1. Real Weddings

A Luxe Greek Wedding at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte, North Carolina

Maria Tzefos (34 and a pharmacist) and Chris Mortis (38 and an engineer) decided to have a traditional Greek wedding (complete with 360 guests!) and d

Maria Tzefos (34 and a pharmacist) and Chris Mortis (38 and an engineer) decided to have a traditional Greek wedding (complete with 360 guests!) and do it right. Their nuptials started at Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, which they chose because it was where they went to church while they were dating and developed their relationship with God as a couple. Towering centerpieces, gold-beaded chargers and textured table linens set the tone for the elegant, luxe reception at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Maria’s childhood church. They used a blush, ivory and gold color palette for a romantic aura that filled the stunning ballroom. Draping around the outside made the space feel more intimate for their guests and perfectly complemented the candlelit ambiance. The best part, though, was the amazing nine-tier wedding cake from Lisa Toohey from Cake Expressions! It was gorgeously decorated with a geometric diamond pattern on three layers, crystal detailing on two layers and ornate rosettes on the other four layers. As if that weren’t enough sweetness, they also had a DIY ice cream bar as well as a variety of macarons, cake pops, Rice Krispies treats, lemon tarts, salted-caramel brownies, chocolate mousse parfaits and chocolate-covered strawberries. Yum! There are so many incredible details that we totally love! See them all, gorgeously captured by Critsey Rowe Photography, below.

Classic Blush-and-Ivory Rose Bridesmaid Bouquet
Badgley Mischka White Peep-Toe Heels
To match the classically elegant look of their wedding, Maria and Chris's ceremony programs were ivory stationery with chic gold typography. The program booklets were tied with satin ribbons for a little added romance.
Maria had four flower girls for her traditional Greek Orthodox wedding. They wore white tulle-and-lace dresses to match Maria’s wedding dress. A soft satin blush belt completed their look with a subtle pop of color.
“One of my favorite details from the wedding was my dad's baby blue tie that was used to wrap my flower bouquet,” Maria says. “My dad passed away 10 years ago, and it meant so much to me to have a piece of him to hold on to while I walked down the aisle and married my husband.”
“Our wedding ceremony was held at Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, North Carolina,” Maria says. “We selected it because it is where Chris and I went to church together while we were dating and developed our relationship with God as a couple. The best part of our wedding day was the ceremony -- committing ourselves to one another in our church and knowing I married my best friend and love of my life.”
Traditional Taper Candles and White Crown
During the ceremony, Maria and Chris had a traditional Greek Orthodox stefana ceremony. The two crowns, tied together with white tulle ribbon, where exchanged back and forth three times to symbolize the couple's union.
Maria and Chris had their reception at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte, North Carolina, because it was the church Maria grew up attending. The round tables around the outside of the room were topped with Manzetti trees with orchids. The entire hall was decorated with 22-foot draping.
Maria and Chris decorated the four imperial head tables with table mirror toppers and three-foot towering rose, hydrangea and orchid centerpieces. “I wanted a classic, elegant look that was still dramatic,” Maria says.
Glass Chargers with Gold-Beaded Edges
Maria and Chris enjoyed a nine-tier geometric ivory wedding cake for dessert. Three layers were adorned with geometric diamond patterns and crystals, two layers were round with crystal detailing on the bottom, and four layers were decorated with cream and crystal rosettes.
In addition to their nine-tier wedding cake, Maria and Chris enjoyed a dessert bar including a variety of macarons, cake pops, Rice Krispies treats, lemon tarts, salted-caramel brownies, chocolate mousse parfaits and chocolate-covered strawberries. The tables were draped with textured blush linens for added drama.
Lemon Tart Reception Dessert with Blueberries
“When it came to choosing my wedding dress, I wanted something very traditional and classic that would be timeless,” Maria says. “I chose a Vera Wang dress with an illusion sweetheart and soft A-line silhouette with three layers of Chantilly lace. I added a Monique Lhuillier beaded belt covered in lace.”