Get a glimpse inside these two local couples' dreamy weddings. 
The bride wore a stunning Galia Lahav dress.
September 1, 2024
Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens
Riviera, Greece
THE COUPLE
Romantic fate has a funny way of reminding us that love finds a way. Elina Shirazi and John Antokas had known each other for a decade but had never met in person. Finally, a birthday bash in New York City brought them together for the first time. A series of dates followed between New York, where John lived as a CEO of a transportation consultancy, and Miami, where Elina resided as a journalist. After eight months of dating, John proposed on the beach in Florida. Both moved back to their native DC, where their families still reside, to begin their married lives together.
The bride's Christian Louboutin shoes set a glam tone.
THE CELEBRATION
“The three-night celebration began with a welcome party on a Mykonos in Athens rooftop venue overlooking the acropolis, Grecian rehearsal dinner with a night of Greek dancing—balancing cups on heads while dancing and more!” says Elina. The rehearsal showcased a light blue and gold color scheme, reflecting the couple’s Grecian Nights theme, while the wedding day boasted shades of blush, gold and white.
The reception, including a dance party, sparked fireworks.
After a Greek Orthodox ceremony—presided over by John’s father, a Greek Orthodox priest—and Persian sofreh, or wedding table, the couple and their guests embarked on a memorable celebration. Elina says her father’s speech at the reception was so touching everyone shed joyful tears. From there, the party began. “The dance party was amazing,” says Elina, who wore a Galia Lahav dress from her SOHO boutique. “The butterfly LED performers were also beautiful.”
The Twelve Events curated flowers for the big day.
“Your wedding goes by so fast. Plan your vision as much as you can. During your wedding, try to be as present as possible and live in every moment,” says Elina, who loved seeing her Persian culture come alive in Greece.
The Athens waterfront provided a gorgeous backdrop for pictures.
THE HONEYMOON
After a week in Greece, the couple spent eight fabulous days in Croatia, seeing Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik. An excursion to Portugal followed, with romantic, winefueled stops in Porto, the Douro Valley and Lisbon.
The tablescape reflected a blush and gold color scheme.
THE LIST
Wedding Planner The 12 Events, Laetitia Myrilla, [email protected]
Bride’s Gown Galia Lahav, galialahav.com
Bride’s Shoes Christian Louboutin, us.christianlouboutin.com
Bride’s Jewelry Ari Sinay New York, 323.402.1330
Bride’s Veil Galia Lahav, galialahav.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Hair: Maira Grypaiou, @maira_grypaiou; Makeup: Evagelia Tsolakou, @evagelia_tsolakou
Groom’s Tux Suit Supply, suitsupply.com
Rings Hers: Ari Sinay New York, 323.402.1330; His: Liljenquist & Beckstead, liljenquistandbeckstead.com
Catering Four Seasons, fourseasons.com
Videographer White on Black Studio, [email protected]
The bride and groom walked the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral with gardens in full bloom.
June 15, 2024
Washington National Cathedral & Willard Intercontinental
The bride and her bridesmaids at the Cathedral.
THE COUPLE
Katie Andersen and John Nault share the uncommon distinction of being native Washingtonians, having spent their childhoods in Northern Virginia, where they met and fell in love. The groom, a capital markets consultant, popped the question over Thanksgiving weekend in 2022 at North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The bride, a government and public sector manager at EY (and daughter of DC power couple Marc and Shaza Andersen), was shocked. The sunset proposal set the stage for a memorable weekend for the entire family.
The Washington National Catedral created the pefect backdrop for pictures of the big day.
THE CELEBRATION
A wedding at the Washington National Cathedral is one of those quintessentially DC moments, especially with gardens in full flower. “My favorite memory of the ceremony was my dad walking me down the aisle,” says Katie. The ceremony was led by Reverend Canon Jan Naylor Cope, a cherished family friend who has known Katie since birth.
The bride, groom and their guests partied at the lovely Willard Intercontinental.
The Willard Intercontinental served as the backdrop for an incredible and jubilant reception. In a sweet musical twist, John serenaded Katie with Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.” Late-night bites, confetti canons and a raucous Karaoke Club capped the unforgettable soiree.
The Willard Intercontinental's reburbished ballroom set the stage for the celebration.
THE HONEYMOON
After a whirlwind day with family and friends, the couple embarked on a honeymoon to Switzerland and Italy, where they experienced everything from much-needed R&R to paragliding in Interlaken. –MM
The bride wore a gorgeous Monique Lhuillier gown.
THE LIST
Bride’s Gowns Monique Lhuillier, moniquelhuillier.com; Pronovias/Vera Wang, verawang.com
Bride’s Shoes Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com
Bride’s Veil Carine’s Bridal, carinesbridal.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Tamar C, tamarcmakeup.com
Groom’s Tux Hive & Colony, hiveandcolony.com
Rings Hers: Mervis Diamond Importer, mervisdiamond.com; His: De Beers, debeers.com
Florist Open Blooms, openblooms.com
Band Free Spirit, freespiritband.com
Cake Willard Intercontinental
Photography by: Vangelis Beltzenitis; Marshall Arts
