couple envisioned a celebration that was elegant, timeless, and filled with love, while also being fun and unforgettable for their guests.
Planning such a special day took a year and a half, with the talented team at Happy Events bringing their vision to life. Inspired by Maria’s cherished childhood memories of summers in Greece, the wedding incorporated meaningful details that honored the couple’s love story and their shared happiest moments. From the lush white floral arrangements by Jim Labraco to the thoughtful details throughout, every element reflected their dream of a classy and romantic celebration surrounded by family and friends.
Welcome Dinner
The welcome dinner at 40Forty was a vibrant and stylish beginning to Maria and Etienne’s wedding festivities. Set by the sea, the venue radiated Mediterranean charm with its bright, breezy decor. Red bougainvillea cascaded from wooden beams, framing the setting with bold, natural elegance. Tables were adorned with minimalist arrangements that let the beauty of the surroundings shine, creating an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Guests were greeted with Aperol spritzes and light cocktails, setting the tone for a festive evening filled with warmth and laughter.
Maria turned heads in a striking magenta gown paired with sparkling heels and a chic Dior handbag, embodying effortless elegance. Etienne, dressed in a white costume, kept with the relaxed summer vibe. The couple mingled with friends and family, sharing heartfelt toasts and laughter as the evening unfolded. Music filled the air as guests danced under the stars, soaking in the joyous energy of the night.
"I always hoped for a classy, elegant, romantic, and beautiful wedding. But, also a wedding that was so much fun for us and our guests. I feel we accomplished this."
Bridal Morning
Preparing for her special day, Maria was surrounded by her bridesmaids, creating an intimate atmosphere filled with laughter and love. Her Ines di Santo dress featured delicate lacework, intricate beading, and a structured silhouette that perfectly highlighted Maria’s timeless style. Its off-the-shoulder design added a romantic touch, while the flowing train completed the look with understated drama.
To complement her dress, Maria chose sparkling Aquazzura and Rene Caovilla heels. Her bouquet of lily-of-the-valley brought a classic elegance to her look, tied together with a simple white ribbon. Kalliopi Gouma created a glowing makeup look for Maria, enhancing her natural beauty with soft, neutral tones and a touch of radiance. Her sleek updo, crafted by Rene Fris, framed her face beautifully and held her delicate veil in place. Pearl drop earrings added the final elegant touch, completing Maria’s transformation into a stunning bride.
Groom's Fashion
Etienne looked effortlessly polished in a tailored Zegna tuxedo, paired with sleek black loafers and Tiffany cufflinks. His accessories, including a timeless Rolex watch and a subtle silver chain, added an elegant touch to his ensemble. The classic bow tie and clean-cut details reflected his refined and modern style.
"I was so excited to marry her best friend."
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the breathtaking open space, with the Aegean Sea providing a serene and picturesque backdrop. Rows of gold Chiavari chairs were framed by lush floral arrangements featuring white hydrangeas, roses, and delicate greenery that lined the aisle. At the altar, a stunning floral arch stood as the centerpiece, its cascading blooms blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Maria walked down the aisle holding her bouquet of lily-of-the-valley, a vision of elegance, while Etienne waited for her with emotion-filled eyes. The incorporation of both Greek Orthodox and Jewish traditions added depth and meaning, honoring the couple’s heritage and shared values. The sea breeze, soft floral scents, and quiet anticipation from their loved ones made the ceremony both timeless and unforgettable.
“The most memorable moment from the wedding day was seeing my husband waiting for me at the aisle and watching him tear up.”
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour was held on the beautiful terrace, where guests gathered to celebrate newlyweds. The space was elegantly styled with minimalist decor that allowed the natural beauty of the surroundings to take center stage. Signature cocktails like Mojitos and Jojo’s Gin Coolers were served, while trays of delicately crafted canapés made their way through the crowd. Guests mingled as the warm golden light of the setting sun created an inviting and relaxed atmosphere.
Live music elevated the cocktail hour, with a violin and harp duet providing a soft, melodic backdrop to the laughter and conversations. The sound of waves gently lapping against the shore added to the serene ambiance. The couple joined their guests for this lively part of the wedding, sharing smiles and toasts as they soaked in the joy of the day. It was the perfect transition from the emotional ceremony to the festivities of the reception.
Private Moment
Among the festivities, Maria and Etienne stole a moment alone. Their love story came to life not only through the details of their stunning wedding but also through the talented lens of Vesi & Yiannis Simopoulos. The photographers beautifully captured the couple’s connection and the emotional depth of their day, blending editorial artistry with candid, heartfelt moments. Each image showcased the elegance and joy that defined Maria and Etienne’s celebration, immortalizing their most cherished memories with a timeless aesthetic.
“Their love is inspiring and moving, and as lovers of minimalism and timeless elegance, we incorporated elements of fashion and editorial photography to create a more stylized and artistic result for their wedding. Simultaneously, we put a lot of attention to all the natural, unique emotions and candid moments, creating images with a deeper meaning that will last forever,” shared Vesi & Yiannis Simopoulos.
"We were more than delighted to capture our beloved couple's most joyous and intimate moments."
Reception
At the reception space, long tables were draped in white linens and decorated with lush arrangements of white hydrangeas, roses, and orchids, which were beautifully designed by Jim Labraco. Soft candlelight and twinkling fairy lights created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests welcomed Maria and Etienne into the reception by spinning white napkins in the air, a spirited and joyful moment that set the tone for the lively evening ahead. The Mediterranean-inspired dinner, catered by Dipnosofistirion, featured an array of seasonal dishes that delighted everyone, while heartfelt toasts from family and friends added emotional depth to the evening.
After dinner, the festivities truly came alive with the couple’s first dance to Elton John’s “Finish Line,” it was a heartfelt and romantic moment shared under the glowing lights. Etienne and his groomsmen surprised everyone with a choreographed dance, adding laughter and excitement to the celebration. As the evening progressed, the four-tiered cake, adorned with intricate sugar flowers, became a sweet highlight of the night. Fireworks lit up the sky as Maria and Etienne cut the cake, adding a magical touch to the celebration. The night ended with vibrant dancing, lively music, and a neon-lit bar, leaving everyone energized and full of joy. It was a spectacular finale to an unforgettable day.
"We were high on energy, love, and adrenaline. It was the most memorable day and night of our lives."
Advice from the couple:
• Enjoy every minute, it goes by so fast!
PHOTOGRAPHERS Vesi & Yiannis Simopoulos | PLANNING & DESIGN Happy Events | VENUE Island Art and Taste | WELCOME DINNER VENUE 40Forty | FLORAL Jim Labraco | MAKEUP Kalliopi Gouma | HAIR Rene Fris | CATERING Dipnosofistirion
