How to Have a Classic and Modern Greek Wedding

Bride and groom kissing at a beautiful church wedding

Hailing all the way from New York, Anna and Nick opted for a romantic destination wedding with a classic Greek vibe in the gorgeous town of Chania in Western Crete. White flowers and loads of greenery added ample amounts of romance throughout their ultra-romantic day.

They mixed traditional elements with a modern style that celebrated both their love and their Greek heritage. The bride wore a stunning lace bodice gown from Israeli designer Inbal Raviv while the groom sported a very cool blue suit. Catch all the highlights from their gorgeous day below and in the full gallery from Sotiris Tsakanikas.

Elegant wedding dress with bride's hand showing her ring

Bridal shoes, hair comb, and perfume on white fabric Elegant bride tying her wedding shoes on her special day

Bride and bridesmaids celebrate with champagne before wedding

Elegant white rose wedding bouquet with olive leaves Elegant white rose and olive leaf wedding boutonnieres

Group of six stylish men in fashionable suits indoors

Destination Greece

Anna & Nick's Big Day was truly grand and absolutely divine. The couple lives in New York City, USA but their roots trace back to Greece which both of them love and try to visit yearly. The choice fell on Chania, the most picturesque town of Western Crete the place where Anna's family comes from and which Nick came to adore after visiting previously.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with white chairs and welcome sign

Wedding petal cones and hand fans displayed outdoors Elegant wedding altar at a Greek whitewashed chapel

Greek island wedding ceremony outside white church building

Elegant bride and groom at their traditional Greek wedding Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride groom and guests

the ceremony

The church ceremony has proved to be very emotional and meaningful. The bride made an appearance wearing the irresistible Christian Louboutin shoes and her magnificent dress from and Israeli designer Inbal Raviv that consisted of a bodice decorated with delicate lace, intricate beading and playful tassels, and a flowy silk skirt. She joined her soon to be husband in a charming church, that was embellished with a gorgeous garland and flower centerpieces from local vendors.

Just married couple showered with petals at their wedding

Black and white photo of newlyweds kissing at their wedding

Elegant wedding portrait of a bride and groom embracing

Newlyweds walk hand in hand through golden field at sunset Romantic wedding portrait of a bride and groom embracing

their inspiration

The couple drew their inspiration entirely from the natural beauty of Greece and the traditions of our country. These motives were conveyed through green, white and gold colours and, combined with a touch of contemporary New York style, resulted in an absolutely dazzling effect. While having in mind a modern and gracious event, Anna & Nick wanted to apply some elements of a traditional Cretan wedding - traditional music, local food and, of course, the orthodox church ceremony, with which the event has started.

Elegant wedding welcome sign with decorative candy dishes

Wedding table centerpiece: white flowers, table number 3 Romantic outdoor string lights illuminate palm tree

Wedding reception table with candles and flowers by pool

Newlywed couple descends stairs, sparklers blazing Bride and groom share a first dance at their outdoor wedding

fabulous party

This was followed by a fabulous party at a private villa complex. The villa had numerous decorations and fun activities: welcome table with drinks and snacks for the guests, beautiful string lights across the entire estate, a photo booth with a Polaroid and various guest favours. The couple had a magnificent entrance to fireworks and "One Kiss" by Calvin Harris. Standing by their focus on Greek culture, the newlyweds had their party in a classic bouzouki style, with live Cretan music and a 4-course traditional meal including an entire station with sweets.

Newlyweds share a kiss at their elegant outdoor wedding