Splendid Seating
According to Greek mythology, Mykonos was named after Apollo's grandson, and doting gods might explain the striking natural beauty this Aegean Eden has been blessed with. The most fabled of Greece's Cyclades, the island is a shimmering stretch of sun, sky and sea. So when Modern Bride teamed up with mother/daughter duo Litsa Floris and Vivia Costalas—of the international planning firm Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com, which has offices in Athens, Thessaloniki, New York City and Beverly Hills—to design a destination shoot, they let the landscape be our muse.
Tall centerpieces of hydrangeas and oncidium orchids seem to hover above the table (“as if the gods were holding them up,” says Costalas), so they won't interfere with guests' sightlines, $314; lower centerpieces of peonies, hyacinths, hydrangeas and roses, $110-$125, all from LV Petridis Floral Creations for Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com. Woven-paper menu cards with layered ribbon, $19 each, from Red Bliss, redbliss.com. “Cuzman” tablecloth and linen hemstitched napkins, all from Zolico Event Resources, 212-734-3643. Shot on location at the Mykonos Blu resort, mykonosblu.com.
Sunny Delight
This bouquet of yellow peonies, green hydrangeas and yellow tanacetum, tied with double-faced satin ribbon, has the freeform feel of a handful of fresh wildflowers picked from a nearby field, $708, by LV Petridis Floral Creations for Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com.
Sweet Sentiment
As a sign of Greek hospitality, a lemonade bar greets guests outside the church. In this recipe, honey is added to fresh-squeezed lemon juice “to symbolize the sweet moments the couple will share,” says Floris. Yellow peonies, English ivy, fresh mint, lemons and limes from LV Petridis Floral Creations, florisspecialevents.com, enhance the serving vessels and table. Flowers, glassware, carafes and lemonade from Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com. “Jefferson” champagne and “Abear Whisper” snow tablecloths, both from Zolico Event Resources, 212-734-3643.
A Charmed Life
A sterling silver four-leaf clover and a traditional turquoise and mother-of-pearl “evil eye” charm act as bridal party gifts, $163, by Liana Vourakis Authentics for Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com, on a bed of Jordan almonds and marzipan pebbles. “Greeks are very superstitious and believe the 'evil eye' protects and watches over you,” explains Costalas. “By giving it to her attendants, the bride is wishing them the same good fortune she had in finding her mate.” The favor sits in a custom box adorned with jasmine, $13, created by Marina Lassou for Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com. Favor tag, $3, from Red Bliss, redbliss.com.
What a View
Shaded daybeds are scattered throughout Mykonos Blu, inviting guests to sit back and savor the breathtaking views. Custom pillows and baskets of peonies, hydrangeas and tanacetum, by Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com, convert one into a chic lounge.
Lightness of Being
A yellow satin ribbon belly band that contrasts with the casual feel of the natural-hued woven wrapping on this invitation, $62, from Red Bliss, redbliss.com. Custom linen box, $16, created by Marina Lassou for Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com.
Divine Dishes
The banquet-style reception table is rich with texture down to the place card, $13, from Red Bliss, redbliss.com, which slips into a tentlike pocket made from woven paper with a silky ribbon accent. Glass chargers, glassware and flatware, all from Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com.
Rich Rewards
An old Byzantine tradition, bitter almond liqueur, served in a St. Louis carafe, decanters and port glasses from Liana Vourakis Authentics, (30)210-7254214, bestows prosperity upon the couple, says Floris. Trays and custom Jordan almonds from Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com.
Under the Hellenic Sun
The almond-paste wedding cake filled with lemon cream and covered in beige and white fondant, $1,180, mirrors the cut-out sunburst design of the “Floresta” white tablecloth (layered over yellow linen) from Zolico Event Resources, 212-734-3643. Serves 100, by Mrs. Maeia Xerilou, (30)210-212-734-3643. Yellow peonies from LV Petridis Floral Creations, florisspecialevents.com. Hermès “Siesta” dessert plates, William Yeoward crystal champagne flutes, Puiforcat champagne bucket, all from Liana Vourakis Authentics, (30)210-7254214. Antique silver forks from Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com.
Pleasure Island
A mouthwatering spread of lemon candies, orange-flavored Jordan almonds and Turkish Delight, almond cookies, sesame and honey pastelis and sugarcoated chickpeas serves as a sweet send-off: Guests pack the treats into paper cones reminiscent of the crowns worn in the wedding ceremony. Assorted vessels from Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com, accented with yellow peonies, English ivy, fresh mint and lemons from LV Petridis Floral Creations, florisspecialevents.com, embellish the “Monastery” white table from Zazoo Event Rentals, 212-734-3643. Wedding crown by Liana Vourakis Authentics, (30)210-7254214.
Give Thanks
Jordan almonds (which come in a variety of flavors) are a traditional Greek wedding favor; some say the hardness of the candy shell represents the endurance of marriage. Heart-shaped almond cookies created by Floris Special Events, florisspecialevents.com.
