Athens, Greece Indian Wedding by Sotiris Tsakanikas

Darling readers, today we have the absolute pleasure of sharing the love-filled journey of Supriya & Andrei. The captivating Pyrgos Petreza provided the perfect backdrop for this dream wedding, flawlessly brought to life by the talented team at White Stories Events. From the moment guests stepped foot into the breathtaking space, adorned with the exquisite floral and decor creations by Jim Labraco, it was evident that every detail had been thoughtfully planned. With White Stories Events leading the way as both the planning and event design team, the venue was transformed into a magical haven, leaving everyone in awe of the beauty and romance that filled the air. Supriya's bridal look was a masterpiece, thanks to the talented hands of the brilliant hairstylist Olga Samartzi who expertly crafted a hairstyle that perfectly complemented her features, and the skilled makeup artist Εmmanouela Tagara, who skillfully enhanced her radiant features, creating a flawless and ethereal look. The culinary experience was a true delight, thanks to the exquisite offerings by Art Catering. Every dish was a testament to their culinary expertise, from the delectable appetizers to the mouthwatering main courses. And when it came to the sweet treats, Poulette Cake Design took center stage with their stunning wedding cake. The intricate design and delectable flavors left guests in awe. As the night unfolded, Galakteros Event Production set the mood with their expertly curated playlist, ensuring that the dance floor remained alive with energy and excitement. The talented photographer Sotiris Tsakanikas immortalized every precious moment, capturing the love and joy that filled the air. Check out the gallery to enjoy the memories of this unforgettable day. It is incredible!

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met through friends during the world cup 4+ years ago! I was with a friend, a last-minute plan to attend a beach party/festival; one of our mutual friends was there and introduced us to each other. He told me he had his own fitness studio and that I should come along for a trial session the next day and booked me in, I told him it was my day off, but he insisted! I went, and after we went for a coffee, we kept in touch, couldn't stop speaking to each other, and eventually, he asked me out on a date. We shared all about our lives and, on the first date, pretty much decided it was all or nothing. We haven't looked back since. My husband comes from a small family, he once told me heaven is at my mother's feet- I knew he was the one then. When I got some courage to tell my mum, she insisted on speaking to him on video chat; eventually, he came to meet my family, and I knew he was the one when he touched my parent's feet. He got on so well with my nieces, nephews, and siblings, it was like he was always part of the family. He had so much respect for everyone and was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He is a genuine, nice guy who has gone through so many hidden struggles but always has a smile on his face- which is so rare to find in this world.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
A week before Valentine's Day ( a year or so of being in a relationship), Andrei told me to let's go for dinner, but not on Valentine's Day as it's too expensive, so let's go the day before. I thought that was so cheeky! I asked him where we'll be going and what I should wear, he told me to wear a nice dress, so I got ready, and we were driving, and driving, and driving. In the middle of the desert, we reached this beautiful hotel in Dubai, and I asked him where are we; we were in the desert! A golf buggy came to pick us up, and when we arrived at the "final destination," I was surprised.

There was a red carpet with candles and rose petals to a private area overlooking Royal Horses and the desert. We were greeted by our own private butler and chef, I told Andrei you've really gone all out here, haha!

We had dinner, and then the chef came over and asked me to come with him to see all the desserts she had prepared and which one I would like to choose. I wanted all of them, but now I realize he was trying to distract me from the set-up that was going on!

The music all of a sudden changed, and when I came back out to the table, Andrei was standing at the end of the red carpet with a giant bouquet of red roses, swaying to the music; he asked me to come over. I knew then what was about to happen and was overcome with emotion. He had a small speech ready, which I have never shared because the words are too precious and for my ears only :)

He asked me to marry him and presented me with my giant ring (he had contacted my friend to find out prior and had also shown my mum and asked my parents for my hand in marriage weeks before proposing).

Of course, I said yes through tears, and when I looked around, the butler was filming everything, and the chef was clapping. It was truly romantic and private, and everything I could have asked for was intimate and just us taking at the moment.

Tell us how you went about planning your wedding and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
Our plan was to get married in 2020...then covid hit. We had decided that we wanted a destination wedding. I visited Italy with my parents as that was my dream destination on the Amalfi Coast, but then we decided on Greece as my husband is Half Greek, Half Romanian, so it made sense.

We hired a wedding planner to help, and after 2 years of delay, we finally said by hook or by crook we would get married in 2022. We wanted to blend our cultures, so we decided on 3 events: an English/Greek Wedding, a Henna/Chura Ceremony & Indian Hindu wedding (spread over 3 days).

We wanted each event to have a different theme, color, food, and style. Our wedding planner did a fantastic job of catering to this, I was heavily involved in the decor, wedding favors, music, and every small detail. I wanted it to be perfect, this is the first and last time I will get married after all!

Each of our venues showed the beauty of Greece, Athens. Our English wedding was on a beautiful lake, our henna ceremony a luxury private villa overlooking the Athenian sea, and the Indian venue a castle surrounded by vineyards.

Andrei knew I was going to be a bridezilla, so he let me crack on with the planning. His only opinion was to have Romanian & Greek music at the English wedding. The rest of him knew I was a perfectionist, so he left me to it...also he wanted a peaceful life, haha!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I went to Delhi with Andrei and met my parents, who were already there visiting. We have family friends who are in the textile industry, and if it wasn't for them, I would have struggled. They took us to the numerous list of designer boutiques I had wanted to visit. I didn't have a color in mind. I was an open book and wanted to try everything and anything. They say when you know, you know. I tried multiple different colors, I wanted something that reflected me but also was elegant and timeless and would compliment the Indian venue. I tried red (but decided it was too traditional for me and didn't suit me). Towards the end, it was between 2 colors- orange/rust and blush pink. I decided on the blush pink and am so glad I did. The decor, the venue, everything just blended so beautifully, and I felt so elegant and beautiful.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part was the layout: envisioning the guests arriving, the small surprises, the big reveal of the venues, and planning all the evenings out. I wanted separate areas where guests could talk and mingle with one another. The small details for me I enjoyed the most- the wedding gifts, the decor, the small touches such as the guest book and advice for the bride and groom table

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
EVERYTHING! 7 months post-wedding, our guests are still telling us how our wedding was the best they have ever been to, from the food, venues, and country to everyone staying in one hotel and having fun. Our wedding was the first destination wedding in my family, so it was amazing that everyone got to experience that!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Every single moment was special, but if I had to choose one moment, it would be when I was walking down the aisle with my father and looking into my husband's eyes, saying our vows. I didn't realize the emotion that would overcome me at that moment. It was a life-changing moment when I said to myself, I am truly happy and content at this moment in my life.

For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.
Being from a Punjabi family, we all had to bring our A-Game to the wedding and show my husband's friends and family who we Punjabis are! We made sure to involve all the special elements of being Punjabi, such as the food, music, and boliyan. My mum had brought a dholki with her and was singing folk songs that she used to sing in the village when she was growing up; that was truly special. Our henna and chura ceremony was very Punjabi. Bold colors, Punjabi songs, and even my chura cover said Punjaban on it!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Sit back and take in each moment where you possibly can. When the guests are eating, look around and just see how many people came together to celebrate your LOVE. And don't forget to EAT! The adrenaline can quickly take over, and you need to make sure you are hydrated and eating- no one wants a collapsed bride!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
For the English Ceremony, I had a vision of blue and white- the colors of the Greek flag but also, because blue is one of my favorite colors, it reminds me of the sea, and being in Athens, we were surrounded by it. Elements of ice blue and white with the backdrop of the blue lake complemented each other so well.

For the Indian Ceremony, I wanted to pay an ode to my mum. I am the last child in my family to get married, and I really wanted that she walks into the venue and see my dedication to her. For the whole wedding, my parents took a back seat, I truly wanted them to enjoy it. They had worked hard enough all their lives and had already planned and done everything for my 3 siblings' wedding. My mum's favorite plant is orchids, so to match my lehenga, we went with a darker pink orchid throughout the castle. It's something that has never been done before, and even the florist for the wedding absolutely loved the idea. It really paid off and made the whole castle brighten up, just like my mum's smile :)

Dears, thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more inspiring weddings from our Maharani brides!