A + T decided to get married in the groom’s family’s church, as it was a special place for both families. St. Sophia Cathedral is ranked in the top 10 of most beautiful churches in the world. The traditional Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony led up to the laid-back reception in the groom’s parent’s backyard. The reception was filled with dancing, singing and photo booth fun 🙂
I loved these two! I ended up connecting with Amanda while she was in Las Vegas with her family for a weekend. We met at the Sunrise Coffeeshop and had an instant connection. We talked some more and shortly after they decided to move forward with a booking! It was so fun to work with them as I knew of the St. Sophia Cathedral in LA and thought it would be a beautiful location to photograph in. I was right. If you take a look at the images below you’ll be able to see the amazing cathedral and all the details.
These two also had a plethora of handmade details at their wedding. Amanda’s mom grew and made the succulent arrangements and they all helped out with the travel / succulent themed backyard of the groom’s parents. Truly a day to remember for me and such a photogenic group!
Read some of the couple’s answers to my favorite questions below:
Why did you choose this particular venue or location?
Taki’s family has been going to St. Sophia for over 20 years. It is a very special place both to his family and now mine, and not to mention it was rated one of the top 10 most beautiful churches in the world! We had the reception in his parent’s backyard in Orange. We both wanted some part of our wedding to be outdoors, and their backyard was the perfect setting since it was both beautiful and feels like home.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
Our whole goal for our wedding was to be able to celebrate with family. This is why we chose to get married over Memorial Day weekend so all of our family could have a long weekend to spend with us. We wanted a traditional Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony with a modern, relaxed, backyard reception. Everything worked out exactly as we hoped!
What was your favorite part of the planning process?
My favorite part was buying gifts for my family, in-laws, and bridesmaids. Taki’s favorite part was the cake tasting 🙂
Was anything handmade or DIY at your wedding?
My mom made all of the centerpieces. She selected all of the succulents two months ahead of time, and made a mini succulent nursery in her backyard before planting them in the centerpiece pots a few weeks before the wedding. Most of the reception pieces were DIY, my sister, Holly made all of the signs, including the giant map seating arrangement display. Taki, his brother and parents worked tirelessly making their backyard the perfect location for the reception. They spent hours designing and hanging lights to light the garden. Taki’s mom designed and printed all of the programs herself.
Do you have any advice for other couples planning their day?
Nothing is as bad as it seems at the time. Everything WILL work out and the things that don’t go as originally planned usually turn out better than you had imagined them.
VENDORS
Venue: St. Sophia Cathedral
Officiant: Reverend Father John Bakas
Florist: Visser’s Florist
Catering: Spectacular Catering
Bakery: French’s Pastry
Hair Stylist: Penny Fair
Dress Shop: David’s Bridal
Shoes: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: David’s Bridal
Entertainment: APC Entertainment
Transportation: ULC Limos