Jan
21
Let me start by saying the Greeks know how to celebrate! They seriously have a rollicking good time at their parties- there’s dancing and dancing and more dancing and lots of hugging and smiling and laughing. Viki and Niko’s wedding certainly had all of the above, plus a substantial dose of very chic style.
After leaving the church amidst rice and confetti and diving for cover in the limo, the champagne was opened as the bridal party left for their portraits.
The crew stopped off at Faneuil Hall to enjoy the beautiful architecture and the fabulous winter decorations.
I adore Viki’s style- she looked like she stepped out of a painting of a greek goddess, with some very modern touches. Her Vera Wang dress was bejeweled at the neckline and had layers of light tulle. The back was accented with several little bows. She completed her look with stunning pieces of crystal jewelry, a very chic veil and a furry wintery wrap.
As it was just after Christmas, holiday lights draped the trees, there were wreaths decorating the buildings, and they even had a beautiful Christmas tree in the Quincy Market courtyard.
I think this image totally captures the spirit of the day. I love how the world continues to move and hussle and bustle, but Viki and Niko are in their own world and time has stopped for them.
Showing off the beauty of Boston’s light display. Simply magical.
After the portraits, we walked around the corner to 60 State Street- where Longwood Events‘ State Room is on the 38th floor. This, of course, translates into spectacular views. Above the city, Viki and Niko made their entrance into their first dance. The guests honored the romance of the moment and gave them some time to enjoy it.
Then everyone gathered around them and began showering Viki and Niko with money. So very fun.
Soon after, the Best Man took the floor to give his toast.
He brought down the house with laughs.
Then Viki’s sister and her koumbara both gave their toasts. They brought down the house with tears of joy and love.
Viki and her twin sister after the toast.
Viki took the dance floor again; this time with her father. I am totally enamored by his smile.
The Greek dancing got underway. Everyone was in such a good mood.
At one point, a spontaneous performance occurred. Niko took the stage and put on a dance for Viki. Viki soon took her turn.Then others followed to dance in honor of the bride and groom.
Remember that view of Boston I mentioned? The windows in the State Room are amazing, but with everything going on, it is easy for a bride and groom not to experience their surroundings. However, Viki and Niko paused for a moment to take it all in and to enjoy being with each other.
Many thanks to all of the people who helped make Viki and Niko’s wedding day so very special:
Father Cleopas and Mrs. Pangiota at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Stuart Horwitz and Joslin Carroll and their team at the State Room
For the bridal party’s look:
Hair: Ana Meleger of Jesamondo Salon and Spa
Make-up: Dani Wagener
Wedding gown designer: Patricia at Vera Wang
Flower girl dresses: Shanna at Fairy Wonderful
Groom’s attire: Armani
Ringbearer’s tuxedos: Classic Tuxedo on Newbury Street
For tantalizing all of the senses:
Floral Design: Lee Hopwood from Merriweathers
Lighting Design: The State Room
Ceremony Musicians: organist Dimitri Yiannacopoulos
DJ: Kosta Blathras
Caterer and wedding cake: The State Room
Invitations: Heath from MasterLabPhoto.com
Additional printed materials: Tara Vaccaro Gudmundsen
Limo: Rene Doherty from Black Tie Limousine
And many thanks to Generations Cinematories for helping us document the day. Naomi, Jack, Lauren and Jean- it was great working by your sides.
And of course, much gratitude to Viki and Niko for choosing us to photograph your day. We had an amazing time. It has been such fun getting to know you and celebrate with you.
If you would like to see more from this festive and fashionable evening, check out their sneak peek and their slideshow.
Jan
10
Just after Christmas and just before New Year’s we had the good fortune to photograph Viki and Niko’s wedding at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the State Room. Viki and Niko are such an absolutely delightful couple- they both have the warmest smiles. You can’t help but want to be around them.
When Naomi from Generations Cinemastories and I arrived at Viki’s home to document her getting ready, I could not believe how calm she was. All of her family was there to celebrate and help and there were adorable children running about. Viki just smiled at all of it and continued doing whatever she needed in order to get ready.
While she finished with her prep, I captured a few details of her dress. She selected a gown by Vera Wang, and it might be the most unique dress I have ever seen- jewels on top and tulle for the skirt- light, airy and extraordinarily sophisticated. Best of all, it was perfect on Viki.
Viki is one half of a set of twins and her sister was there throughout. I love this photo of the two of them. Viki had just put on her dress and Eva was watching on- both with gorgeous happy smiles.
At their home, there were several Greek rituals and traditions that took place. Viki’s dad helped her with her dress. She wrote the names of the single ladies on her shoe; apparently the first one to rub off is the next to get married- no need to toss the bouquet. And her koumbara (aka religious sponsor) helped put on her shoes and insisted on sending her off with a little good luck cash. Once all these were complete and we took a few portraits, we were off to the church.
While I was in Boston, Dave headed down to Niko’s family’s home to capture a few of the groom’s traditions and a few of Niko getting ready. When I saw this one from Dave’s set, I couldn’t help but smile. This may be the first time I have seen the groom get his hair done for the wedding.
We met up at the church- and what a church it was. But I share this image just to give you a sense of the day. We had been dodging awful weather and expected that it might snow or rain. Somehow the fates stepped in and shed a little sunshine on Viki and Niko’s wedding day. We even enjoyed blue skies….
And light streamed in through the stain glass windows.
While we are looking at the flower girls, you have to hear about their tutu dresses. The girls’ gowns matched Viki’s perfectly. She found them at a children’s boutique; they looked like little fairy princesses. So precious!
The ceremony began shortly after I arrived.
It included traditional Greek Orthodox customs- the crowns, the candles, the drinking of wine. And of course, it was set in this absolutely stunning space. Did I mention I love this church? So colorful and artful, pretty much every direction you look.
After the ceremony, a few portraits. One of the happy couple.
And then off they went with rice and confetti tossed at them as they made their way to the limo. Honestly, even after well over 100 weddings, I had never seen actual rice thrown before. Very fun!
There are lots more to come- portraits at night around Faneuil Hall and one rockin’ good time at the State Room reception, complete with awesome Greek dancing. So definitely check back.
