I pick up where I left off with Eleni and Johnnie’s joyous wedding. We had just finished our portrait session at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, so Eleni and Johnnie climbed into their vintage limo to head to Cambridge for their reception.

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- bride and groom in vintage limo

At the Charles Hotel, we had a little extra time for portraits. (We had originally planned to take portraits at the pedestrian bridge over the Charles River, but it was covered in scaffolding. So bummed about that, but really glad the hotel has a pretty awesome lobby.) The lighting and the art at the hotel is mysterious and rich, lending to some amazingly unique images. Here, blending reality with a dreamlike quality- kind of like a wedding day, actually.

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing-1

Meanwhile the guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour. One of my favorite things about the Charles Hotel as a venue is this courtyard.

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- cocktail hour in cambridge square under the stars

Inside the romantic scene was being set with candles,

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- candles to add romantic vibe to reception

Warm lighting and vibrant colorful floral arrangements,

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- colorful flowers- blue hydranga, yellow celosi pink orchids yellow cymbidium

And this decadent, sparkly wedding cake.

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- multi-tiered fondant wedding cake with jewels and fondant flowers

Eleni and Johnnie made their grand entrance.

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- bride and groom enter to cheers

Right into their first dance.

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- bride and grooms first dance

As is the Greek custom, their family and friends showered them with money.

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- greek family throw money on bride and groom

Ultimately they were joined on the dance floor by everyone. I especially enjoyed their nephews dancing crazily beside them.

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- ring bearers dance next to bride and groom

And the party begins….

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- bride and groom enjoy dance in mid circle at reception

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- guests crazy dancing, fun party

After the DJ got things heated up, the Greek band led the Greek dancing.

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- live greek band clarinetist plays a tune


charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- father of the bride leads the dance with bride next in line

A highlight for all… the men’s dance. Hilarious. I am not 100% sure what it is about, but the boys have to get down on their knees,

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- groom on ground with men during boys greek dance

On their backs,

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- men dancing during boys greek dancing- on the ground

and drink. Too much fun!

charles-hotel-wedding-greek-dancing- father of bride leads the toasting and passes out the ouzo

And I’ll drink to that.

Huge congrats to Eleni and Johnnie and their families. What an amazing celebration. We are so glad we could document it for you.

Additional thanks to all of the pro’s who help make it a fantastic day:

Ceremony Officiant and Venue: V. Rev. Dr. Cleopas Strongylis of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Reception venue and planner: Sarah Chatigny of the Charles Hotel

Caterer: Henrietta’s Table at the Charles Hotel

Cake: Danny Angelopolus at the Charles Hotel

Brides wedding gown: Monique Lhullier from L’elite Bridal Salon

Bridesmaids dresses: Melissa at Allegria Bridal with Jim Hjelm and Lazaro gowns

Groom and groomsmens tuxes: Russo’s Tux

Bride’s hair: Maria Iannessa from Bella Capelli

Bride’s make-up: Eddie Fee

Floral and lighting design: Donna Fucaloro of Pepperberry Flowers

DJ: Kostas Flathras of Hellenic Sound Productions

Ceremony Musicians: Lindsey McChord of Longly School of Music

Videographer: Jesse Barack of Mass Videography

Invitations and other printed materials: Lynne Johnson of The Inviting Company

If you still want more, check out their engagement session, Part 1, and their PicFlick.