A Lavish Garden Celebration Soaked in Pastel Roses at Villa Gallou in Greece
A place close to nature, with architectural charm and rich history was the recipe for a perfect venue for these two globetrotting entrepreneurs. And they got just that and more at Villa Gallou in Greece! Anjie Georgakopoulou was the planner extraordinaire behind today's epic fate, designing an ultra-romantic setting soaked in pastel roses from Studio 7. Our favorite part? The al fresco, one long table reception. Talk about a wow-worthy moment! See all the pretty at the full gallery, captured by Sotiris Tsakanikas.
From Sotiris Tsakanikas... If Gothic Neoclassicism makes you think of incredibly romantic lancet windows, grand steps, decorative patterns, and majestic arched doorways sure to mellow the effects of a sleek, modern wedding, you can only imagine how thrilled we were to design Theodora and Nikos' I do's at Villa Gallou in Patras, Greece. A couple of globetrotting entrepreneurs, farming, and land investors, Theodora and Nikos have a very close relationship to nature, that is why they wished to hold their nuptials at a place that would combine sublime natural beauty, privacy, rich history, and architectural charm.
Their initial thought was to say I do in Italy, but having to prioritize their guests' safety their plans took a U-turn. Wishing to make it every bit as magical as our bride and groom wished for, we sought out an alternative venue that would carry the same authentic qualities and Villa Gallou was just perfect. Designed in 1839 by the illustrious Ernst Ziller, also in charge of the design for the Greek Royal Court, the grounds are a unique melding of Neogothic architecture, magnificent gardens filled with perennial trees and flower beds, while the interior is laced with tapestries and metalwork across its many chambers, drawing rooms and libraries.
Drawing from Theodora's uber-romantic style as well as John Wainwright's Victorian flower pieces (you can see some of them at Tate in London) we designed a lavish garden celebration soaked in pastel-colored roses and greenery for days. Vintage Florentine tiles which also happen to decorate some of the villa's chambers were ordered to complete the welcome gifts for the guests and became a focal element of the cake and the couple's dinner decor in custom made textiles used for the napkins and table runner which spanned 40 meters across the joined tables. The long Italian style reception came complete with votive candles, while the cake station carried tile printed sweets and gothic vases overflowing with arrangements. Having enjoyed their luxurious ceremony Theodora and Nikos hopped on the plane early the next morning to complete their celebration in Rome and have their portraits taken where Nikos had initially proposed. Although we didn't get to escort our bride and groom to Italy our specially curated bridal bouquet did and became a perfect match to Theodora's Celia Critharioti gown.
