It’s official. I need to get over to Venice, stat! I seriously can’t imagine a more romantic place for a secret wedding than the City of Water. Everything about this wedding is pure glamour and gorgeousness from the bride’s dress, gold YSL heels, and fluffy fur to the amazingly ancient church and boat ride…I’m totally smitten with everything. XOANDREA captured everything perfectly and each image is like art. Click here for even more!
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From the bride… Finding the one person who makes you smile and feel like a princess is every woman’s dream and I am no exception! Nikos and I had visited Venice two years ago for the Relais Chateaux convention. We only stayed there for 3 days and had limited time to visit everything Venice had to offer, but were totally blown away by its grandeur and both promised to come back for more. We were truly captivated by its beauty — mini pathways, little bridges that led you from one island to the next, cute trattorias filled with amazing pizza, fresh pasta and mouth-watering tiramisu, and of course, the extraordinary view from our suite to the canal grande!
We both knew that a big wedding was not our kind of style. Being a wedding planner gave me a good idea of what I really wanted as a bride. In my opinion, a wedding has to be all about the couple wishes, hopes, dreams and character. So we decided that a secret wedding would make us both happy! When Nikos informed me that Venice hosts one of the oldest most beautiful Greek orthodox churches (the oldest and historically the most important church of the Orthodox Diaspora), tears of joy made their way! My decoration was inspired by Preston Bailey. His creations are all about going over-the-top, and he loves using orchids. So we decided to use orchids both for the church decorations and at the reception in shades of green and blue. My favorite piece is the decorated tree at the reception table with blue and green orchids, mini tea light candles and crystal pebbles. It was like a fairytale. As Nikos’ last name is Pagonis (in Greek, “peacock”) Astrid Mueller used the colors of the peacock in our wedding programs and announcement cards, plexiglass stirs, table card and cake topper. Astrid also introduced me to Marie at Emici Bridal, who created the most beautiful wedding bouquet out of silk flowers and green and blue brooches!
If I could give any advice? Find a planner who is a good listener and evokes trust, and don’t let anyone from the pastry chef to the wedding boutique stress you all about the “do’s and dont’s” of a wedding. Also, don’t let any last-minute mishaps (and believe me there will be some) make you lose your temper — try to enjoy every minute of your wedding and its preparations!
Wedding Photography + Videography: XOANDREA / Wedding Planning: Andrea Naar Alba + Stella and Moscha (The Bride’s Company) / Wedding Flowers: Munaretto / Wedding Bouquet: Emici Bridal / Ceremony: San Giorgio dei Greci Church in Venice, Italy / Hotel + Reception: Ca Sagredo in Venice, Italy / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier “Amaranth” / Bride’s Bronze Pumps: Yves Saint Laurent / Bride’s Chandelier Earrings: Atlantis Jewels (atlantis@san.forthnet.gr) / Wedding Cake: Ramperti Roberto / Wedding Stationery + Plexiglass Details: Astrid Mueller / Hair + Makeup: Ina Ella Maurer, Maid of Honor / Wedding Bands: Tiffany / Engagement Ring: Nick the Greek in Santorini, Greece (nickthegreek@otenet.gr)
