A Love Story that Led to Greece
Some weddings are simply celebrations, and others are journeys that weave together heritage, family, and unforgettable experiences. Isabella Theodorobeakos and Alec Manfre’s wedding was all of these.
Their story began on the very first day of law school, where playful teasing quickly turned into romance. During COVID, their bond deepened as they traveled long hours just to see each other. In those quiet months, they became part of one another’s families, sharing values of love, resilience, and loyalty. Their engagement in Brooklyn — the city where their relationship blossomed — was the perfect start to their next chapter.
For Isabella, Greece was always close to her heart. It was the land of her family, her summers, her heritage. Alec fell in love with Greece on his very first trip there, and together they decided it was the only place that felt worthy of their wedding.
Our team was honored to be chosen as their wedding planners in Greece, guiding them from first ideas to the final dance.
Why Pyrgos Melissourgou Was the Perfect Venue
When Isabella and Alec described their dream wedding, they wanted something meaningful and breathtaking: a place full of history, surrounded by nature, yet flexible enough to host days of celebration.
We immediately thought of Pyrgos Melissourgou, a historic castle estate on the Athens Riviera.
Why couples love Pyrgos Melissourgou:
- Its historic castle and stone walls add timeless elegance.
- Expansive gardens lined with olive trees and citrus groves create a natural Mediterranean setting.
- Breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea make for an unforgettable backdrop.
- Versatile spaces allow couples to host religious ceremonies, receptions, and multi-day events.
For Isabella & Alec, it was the perfect match — a venue that honored her Greek roots while offering an extraordinary destination experience for their guests traveling from the U.S. and beyond. Discover more of our weddings at this venue: A Spectacular Celebration at Pyrgos Melissourgou in Athens and A Fairytale Greek-Indian Wedding at Pyrgos Melissourgou
A Multi-Day Wedding Celebration
Destination weddings in Greece aren’t just about one day — they’re about creating memories across an entire journey. Isabella and Alec wanted to give their guests a complete experience, and we helped them plan a schedule of events that showcased the beauty of Athens and the Riviera.
Pre-Wedding Events
- August 29 – Welcome Dinner in Athens with Acropolis View
Their wedding week began in the very heart of Athens. Guests enjoyed a welcome dinner overlooking the illuminated Acropolis — a magical introduction to Greece’s timeless beauty. Our role was to coordinate the logistics, curate the menu, and ensure guests were comfortable while soaking in this iconic view. - August 30 – Rehearsal Dinner by the Sea, Near Sounio
The next evening, guests gathered at a stunning seaside venue near Sounio. Known for its dramatic sunsets and the ancient Temple of Poseidon, the area offered an extraordinary backdrop. Guests enjoyed elegant finger food and refreshing drinks while watching the sun dip into the Aegean. We managed all logistics — from catering to styling — creating a relaxed yet stylish evening by the water.
The Wedding Day – August 31, 2024
The highlight was the Orthodox religious ceremony at Agios Dionysios in Voula, followed by a grand reception at Pyrgos Melissourgou.
The Religious Ceremony at Agios Dionysios, Voula
Isabella and Alec honored tradition with a Greek Orthodox ceremony at the Church of Agios Dionysios in Voula.
To make the service meaningful for their international guests, we designed and distributed ceremony programs in English, explaining the symbolism of the Orthodox rites — from the crowning ritual to the common cup. This helped guests fully appreciate the beauty and depth of the tradition.
To ensure comfort under the summer sun, we prepared elegant handheld fans and offered fresh lemonade before the ceremony. We also coordinated place cards for immediate family so they could be seated at the front rows without confusion.
The result was a ceremony that blended centuries-old ritual with modern inclusivity, leaving every guest with a sense of reverence, joy, and connection.
Wedding Style and Aesthetic
From the beginning, Isabella and Alec envisioned a wedding that was:
- Romantic and elegant
- Traditional yet fresh
- Sophisticated but warm and welcoming
The Color Palette
Isabella preferred soft, refined shades. She avoided bold colors like red, yellow, and purple, focusing instead on:
- Navy, pale pinks, cream, champagne, and gold accents
- Neutral tones enhanced with lush greenery
- A cohesive palette across ceremony, reception, and stationery
Flowers and Greenery
The floral design highlighted:
- Peonies, roses, hydrangeas, lisianthus, orchids, and wisteria
- Cascading amaranthus for overhead installations above the dance floor and cocktail hour
- Myrtle and eucalyptus greenery, combined with olive branches for an authentic Greek touch
This combination gave the event a luxurious yet organic feel — full of life but never overpowering.
Our Role in Design and Styling
As wedding planners, we didn’t just execute Isabella & Alec’s wishes; we helped transform their inspirations into a refined, cohesive design.
- We worked with their Pinterest boards to refine aesthetics into a clear, elegant vision.
- We proposed rental selections — from chairs and tables to lighting and bar furniture.
- We designed focal points, such as a hanging floral installation above the dance floor, making the reception space unforgettable.
- We styled the stationery with calligraphy and romantic details, ensuring harmony throughout.
Every element was carefully curated so that nothing felt random or disconnected.
Guest Experience: Food, Comfort & Celebration
Weddings are about love, but they’re also about hospitality. Isabella and Alec wanted their guests to feel truly cared for — and our team ensured no detail was overlooked.
Catering and Food Stations
We coordinated with caterers to create abundant options:
- A raw bar and seafood station during cocktail hour.
- A cheese and Greek mezze & pies table for indulgent variety.
- Carefully curated menu selections reflecting Greek flavors with a modern twist.
Comfort and Flow
We organized:
- A photobooth and vintage car for fun, memorable touches.
- String lights and candles to transform the evening atmosphere.
- Smooth transitions between ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner.
The result was a celebration where guests felt pampered, entertained, and immersed in the magic of Greece.
The Reception: Dining and Dancing Under the Stars
Following the church ceremony, guests entered the castle gardens for an evening of joy.
- Cocktail hour featured specialty stations and live entertainment.
- Dinner was served at beautifully styled tables dressed in greenery, florals, and romantic candlelight.
- The dance floor came alive with music, a disco-ball effect, and overhead floral installations that set the scene for a night of celebration.
Every detail — from lighting to flow — was designed to highlight both the couple’s elegance and the venue’s historic charm.
Why Couples Choose Pyrgos Melissourgou
Through Isabella & Alec’s wedding, we were reminded why Pyrgos Melissourgou remains one of the most sought-after venues for destination weddings in Greece:
- Its historic castle offers grandeur and intimacy at once.
- The Lemon Yard and gardens provide versatile spaces for ceremonies, receptions, and photos.
- The proximity to Athens makes it convenient for international guests.
It blends heritage, nature, and luxury — the perfect trifecta for couples seeking a memorable celebration.
Our Role as Wedding Planners in Greece
Behind every beautiful detail of Isabella & Alec’s wedding was months of careful planning. Our role included:
- Venue and vendor scouting.
- Budget planning and timeline management.
- Full event design and styling.
- Coordination of multi-day events.
- Guest logistics, transportation, and comfort planning.
- On-the-day management, so the couple could fully enjoy their moment.
For us, the reward was seeing Isabella and Alec laughing, dancing, and celebrating without worry — knowing every detail was handled.
Tips for Couples Planning a Destination Wedding in Greece
Inspired by Isabella & Alec’s wedding? Here are a few takeaways for your own celebration:
- Honor your heritage: Like Isabella, tying your wedding to family roots creates deep meaning.
- Think multi-day: Destination weddings are more than one day; create a journey for your guests.
- Personalize your design: Choose colors, flowers, and décor that reflect your style, not trends.
- Curate guest experiences: Food, comfort, and entertainment matter as much as décor.
- Work with a planner: Our role is to ensure that your vision becomes reality without stress.
A Celebration to Remember
Isabella and Alec’s wedding in Greece was more than a ceremony; it was a journey that honored heritage, celebrated love, and created memories for a lifetime.
With a multi-day program spanning the Acropolis in Athens, the sunsets of Sounio, the Orthodox ceremony in Voula, and the gardens of Pyrgos Melissourgou, their wedding showed how Greece can become not just a backdrop, but a living part of a couple’s love story.
For our team, it was a privilege to plan and design their celebration. From the first sketches of décor to the final spark of the dance floor, we were honored to bring their vision to life.
If you are dreaming of your own destination wedding in Greece, let us guide you. With the right planning, the right venue, and a touch of Mediterranean magic, your wedding can be everything you’ve imagined — and more.
