Subtly French, Mediterranean Infused & Impossibly Romantic Minimony in The Athenian Riviera

When the lovely and talented wedding planner Vicky Galata sent us the pictures of Filippos’s und Emily’s wedding, it was like magic. The variety of details and the sense of aesthetics and style took our breath away and spellbound we immersed ourselves in the imagery of Vasilis Kouroupis.

With much enthusiasm Vicky Galata told us the story of the cute wedding couple: “For Filippos and Emily love was something that blossomed quietly and slowly among cities, planes, studying abroad, and endless summers in Greece. That is why they choose the Athenian Riviera to tie the knot in a fairytale-like ceremony in the middle of May. When they’ve met in London 10 years ago when studying law and finance, they instantly becamefriends, a friendship built in late-night shows, weekends in the countryside with their whole uni squad, and countless papers and midterms. When the university was over, an oceandivided them for good, as Emily had to return in the States and Filippos would go on in London for a couple more years. Something was not forgotten though and when the time was right they met again, felt like a part of them stopped missing, and fell head over heelsin love. Deciding to marry was in no one’s immediate plans, but when love calls you oughtto answer.

Since Filippos’s family is from Greece, they decided to say “Yes” in the Athenian Riviera and its unique landscape, which they’ve both visited before and had fond memories of. They chose Hatzi Mansion, an estate half an hour in the outskirts of Athens that had the history to back up its grandeur and the aesthetics they both desired for their Mediterranean yet luxurious wedding day. They knew their wedding guest list was not going to be as large as they had originally planned, but a quiet and personal ceremony with just a couple of family members and a few best friends would be all they’d need tocelebrate finding true love.

However, an intimate quest list did not mean that Emily would compromise her bridal style. Our bride’s impeccable taste and search for a finer, more luxurious approach led her to Vicky Galata Weddings. We are curating all the experiences inspired by the classic and timeless grandeur and sophistication, with a touch of French finesse and an eye for aromantic overflowing styling. For Emily, that worked like a charm. “I was in awe when I stepped into the ceremony location for the first time,” she told us after the wedding. “Imean, I know we had mood boards, schedules, and floor plans throughout the planning process, but oh my God, I could never have pictured it as magical as it was!”.

Emily chose a silk tulle gown by Maria Konidi with applique flowers for the wedding, a nod to spring in the Mediterranean that’s overflowing with wildflowers, and a pair ofembellished kitten heel mules a la Marie Antoinette, a vibe that was flowing through all the elements of the wedding styling. A delicate headpiece and barely-there makeup were the finishing touches. Her flowers? Just picked spring flowers with fragrant sweet peas, Emily’s favorite flowers, and perfumeof choice! Filippos chose a classic tuxedo worthy of James Bond, a sharp watch, and his favorite; a vintage MGB ‘67 to drive his girl away at the end of the night and the start oftheir life together!

The ceremony was built in a way to compliment the breathtaking view from the Mansion’sgarden and add it to the styling, so the guests can enjoy the beautiful landscape while thecouple said their vows. A fairytale-like floral arch by the amazing Fillo Flower Studio made the setting overflowing with romance. Of course, a string duet with a violin and a cello gavethe atmosphere the imperial touch Emily and Filippos wished for their wedding day. A trulyspecial moment, Emily walking down the aisle in Pachelbel and Filippos tearing up seeingher.

What we love in minimonies is the flexibility we enjoy in creating unique guest experiences. Hatzi Mansion is perfect for creating culturally inviting experiences, like Apero time with greek products and delicacies baked in the wood fired oven and coffee made thetraditional way. Moreover, we created a dessert table à la française; flower decorated croquembouche, red velvet wedding cake, macarons, and Choux au Craquelin filled withchampagne cream! What made the dessert table stand out was a “Let them eat cake” neon sign. To wash down the Chantilly sweetness? Champagne of course! We loved watching the couple fill the champagne tower for the guests, it gave the night another wow moment no one will forget.

The wedding dinner took our breaths away. Between an almost heart- shaped chandelier installation dressed in flowers, we created a table setting for the couple’s nearest and dearest. The table was set with crisp and fragrant flower centerpieces, silver cutlery, andflatware, as well as crystal glasses illuminated by the afternoon light. We loved the subtlelevel-play with the menus and the name cards inspired by French calligraphy! It was really important for us to give the guests a beautiful space to enjoy dinner and conversation, after months and months of lockdowns.

In retrospect, Emily and Filippos’s charming wedding day was the romantic bride’s dream! From an invitation suite and stationery fit for a king and queen by Manousenia Design and a fairytale-like ceremony, to amazing guest experiences and impeccable stylingthroughout. For us, it was all about showing to the couples that having a destination minimony does not mean that you will lose from the overall style and atmosphere. An intimate wedding simply means fewer guests, not a lesser experience. Once more, it comes down to the people behind each wedding detail we created. We could not provide such a stellar wedding day to our couples if it wasn’t for the talented vendors making upour team! From the talented photographer Vasilis Kouroupis and amazing videographer Vasilis Kantarakis, to the breathtaking flower installations by Fillo Flower Studio and all the people that worked tirelessly to provide such a beautiful result, we hope you love theglimpse into Emily and Filippos’s wedding day as much as we do!”

Photographer:  Vasilis Kouroupis
Design and Planning Vicky Galata Weddings & Events
Cinematographer: Vasilis Kantarakis
Flowers: Fillo Flower Studio
Venue:  Hatzi Mansion
Pâtisserie  Poulette Pastry
Stationery: Manousenia Design
Wedding Gown:  Maria Konidi
Art de la table rentals: White Lilac
Furniture Rentals:  Zazoo
Groom’s attire: Sur Mesure
Bridal Shoes:  Vita Grace
Bridal Accessories:  Astrea Bridal Accessories
Hair & Make up artist: Frantzeska Koukoula
Lighting – custom made construction: DJ Athens Nikos Zampetas
Dj: Michael Kalf 
Sign Letters: The Letter Co
Olive Oil:  Ladolea
Vintage Car: Think Classic
Live Music:  Duo Di Donne
Copywriter: Hermione
Ceramic Styling Goods: Νarcissus fine art
Fine art props:  Marygro