The Planning Process

Wedding Date:
October 25, 2025

Colors and Theme:
“Our wedding style was centered around timeless elegance with a warm, inviting atmosphere. While I can’t recall one specific moment where the inspiration for the champagne color came from, it’s a shade I’ve always associated with softness, luxury, and understated elegance. Knowing our wedding would take place in the fall, I wanted to compliment that palette with richer seasonal tones, which naturally led to incorporating copper accents to add warmth and depth.

The venue itself played a huge role in shaping our vision. With its tall ceilings and elegant architecture, we felt it was important to design the space in a way that enhanced its grandeur rather than competed with it. Taller centerpieces allowed the room to feel full, romantic, and elevated, while still maintaining a classic feel.

As for the overall vibe of the night, our goal was for it to feel lively, joyful, and full of celebration. We wanted our guests to feel the energy the moment they walked in. From passed champagne with berries, two photo booths, and an open bar, to fireworks and nonstop dancing, every detail was intentional and designed to keep the night exciting and unforgettable. It truly felt like the perfect balance of elegance and fun, and the energy in the room was everything we had hoped for and more.”

Wedding Shows Attended:
Tuscan Hall Venue and Catering Open House & Wonderful World of Weddings

What Was the Favorite Design Element?
“The centerpieces that incorporated a lot of flowers!”

The Look

Bridal Gown: Vow’d in Brookfield

How Many Dresses Did You Try On?
“I went to two other places, as well. I think i tried on 18 dresses total, but it was the last one I tried on at Vow’d. I instantly knew when I started smiling at myself in the mirror and started to cry.”

The Ceremony

Ceremony Location: Sts Constantine & Helen
Photographer: Lauren Rose Photo & Video

Ceremony Details:
“My favorite part of the ceremony was knowing how many incredible people we love were there to witness our commitment to one another. It was such a beautiful and meaningful moment. Getting married in a Greek Orthodox church made it even more special. Since about half of the ceremony was in Greek, the priest took the time to explain each part to those who were unfamiliar with Orthodox traditions.

That meant so much to us. It made everyone feel included and truly emphasized how important our friends and family were in sharing this moment with us.”

Ceremony Extras:
“A beautiful moment right after the ceremony, everyone went outside on the steps and blew bubbles at us as we came down. It was so incredible to see all of the love and bubbles in the photos!! It was everything I hoped for and more.”

The Reception

Reception Venue: The Legend at Brandybrook
Cake & Dessert: Simma’s Bakery

What Made You Choose Your Venue?
“When we were in Greece, we were throwing off wedding venues and Iosif said The Legends. Immediately, I said Yes! I emailed them right away for a tour of when we got back from Greece. I got a immediate response from Jamie and in that response she made mention she knew my brother who passed away. In that moment, I knew immediately that was the place for us.”

Reception Decor:
“Jess Fleur Fun did it all. We had tall centerpieces, lots of candles, and so many flowers. They all matched the copper color with the bridesmaids bouquets.”

Reception Details & Favorite Moments:
Alyssa and Iosif curated a thoughtfully layered menu, beginning with elevated appetizers like beef hibachi bites, manchego risotto bites, mini crab cakes, and lobster mac & cheese phyllo. Guests enjoyed a fresh “Legend Salad” before choosing from plated entrées including tenderloin chimichurri, grilled salmon with cucumber yogurt, or a vegetable-forward polenta parmesan. The night continued with late-night favorites like mini grilled cheese, brats, and hot dogs, along with signature drinks playfully named after their dogs – “Little Pita” and “Sweet Feta.”

Looking Back

Three Words That Described the Day:
“Bubbly, Lively and Emotional”

What Moments Stick With You the Most?
“The moment that stuck with me the most was looking up and seeing about 90% of our wedding on the dance floor. It was such a powerful, joyful moment that perfectly captured the energy of the day. My husband is Greek, and watching everyone jump in to do the Greek dances—friends and family who aren’t Greek, had never done them before, or didn’t even know the steps was incredibly special. Everyone was laughing, trying their best, and joining the dance circle without hesitation. The entire wedding was filled with so much love, and seeing both sides of our friends and family come together, embrace each other’s traditions, and celebrate as one is something I’ll never forget.”

Biggest Wedding Splurge?
“Our biggest splurge wasn’t really about money, it was about the surprise. We secretly planned a fireworks show and didn’t tell a single soul. The DJ asked all of our guests to step out onto the balcony for a “group photo,” and moments later, the fireworks lit up the sky.

It was such a beautiful, emotional moment, and something I had dreamed of having at my wedding since I was a teenager. Every wedding has that one unforgettable detail people talk about long after the night ends, and for us, that was it. More than anything, we wanted our guests to feel the magic of the day and leave with a truly special experience — and the fireworks made that dream come true.”

Advice or Tips for Other Couples Planning Their Wedding?
“The advice I have for future couples getting married is to not stress about anything on the day of, and to truly focus on your partner. We put everything in God’s hands the moment we woke up, and that mindset made all the difference. Of course, there will be small things that come up, but they don’t have to turn into bigger problems than they are. As long as your ceremony happens and you have your partner by your side, you are golden.

Stay by each other’s side as much as you can…especially after dinner, because the night truly flies by. And while it’s important to have fun, try not to overdrink. You want to be present and remember those moments. The memories you create will last forever and bring you so much happiness.”