Thursday, 12 March 2009

Herbs are also very popular, they can replace ferns and other fillers that are usually found in flower arrangements! Do keep in mind that some herbs are not very resilient when cut, so please check with your florist as to whether the herb of your choice will make it through the day! Another idea is to include potted herbs either on the table as decor, as favours (in mini pots of course, I see a small herb in front of each guest and only candles as the centrepiece, very elegant) or larger pots that can be used as aisle liners or aisle decoration, I also love tying small bunches of herbs around the napkins at each guests place setting!

Wild flowers in Greece

A question that I get asked very, very often is if I can incorporate local grown flowers or wild flowers into the arrangements for their wedding! I thought it might be interesting to have a look at some of my favourite local flowers and discuss some ideas of how these can be utilised for your wedding day! Some of my favourite flowers found in the wild are the anenome, I have been known to screech to a halt when driving through the country side and insist on picking as many as possible! Cyclamon, hibiscus flowers, bougainvillea, I love the hues that this flower comes in, the purple, pink and white look beautiful together, even the dried flowers are pretty! Daisies can be found in the spring throughout Greek fields! Please remember that there are lots of wild flowers between January and the end of May, however during the summer and in to early autumn the flowers tend to dry up from the heat, so these are impossible to source. (All images are borrowed from flickr.com)

Monday, 16 February 2009

Vasilis Zoulias

A favourite Greek designer is Vasilis Zoulias for his timeless, elegant creations that really take the owner of these wonderous dresses/shoes/accessories back in time to when stylish hats and dressing up was a day to day activity. Vasilis does create some accessories and shoes that can be worn to your wedding, although I would drop by for some fabulous accessories or clothes for your pre and post wedding events! The shop is gorgeous, definitely add this to your to do list when you are next in Athens!

Rita Pateroni

A wedding dress designer for more than 25 years, Rita Pateroni is one of my favourite designers! Simple, ornate, whimsical and intricate, Rita caters for every taste and size, working with each client to come up with the perfect dress for her "special day". Definitely worth a visit if you are in the Kolonaki area in the lead up to your wedding. Make an appointment early to avoid dissapointment.

Anem By Anemomilou

I have decided to introduce the wedding dress collections of my favourite Greek fashion designers as I truly believe that the fashion industry has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years! I have to tell you that I am personally not a fan of the barbie/Jordan style dress, however I can appreciate that people want to look and feel like a "princess" for one day in their lives! So here it goes my favourite Greek designers, starting with Ms. Anemomilou who's work I adore! Her atelier is also to die for and I think she can confidently stand her ground amongst well known fashion designers around the world!

Wednesday, 4 February 2009

Mamma Mia style wedding in Greece

If you've seen the film, been inspired and are now looking to book your wedding at the Ag. Ioannis chapel located in Skopelos, which was used for the church scenes in the film, then read on! Skopelos is a tiny island,located around 3 hours from Piraeus port in Athens, there is limited accommodation available on the island, so any thoughts of boutique hotels must desert you when choosing this location for your wedding. Ideally, you would want a taverna style meal for your reception with a traditional Greek band and dancers as the entertainment. Arriving on a fishing boat or donkey are probably your best options in terms of transportation. A beach party is certainly another option, I would suggest a barbeque with fresh fish and meat and plenty of barefoot dancing, when choosing this location! What is important to remember is that it will be expensive to create a cosmopolitan setting on a small island like this, although not unachievable, you will need to bring in caterers, florists, photographer and hire furniture at the very least. Another important point is that despite the film having an English speaking priest performing what appeared to be a "Catholic" type ceremony, this is not in fact permitted in the real world! Only Greek Orthodox ceremonies can take place in the chapel, performed in Greek by the local priest.