St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church Wedding = Maria and Chris

Maria and Chris were married at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, NC with their reception following at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Grand Hall. I have photographed many Greek weddings and I have to admit Maria’s stole my heart! For so many reasons… First of all Maria and Chris are the sweetest most in love couple. There were so many beautiful moments on their wedding day. The biggest moment that I will never forget was the beautiful tear jerking speech her brother made. There was not a dry eye in the entire place!

Here are a few words from Maria about her wedding day:

I’m sure everyone’s wedding is unique to them but there were several points during my wedding that I felt stood out for me.

• My brother walking me down the aisle – it meant the world to have him walk me to my future husband, besides my dad and now my husband, my brother is the most important man in my life. I remember we were both so emotional right before walking out…he means the world to me and we have gone through a lot together so it was fitting to have him give me away.
• The ceremony clergy included my first cousin, His Grace Bishop Gregory of Nyssa. I grew up looking up to him as the oldest of my cousins and he has always been an incredible role model to me. It was amazing to have him carry out some of the ceremony.
• The wedding speeches, especially my brothers speech…he did an amazing job celebrating not only the wedding day but also the influence our father had on us and the decisions we have made in our lives…including selecting the right person to spend the rest of your life with (our father passed away 10 yrs ago).
• GREEK DANCING! – probably my favorite…It started with Chris performing his favorite childhood Greek dance with 2 of his friends, then he surprised me with plate breaking, which really got the crowd excited! We danced the night away…literally…we left at 4:30 am

Here is a sneak peek from their beautiful wedding…

And some exciting news! Maria and Chris’s wedding is featured in Carolina Bride Magazine in the current issue!

Vendors:
Bridal Registry: Crate and Barrel and Macys
Cake: Cake Expressions by Lisa
Flowers: Roula Economos
Gown: Alexia’s Bridal
Gown designer: Vera Wang
Shoe designer: Badgley Mischka
Groom’s Tuxedos/Suit: Jos A Bank
Veil: Vera Wang in Boston, MA
Bridal Jewelry: Diamonds Direct
Engagement ring: Diamonds Direct
Wedding rings: Diamonds Direct
Hairstylist/Makeup: Who’s the Fairest
Invitations/Stationary: Paper Twist and Sealed Invitation and Design Studio
Band or DJ: Taso Christou (greek band)
Photography: Critsey Rowe Photography
Bridal portrait location: Duke Mansion, Charlotte, NC
Cinematography/Videography: Crown Alley
Clergy: His Grace Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, Fr. Steve Dalber, Fr. John Wallace, Fr Tommy Vlahos
Ceremony location: St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, Charlotte, NC
Caterer: Jimmy Karampourniotis
Reception location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Charlotte, NC
Rehearsal dinner location: Westin, Ember Grille restaurant, Charlotte, NC
Rentals (tents,linens,chairs,tables, etc): Party Tables, Party Reflections, Total Event Productions
Transportation: Rose Chauffeured Transportation
Wedding consultant/planner: Elizabeth Webb, Hall and Webb Event Design

See their beautiful feature on Borrowed and Blue HERE.