Vasili & Babette’s simply stunning Greek wedding in South Africa

The love story

Vasili and Babette met on a blind date. It all started when Vasilis’ business partner and his wife met Babette’s family over the Christmas holidays of 2013 and mentioned to Vasili that he should contact Babette. Vasili did not do anything about it for a few months, but then his business partner mentioned it again. This time, Vasili asked for Babette’s details and gave her a call. After speaking on the phone a couple of times, they decided to meet in person. Babette arrived early and managed to get the last table at the restaurant. She was so nervous, she spilt her beer over the menu and table. Luckily, they had a lot in common and had no trouble chatting the night away – in fact, they were the last to leave the restaurant! The rest is history. They dated for about a year and a half and then on a weekend away celebrating Vasili’s birthday he proposed! Babette had not expected it at all – so it was the best surprise!

The venue

The ceremony and reception was held at The Farm Inn in Pretoria, South Africa. The hotel, owned by Babette’s uncle Pedro Michaletos, has a chapel and a reception venue.

The theme

The overall look and feel was clean, simple and natural.

The dress

Babette wore her mother’s wedding dress, which had been made by a Polish seamstress about 32 years ago. Rossi Maksimova made alterations including lengthening the hem and changing the sleeves.

The women

 The bridesmaid dresses were by Rossi Maksimova.

The men

Vasili’s suit was by Carducci. The groomsmen all wore dark suits made by various tailors.

The cake

By Cristina Abela of ‘La Tazzina’ in Bedfordview.

The flowers

By Candace Evans of ‘Dew Drop Designs’.

The invitations

Babette designed the wedding invitations and had them printed by professional printers.

The bomboniere

Vasili’s sister, Gia Hayston, made beautiful beaded bracelets with the evil eye bead in the middle. These were tied to tiny hessian bags which contained five candied almonds.

The music

The live music was performed by the trio: Jon Delinger 

Babette’s parents and sisters also performed at the wedding as the band Hot Club d’Afrique – a gypsy jazz band in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli. They perform at many weddings and corporate functions. Babette joined them on the guitar for two songs. The rest of the music was a playlist of all the couple’s favourite songs.

The photography

Sarah Webb from Sarah Webb Photography

The honeymoon

As a lot of family had travelled from afar to attend the wedding, Vasili and Babette had a local honeymoon, visiting the Kruger Park, the Drakensberg, the Midlands and Clarens in the Free State.