A Lavish Greek Wedding in Windsor

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Elena and Spyro’s love story was 13 years in the making. They first met in their teenage years at a Greek youth group caroling session in 2000, but didn’t start dating until they ran into each other again in Detroit six years later. The waiting game was something Elena and Spyro became very familiar with throughout their relationship. “For 2008 to 2012, I was in dental school in London, Ontario while Spyro was in Windsor,” says Elena. “But we still managed to see each other every single weekend. It never really felt like we were in a long distance relationship.”

Spyro, who is known for his humorous nature, popped the question in March 2012 with a little help from a popular children’s chocolate. A few months before proposing, Spyro told Elena Kinder Surprise was holding a contest to win a million dollars. “I didn’t give it much thought and forgot about it until we were going to his office party and he told me that he had bought some of those Kinder Surprises,” recalls Elena. “He took one for himself and gave one to me. Both of us had a paper in the middle that said, ‘Please try again.’ He then pulled out another Kinder Surprise and told me to try that one. Inside this chocolate egg, the paper said, ‘Please turn around.’ When I turned around, Spyro was down on one knee holding my engagement ring.”

The couple opted for a summer wedding that would exude elements of romance and luxury with hints of gold and ivory. Their Greek heritage also played an important role in their special day, with the ceremony being held at the Greek Orthodox Church Spyro has been attending his whole life.

Along with their wedding’s decorator, Elena had spent months meticulously planning out every detail for their reception at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts — a feat she believes was worth the wait. “When Spyro and I walked in, we were literally left breathless,” says Elena. “It was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.” Evoking a lavish, romantic feel, the room was adorned with ivory drapery, gold accents and exquisite centrepieces that mixed champagne-coloured roses with white hydrangeas. The couple’s favourite moment was their first dance together to Ed Sheeran’s “Lego House.” “The amount of pure love we were both experiencing at that time was indescribable,” says Elena. “And when the blinds raised from the windows, revealing the river and the Detroit skyline under the night sky, we really did feel like we were dancing on a cloud.”

Elena Christina Kalmantis and Spyro Georgakopoulos, June 29, 2013, Windsor, Ontario.

Photography courtesy of Signature Design & Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony location: Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church (519-252-3435)
Reception location: St. Clair Centre for the Arts
Bridal gown: Vera Wang
Bride’s shoes: Miu Miu
Bridal party attire: Bridal Couture
Groom’s tux: Merlo Formal Rentals & Sales
Rings: Abraham’s Jewellery
Cake: The Cake Lady
Favours: LJB Treats
Decorator: Crystalove Luxury Wedding Designs ([email protected])
Music: Mythos Band (Pete Theos: 519-796-5423)
Hair: Salon Utopia
Makeup: Lotus Spa
Flowers: Gail’s Flowers and Crafts
Stationery: Papyrus