Real Wedding | Kali and Nick – Orthodox Love, Lavish Gardens & City Chic

Happy Fri-Style Friday.

There’s no better way to bring a productive week to a close than by showcasing an event that embodies high-end style, DIY designs and cost cutting techniques for the ultimate wedding.  Get ready for Lacroix, Louboutin and all things Lavish…all you have to do is drool with envy, and take some of the planning tips to heart.

Vendor J’Adore inductee – Carlos Andres Varela of Cava Weddings was super generous in bestowing upon me, the power of free roaming access through the album of Kali and Nicholas’ New York extravaganza.  Sounds like a biblical hand down, I know, but I felt pretty honored.  It was a bittersweet gold mine of options for a kid in a confectionery theme park.  And it began with a welcome ticket…

Setting: New York City

Heroine & Hero: Greek Born, NY Bred Bride – Kali and her London Beau – Nicholas

Scene #1: A GODDESS PREPARES…

(Above: Bride gown by Christian LaCroix; Head piece from Kleinfeld Bridal; Shoes by Christian Louboutin; Flowers by George Vellios of Dyker Heights Florist)

The stage is set for the perfect realization of a strong sense of style and vision.  Kali wanted a “Marie Antoinette Garden Party” and executed it perfectly with a subtle infusion of design elements, bold fashion choices and reception details that evoke good ole Marie.  A modern interpretation with the same Marie A. spirit of robust florals, trend setting gowns and transformative beauty.  It’s also a huge score, when you have a photographer like Carlos behind the lens, crafting your visual story.

Scene #2: ORTHODOX IN THE CITY

(Above: Ceremony at The Greek Orthodox Church of Annunciation)

Wedding Tradition Idea – Greek

In Orthodox Greek wedding ceremonies, a common practice among many others is the “Crowning”.  Thin crowns  called The Stefana, are attached by a ribbon and blessed by the priest.  After blessings, they are placed on the bride and groom’s head to symbolize the glory and honor bestowed upon them by God.  The ribbon joining the crowns symbolize the couple’s unity.  Kali and Nicholas incorporated this lovely tradition into their ceremony.

For more ideas on Greek wedding traditions, visit here or here.

Scene #3: CLASSIC CARS & CHARMING RIDES

I can’t believe I lived in New York for four years (in Grad School at Columbia University), and didn’t know about the options available of renting charming Pedicabs in the city.  It’s just a great reminder of how amorphous and dynamic the big apple is.  You learn something new everyday, whether you live there or not.

Kali and Nicholas rented little cabs for their 200 guests to whisk them 20 blocks away from the church to the boathouse in central park.  With the weather being warm, this would a memorable and unique way for your guests to avoid the usual stall and confusion of post-ceremony transportation.  They distinguished their entourage by labeling each pedicab with personalized wedding banners.

(Above:  Wedding vehicle from Creative Film Cars; Pedicabs from Revolution Rickshaws)

For all you car buffs out there, that classy ride in the photo is a 1936 Ford Phaeton. A suitable alternative to Kali’s initial desire to have a porsche speedster as their getaway whip.  Not a bad way to cruise through the streets of New York city.

Scene #4: MAGICAL BOATHOUSE GARDEN

I couldn’t believe it when Kali told me that they didn’t hire an event planner.  Not because it’s not possible to have a beautiful wedding without one, but the level of detail and creativity at the reception had me speechless.  “Details are very important and I added a personal touch to every aspect the day.” Says Kali, “It is possible to keep it under budget if you let the creative side of you come out and do things by yourself at home.”

Which brings me to an important point:   You can pull off an editorial worthy wedding without the editorial costs.   Pick the things you will splurge on, like your dress, shoes or venue…and then be frugal and inventive about the others.  The beautiful bird cage centerpieces, seating cards and stationery were all done by the bride with the help of family.

(Above: All Images by © Carlos Andres Varela; Reception at The Loeb Boathouse in Central Park; Cake by Sugar Coated; Stationery by Arthur’s Invitations)

The couple opted out of doing another well known tradition in Greek weddings of breaking glass.  Obviously, that would’ve proved problematic in a rented space.  So as a compromise the festive couple along with their guest had a fun night of showering the dance floor with money, which all went to the musicians at the end of the night.

“I would definitely recommend not losing yourself, and getting so tangled up in the planning that you forget to have fun…You need to enjoy every minute of it and not forget what and who the night is about. You and your husband.”

- Kali, the Bride-

I can’t thank Carlos enough for all these truly gorgeous pictures.  And to K & N, here’s to more inspiring stories and memories from your new life as husband and wife.  Congrats.

Spicyhugs,

Fri