1. Real Weddings

Emily & Anthony: A Formal Wedding in Dayton, OH

A preference for contemporary elegance marked Emily and Anthony’s wedding day, and the clean lines and modern feel of The Dayton Art Institute set the

A preference for contemporary elegance marked Emily and Anthony’s wedding day, and the clean lines and modern feel of The Dayton Art Institute set the tone for their sophisticated celebration. THE BRIDE Emily Stamas THE GROOM Anthony Shay THE DATE May 15 It’s an age-old story of triumph over tragedy. Emily Stamas and Anthony Shay were always good friends—but never took that step to something “more.” First introduced in high school, the old friends, who are now 31, lost touch after graduation until it came time for their ten-year reunion. Anthony, who lived in Los Angeles, emailed Emily (who was in New York City) to see if she planned on attending. She didn’t, but the two kept up their correspondence until Anthony, who works in pharmaceutical sales, flew out for a visit. “During that trip we both decided there were no sparks and we were better off remaining friends,” says Emily, a senior merchandise planning analyst. Their bicoastal conversations dwindled until September 11, 2001. “Anthony called and emailed me to make sure that I was OK,” she says. “We have talked everyday since.”

Surrounded by stained glass windows and intimate lighting, the Emily walked down the long aisle in an ivory strapless embroidered lace gown by Monique Lhuillier and carrying ivory hydrangeas and ranunculuses.
Since no Greek celebration would be complete without dancing, the Emily and Anthony kicked things off with a first dance to Elton John’s “Your Song.” Father-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom dances followed, and then the entire bridal party hit the floor for traditional Greek line dancing. “After a few minutes we had all of our guests, Greeks and non-Greeks alike, up and dancing to Greek music,” Emily raves. “It was great!” John Polites of Greek Tycoons/Fifth Avenue Band
The couple named their pink and white ranunculus-topped tables for places that are significant in their lives, and the back of each table card held an explanation as to why each locale was meaningful. Examples included Northmont High School (where they met), UCLA (one of Anthony’s previous employers), and Ohio University (where Emily went to college).
Saturating the space with color, Emily’s seven bridesmaids wore fuchsia silk shantung dresses and carried bouquets of hot pink, pale pink, and red ranunculuses.
A clarinet and bouzouki (a traditional Greek instrument that resembles a mandolin) duet serenaded the newlyweds and their guests as they walked from the church to the reception next door at the Dayton Art Institute. “This was amazing, as weddings in Greece do the exact same thing,” says Emily. “It was probably our favorite part of the whole day.”
Emily and Anthony married in a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony at the church Emily’s family has attended for generations.