Sophia & Michael's Breathtaking Island Wedding

Sophia and Michael met in Athens in 2008 through mutual friends. Six years later, this beautiful couple made their way back to Greece and tied the knot on the stunning island of Kalymnos, which is where the groom’s family is from.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience with our family and friends and Kalymnos resonated with the relaxed wedding we wanted to have. Pre-wedding Michael and I planned an itinerary of events; we spent time with my family in Halkidiki, had two weeks in Athens and Mykonos with our closest friends which involved lots of dancing, partying and long days at the beach. The week prior to the wedding was all about Kalymnos, where we entertained all our guests from days in the sun, eating, drinking and dancing.”

“The night before the wedding was the most memorable, Michael DJ'd by the beach, we had a real mix of young and old guests just letting loose; crazy champagne showers and dancing on tables, finished by running into the beach at dusk and shovelling down a gyro,” says Sophia.

On the day of the wedding, Sophia’s parents walked her down the steep white painted stair case at sunset. The church and ceremony took place outside and the church is situated cliffside, giving a remarkable picturesque backdrop.

The outdoor reception venue by the water had an amazing view of neighbouring island Telendos and the joyous couple along with their guests danced the night away and right into the morning, finishing up at 6.30am the next day.

Stunning bride Sophia was kind enough to share all the details of their big day with GCT.

Location: Michael’s family is from the island of Kalymnos and mine is from Thessaloniki and Athens. We are really proud of our Greek heritage and it was important for us both to have a simple, relaxed and ultimately fun wedding.

Theme: Modern and super simple with classic touches; letterpress invitations, all white flowers (hydrangeas), lots of olive branch details (invitation, save the date, cake, table décor), grey linen table runners and white, white, white.

Bridal party: wore dresses by Zimmermann and custom jewels by my dear friend Emmanuelle. The boys were outfitted by George Gallo, our koumbaro's line.

Church: Saint Ioannis Church (Agios Ioannis), Kalymnos.

Reception: Kallys Myrties, Kalymnos.

Food:  Traditional Greek and banquet style. Dips, calamari, octopus Vinaigrette, Kalymnian octopus meatballs, rusk salad and dolmades, and organic meats, food was amazing and a key highlight as Michael’s family contributed to specialty dishes as they are all food entrepreneurs.

Entertainment:  7- piece band; singer, violin, organs, drums, bouzouki, flute.

Brides gown & accessories: I wore a one-off Collette Dinnigan sheath style gown, in ivory which was beaded throughout. My mum sighted this for me before Collette closed, so it is special to me. All my jewels were Jennifer Behr (head piece and earrings) and I had an Oscar de la Renta veil and Jimmy Choo heels which I kept on all night.

Groom’s attire: Michael wore a suit by Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin belt and shoes.

Photographer: Adonis Kekidakis

Videographer: George Zorbas - he is truly an artist.

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