[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]
Agios Isidoros Church, Chios, Greece August 21, 2025 On August 21, 2025, Joanne Koutsoulias and Apostolos Feretzanis — two Greek creatives living in New York — were married on the island of Chios in a celebration that felt as timeless and romantic as the landscape itself. With Joanne working in luxury fashion at Chanel and Apostolos immersed in creative construction and design, the couple shares an appreciation for beauty, heritage, and intentional detail — values that shaped every element of their wedding day. Wedding Colours Our palette was inspired directly by the setting of Agios Isidoros — crisp white against the Aegean blue, sun-warmed terracotta, natural stone, and soft olive greens. The church’s whitewashed walls and red-tiled roof became part of the visual language of the day, while the deep sea and golden horizon added depth and warmth. At the reception, layered whites and creams were balanced with olive-toned runners and lush greenery, creating continuity from ceremony to celebration. Subtle blush tones — reflected in my gown and shoes — added softness without overpowering the Mediterranean setting. The colors felt organic, romantic, and timeless, as though the wedding had grown naturally from the island itself.
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]
From the bride: For the reception, we envisioned modern Greek romance layered with texture, light, and movement. Structured tables and mirrored surfaces created a refined foundation, while olive-toned runners and lush greenery grounded the space in Mediterranean warmth. Above, cascading white florals transformed the ceiling into an immersive canopy, punctuated by crystal chandeliers and suspended disco balls that added dimension and subtle glamour. Candlelight reflected off mirrored tabletops, creating depth and glow as the evening unfolded. The overall atmosphere felt abundant yet intentional — polished, sculptural, and joyfully alive.
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[field title=”Proposal Story”]
From the bride: Apostolos proposed in Provence, France, while we were on vacation, staying at Hotel Crillon Le Brave. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and golden evening light, the moment felt suspended in time. It was intimate and deeply personal, just the two of us in the quiet romance of the South of France. The warmth of the air, the stillness of the countryside, and the emotion of the moment made it unforgettable. It was perfect in its simplicity — a beginning rooted in intention, beauty, and love.
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]
From the bride: I got engaged in July 2024, and I always knew I wanted to wear Mira Zwillinger on my wedding day. I was able to secure an appointment for her trunk show the first week of August — just before leaving for Greece for vacation and to begin wedding planning. It felt serendipitous from the start. The gown I ultimately chose was the very first dress I tried on. Although I explored a few others, I kept returning to that initial moment — and said yes to the first one. It was also the first and only bridal salon I visited. The experience was deeply personal and intimate, shared with just my mom, my grandmother, and my sister. It felt calm, emotional, and certain — a memory I will always hold close. The strapless sweetheart neckline framed a delicate three-dimensional floral appliqué that felt almost weightless against the skin. The fitted bodice flowed into a romantic skirt layered in intricate lace, with a soft blush undertone that gave the gown warmth and depth rather than stark white contrast. It felt feminine yet strong — ethereal yet structured, timeless with modern clarity. From the sea breeze outside the church to dancing beneath chandeliers at the reception, the dress moved effortlessly, as if it belonged exactly where we were. Shoes, because my gown had a soft blush undertone, I knew I didn’t want a stark white shoe. I had a surprisingly difficult time finding something that complemented the warmth of the dress without competing with it. My koumbara — the Greek equivalent of a maid of honor — helped me in the search, and just a few weeks before my first dress fitting, she came across the perfect pair: brand-new, never-worn, blush satin Manolo Blahnik sandals in my exact size on The RealReal. It felt serendipitous, like they were meant to be mine. Working in fashion — and previously as a buyer for women’s designer shoes at Barneys New York — Manolo Blahnik has always been a brand that encompassed my world. I’ve long admired its timeless femininity and refined craftsmanship, and choosing that pair felt entirely true to my personal aesthetic — polished, chic, and quietly confident.
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]
From the bride: Apostolos wore a tailored navy tuxedo that felt both timeless and distinctly modern against the whitewashed church and Aegean backdrop. The deep navy tone softened the formality of black while maintaining classic elegance. He paired it with a crisp white dress shirt, black bow tie, and black Christian Louboutin velvet loafers — adding subtle texture and understated refinement. Cartier cufflinks and delicately embroidered initials on his shirt cuff introduced a meaningful personal detail, while Bleu de Chanel completed the look with an invisible layer of polished sophistication. As the evening transitioned into a high-energy celebration, he changed into Golden Goose sneakers, one of his favorites — a relaxed yet intentional shift that allowed him to fully embrace the dance floor while keeping the styling elevated. The evolution of his look mirrored the arc of the night: refined and formal at the start, vibrant and celebratory by the end.
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]From the bride:
Our menu celebrated traditional Greek cuisine elevated with intention. Fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, local cheeses, and beloved regional dishes were served in a way that encouraged connection and warmth. Greek wines flowed throughout the evening, alongside celebratory pours of ouzo and signature cocktails inspired by Mediterranean flavors.
We wanted guests to experience Chios through every bite and glass — to feel the generosity, abundance, and hospitality that define Greek celebrations.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]
From the bride: Florals were sculptural, tonal, and immersive. White blooms — including calla lilies, orchids, hydrangeas, and layered seasonal florals — were paired with rich greenery to create depth without heaviness. Mirrored tabletops reflected candlelight and arrangements, enhancing dimension and glow. The cascading floral canopy overhead, combined with crystal chandeliers and suspended disco balls, created a setting that felt romantic yet vibrant — abundant yet refined.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]From the bride:
Our wedding cake was a showpiece — an oversized mille-feuille layered with pastry cream and crowned with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Just before cutting it, we finished it together with a final flourish of berries and a snowfall of powdered sugar, making the tradition feel intimate and entirely our own.
Under crystal chandeliers and shimmering disco balls, we cut into it as guests gathered close, cheering and laughing. The sweetness of the moment was followed by fireworks illuminating the night sky, transforming the cake cutting into something magical and unforgettable.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]
From the bride: Ceremony Atmosphere The ceremony took place at Agios Isidoros, a small seaside church connected to land by a narrow stone walkway. I arrived by boat, gliding across the Aegean toward the whitewashed church perched at the water’s edge — a moment that felt cinematic and deeply symbolic. Crossing the water toward the church felt like stepping into something sacred and timeless. The ceremony followed the traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith, rich in symbolism and ritual. A live violinist accompanied the service, her playing filling the church with a softness that made the atmosphere feel even more romantic. Her talent was extraordinary — each note layered gently over the chanting and the distant sound of the sea just beyond the church walls. The result was emotional, intimate, and profoundly tied to place. Music shaped the emotional rhythm of the entire day. Our ceremony featured an incredibly talented live violinist whose playing added a softness and depth that made the atmosphere feel even more romantic. She performed “The Ordinary” by Alex Warren as I stepped off the boat and made my way toward the front of the altar — a moment that felt cinematic and suspended in time. Later in the evening, she performed “Pio Poly” by Mixalis Hatzigiannis for our first dance, her interpretation layering beautifully over the reception and making the moment feel intimate and deeply personal. She carried the emotion from ceremony to celebration seamlessly, creating continuity through every transition. For the reception, we had a live band that played traditional Greek songs, with classics like “Karavia Xiotika” and the unmistakable rhythms of zeibekiko and kalamatiano filling the dance floor and bringing generations together. The sound of live instruments created an atmosphere that felt authentically celebratory and deeply rooted in our culture. As the night evolved, our DJ took over, blending 90s favorites with current hits and house music, giving the celebration a modern edge. The shift in sound kept the energy elevated and the dance floor effortlessly cool. After my father-daughter dance, we surprised our guests by suddenly turning on one of my dad’s favorite songs — “Get Down On It” by Kool & the Gang, the iconic 1980s funk and R&B anthem. The music shifted, the energy lifted, and we broke out onto the dance floor together. It was joyful, spontaneous, and completely us — a moment I will cherish forever. Toward the end of the evening, my father surprised everyone once more by taking the microphone and singing one of his favorite songs live. He was incredible. The crowd was captivated, cheering him on as he owned the moment. It was the perfect closing note to a night we will never forget.
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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]From the bride: The Church & Our Roots
Choosing Agios Isidoros as our church held deep personal meaning. The name itself was a quiet tribute to Joanne’s late grandfather, Isidoros Koutsoulias. Being married in a church that carried his name felt like honoring a generational thread — past, present, and future woven together in one sacred place.
It also meant the world to us to have Father Damaskinos Ganas, the priest who baptized us both at our community parish in Brooklyn, present for the ceremony in Greece. Getting married in Greece was deeply important to us — our heritage and roots shape who we are, and celebrating our marriage on Greek soil felt like the most authentic way to begin this next chapter together.[/field]
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From the bride: Honoring His Mother Apostolos’ late mother was deeply present in our hearts throughout the day. In the months leading up to the wedding, I gathered birthday cards, graduation notes, and name day messages she had written to him over the years. I pieced together words from her handwriting and had them custom embroidered onto a handkerchief as a surprise for him, including it inside his wedding card on the morning of the wedding, so he could carry a piece of her with him. At the reception, we reserved a seat for her at his immediate family table, with a banner hanging in her place as a reminder that she was watching from above. It was our quiet way of honoring her — woven gently into the celebration, present in spirit as we began this new chapter together.
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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]
From the bride: Tambourines & Plate Breaking We gifted custom tambourines to our guests, inviting them to participate in the celebration rather than simply observe it. As the music built, traditional Greek dancing took over, and plates were joyfully broken in true celebratory spirit. It wasn’t staged — it unfolded naturally as laughter, rhythm, and movement carried the night forward. The reception became an immersive expression of Greek joy and hospitality.
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Photography: George Liopetas Fine Art Photographs | Cinematography: Vasilis Kantarakis Films | Event Design: Joanna Loukaki Weddings and Events | Event Planning: Joanna Loukaki Weddings and Events | Floral Design: Loukakis flowers | Wedding Dress: Mira Zwillinger | Cake: Cake It | Stationary: Atelier Invitations | Reception Venue: Oz Bay | Groom's Attire: Suit Supply | Groom's Attire: Louboutin | Beauty: Roula Marinopoulou | Beauty: Konstantinos Papadopoulos | Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Engagement Ring Designer: Hamra Diamonds | Getting Ready: Royal Pearl Island Chios Hotel & Spa | Light Design: Focus Audio Vision | Rentals: Jour De Fete | Violinist: Evangeline Victoria Music | Wedding Dress Boutique: Mark Ingram Atelier | Weddings Rings: Tatsis Jewels
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