“I smiled and danced until it hurt. It was perfect in every way”
- Emilia Bechrakis-Serhant
It was love at first sight when Greek attorney Emilia Bechrakis met American real estate agent Ryan Serhant.
Their stunning wedding in Corfu, which took place on July 7, last year was televised as part of Million Dollar Listing: New York, the hit TV show, which stars Ryan and three other real estate agents, and also featured Emilia in the lead up to planning, as well as the actual wedding day.
Viewers were glued to their screen as they watched the gorgeous couple juggle a destination wedding with their busy work schedules. Knowing how important her Greek heritage, culture and religion is to Emilia, viewers also got to see Ryan converting to Greek Orthodox, much to the elation of her family, as well as spend the days before his wedding house hunting in Corfu, so they can have a house in Greece- a country they both adore.
Their unconditional love has been evident from the start, and no expense was spared in making their special day a true Greek fairytale with the romantic sunset of Corfu acting as the backdrop.
The sounds of a 12 person choir chanting Byzantine hymns filled the air during a ceremony held at a Byzantine church (where royal families used to wed), wild roses were imported from Holland, there was an amazing seven course meal, fireworks and an after party that went well into the early hours, making this beautiful day nothing less than spectacular.
GCT recently had a chat to Emilia about the details of her lavish day.
The love story
I met Ryan at a Hannukah party on the upper east side of New York, which was being hosted in a listing of a Greek Jewish developer. I knew the developer and Ryan came to meet him. I saw Ryan and almost fell off my chair. It was love at first sight.
The proposal
Ryan shut down a central part of Times Square and had an orchestra play my favourite song, 'Little Talks' by Monsters and Men. He lit up the NASDAQ light with "Sagapw puffer munchkin" (his funny nickname for me) and got down on one knee and cried as he told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.
The destination
Corfu, Greece.
The church
Pantokrator on Pontikonisi, it’s an 11th century Byzantine Church - we still donate every year to restore and upkeep the church.
The reception
Villa Sylva , the historic villa overlooking Pontikonisi. This venue was also featured in the James Bond film 'For Your Eyes Only'.
The theme
Romantic, whimsical and Greek!
The bride
I wore a Romona Keveza couture gown with a crystal encrusted belt, pear shaped custom diamond earrings and three diamond bracelets, Jimmy Choo silver sandals.
The groom
Ryan wore a Custom VK Negrani navy tuxedo with custom shoes by same designer.
The bridal party
My mom and koumbara both wore custom Romona Keveza (who also made similar designs for Angeilna Jolie and Lady Gaga).
Photography/videography
Dimitrios Kambouris, Bravo TV.
The flowers
Lorraine Young was our local planner and handled all these from local shops.
The wedding cake
Cake Boutique.
The wedding planner
Kevin Lee (Kevin Lee Productions). Lorraine Young (Corfu Wedding Planner).
The food
Venetian Well - BY FAR THE MOST AMAZING food ever!
The first dance
Photograph by Ed Sheeran - Ryan chose it the day before the wedding.
The entertainment
DJ Spartakos, Live band - you can find out more from Lorraine Young.
The honeymoon
New Zealand and Bora Bora. We flew to remote areas by helicopter and had an adventure and then beach vacation.
*Images by Dimitrios Kambouris, Bravo TV