Tropical Florida Wedding on The Athenian Riviera

Greek born artist and jewelry designer Eleni met the love of her life Toft, an American musician, while living in Boston. After a year of love, fun and adventures together, the two were engaged and had their civil wedding in Florida. When considering where to celebrate their religious wedding ceremony, they knew that they wanted Mediterranean sea, sun, and beach, coupled with authenticity and the coziness of a small reception. So it was decided, they would celebrate their wedding in Greece at Eleni’s summer house on the Athenian Riviera. Of course they brought all of their tropical Florida flair with them!

The wedding ceremony in Greece was simple and tasteful for the fun and stylish couple. It took place at a small whitewashed church full of Greek charm on a small rocky hill of Saronida along the Athenian Riviera. Following the ceremony, the couple hosted their wedding reception at their summer house directly across from Saronida beach. Their wedding reception was authentic, warm, and relaxed – just perfect for the tropical-themed celebration.

For the decor, MILI LO made bamboo cane containers to hold the rice at the church, wooden surfboard name tags for the guests’ seating arrangements, bamboo centerpieces with white Orchids, bamboo stands with garlands of small flowers, folded napkins in the shape of a leaf to finish the art de la table setting, and finally a traditional Greek bonbonniere with tulle and a tropical plumeria flower.

An additional element that made this tropical themed wedding in Greece even more unique was the artistic creativity of the couple. We worked together with the bride and her family to give them the creative involvement that they wanted for this special day. As a jewelry designer, Eleni made leather and beaded lei necklaces with plumeria flowers – inspired by her favourite tropical flower – for all the women as party favors. Eleni also contributed to the decor by designing the table names, a wooden guest book, and wooden sign at the entrance to welcome their guests. Eleni’s family built a tropical wooden bar out of straw that was the talk of the wedding reception!

The live band was set-up on the front porch and provided excellent musical entertainment for the evening. The groom, a musician himself, but also raised by musicians and singers, planned a surprise for everyone – the couple sang a duet for their guests! This took everyone’s breath away, and especially the bride’s incredible singing voice. Following the duet, the newlyweds had their first dance to a fun and upbeat song, and then the party was on its way with every guest dancing until sunrise.
At the end of the night, the guests left with their bamboo canes and surfboard name tags full of smiles and wonderful memories. The newlyweds and their guests were exceptionally happy that evening and it brings us joy to know that we were part of such a special and unique wedding in Greece.