An Iraqi and British Destination Wedding in Athens Riviera
On August 4th, 2024, an unforgettable celebration unfolded on the sun-kissed shores of the Athens Riviera, where an Iraqi-British couple said “I do” in a romantic wedding that beautifully blended the elegance of modern love with the charm of ancient Greece. Set against the backdrop of a 17th-century castle, the celebration was a seamless fusion of timeless tradition and contemporary design, inspired by the rich heritage of both modern and classical Greece. From the picturesque setting to the thoughtful details, every element of this wedding reflected the couple’s unique story and love for meaningful, beautiful moments.
The Love Story
The journey of Mariam & Peter began on November 6th, 2022, when the Putros’ family visited the Gabbarah’s home for tea. Despite an initially awkward moment that followed at the Assyrian social family club in Ankawa, their connection quickly deepened. The next day, fate brought them together again at the Karlovy Vary Hotel, where a casual invitation for coffee led to an unforgettable pizza date. The days that followed were filled with sightseeing in Erbil and a memorable breakfast picnic in the park. On Christmas, Peter formally asked Mariam to be his girlfriend, solidifying a bond that felt as if it had already been established. Their love story took a significant leap on March 25th,2023, when Peter proposed during a breakfast hike on Safin Mountain.
Planning process (bride’s words):
"What truly helped us during the planning process was how quickly our planner could adapt to changes. It was very challenging for all of us (as a couple and for her), but her ability to recommend solutions, adjust to new circumstances, and maintain an organized timeline was invaluable. Despite the personal challenges we faced that often led to last-minute decisions, Cybelle was always on board and fully supportive."
"Originally, the wedding was supposed to take place in Lebanon. However, due to the situation in the Middle East, we had to change the destination. Thankfully, Cybelle’s experience with weddings in Lebanon, Greece, and other destinations came into play. She recommended Greece, and it turned out to be the perfect choice!"
"In my line of work, we refer to it as “risk management.” Risks aren’t just during times of conflict but can arise in simple situations, like last-minute changes or cancellations at a family gathering. I believe Cybelle’s years of experience have honed an incredible risk management approach. Her attention to detail and flawless execution perfectly matched our energy as a couple."
"We can’t single out a favorite vendor because everyone exceeded expectations. However, the bond we built with the catering team and the venue owner stood out. They went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect, even exceeding what we hoped for. The catering team made sure to accommodate Middle Eastern tastes—certain raw dishes that are uncommon in our kitchens were prepared with care. With guests from various backgrounds and ethnic groups, the menu included something for everyone."
"For future couples planning a wedding in Greece, my advice is to choose a date with mild weather. We opted for August because it suited our family’s travel schedules, but the summer heat made things a bit uncomfortable for some guests."
"All in all, Greece is a stunning country, but what made our experience truly unforgettable was Cybelle. If you’ve ever watched the American TV show Friends, you’ll understand when I say Cybelle is Monica during Phoebe’s wedding! That’s why Pete and I call her Cybonica."
"Thank you for everything, Cybelle. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to be by our side on our special day. You’re more than a planner to us—you’ve become a lifelong friend."
- Planner & Designer: Kiveli Weddings
- Venue: Pyrgos Melissourgou
- Photographer & Cinematographer: Jad Flayhan Destination Wedding Photographer
- Catering: Olon Odos Kassandras
- Bar: The Moving Spirits
- Rentals: Tore Event Furniture Rentals
- Tablecloths: XK Rental
- Art de la table: White Lilac Rentals
- Souvenirs: Gifthood Curated Gifts
- Florist: Anthea Floral Design
- Choir: Elie Saad
- Sound & Light: Loud and Clear
- DJ: DJ Ton, DJ Nour
- Wedding Dress: Merve Karaman Bridal
- Makeup: Xristina Makeup
- Hair: Tasos Barsegian
- Bridal Shoes and Perfume: Dior
- Bridal Jewelry: Swarovski
- Wedding Rings: Cara Jewellers
- Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Moss
Design, Vibe, and Vision:
The design vision was a timeless and vintage aesthetic infused with history and elegance, set in a 17th-century castle on the Athens Riviera. The ceremony embraced minimal decor to highlight the ancient church, with elements inspired by Ancient Greece, including white pillars, porcelain vases, and dramatic floral arrangements with grapes and figs.
Check out: Top Wedding Venues in Athens
The cocktail hour featured vintage lounge areas, a grapevine-inspired seating chart, and personal touches like a "memory lane" with family wedding photos and a Polaroid guestbook. Incorporating the couple’s multicultural roots, a tea bar showcased Iraqi and English traditions, while the astronomy-inspired floor plan and regal table settings—with antique silverware, blush napkins, and porcelain statues—created a harmonious blend of heritage and sophistication.
Wedding colors:
The primary color palette for the branding and decoration featured shades of burgundy, dark purple, olive green, and cream. Complementing these were secondary tones of nude, peach, white, and pink salt.
Wedding Gown:
Inspired by the galaxy, the bride's gown symbolized the interplay of the sun and the moon, embodying the phrase that resonates so deeply between Peter and her: "You are the sun to my moon."
The heart of the design was the veil, an exquisite piece that felt almost like wearing a constellation. It was sketched by her cousin Ban, who is more than a sister to her; she’s her kindred spirit and creative muse. Ban brought their vision to life, weaving in their zodiac signs to align their stars within the design. Every detail shimmered with the timeless magic of the universe, from the delicate embroidery to the way the fabric moved like moonlight.
Mariam was intentional in crafting the dress to be timeless. This wasn't just for her wedding day; she wanted to save it for her daughter or granddaughter, so they can carry this piece of their love story with them into their futures. "Wearing it felt like stepping into a dream, one shaped by love, family, and the infinite beauty of the cosmos."
Wedding Party Looks:
Bridesmaids Dresses:
"The bridesmaid dresses were designed to let my girls shine effortlessly. Simple yet elegant, they featured minimal embroidery with delicate butterflies. The color was chosen for its originality and thoughtfully matched the unique tones and beauty of each bridesmaid, ensuring they all looked beautiful."
Groomsmen Attire:
"The suits for our wedding were purchased from Moss Bros in London, England, a trusted establishment that has served families for generations. Their relationship with Moss Bros began with Peter and his brother's first suits for their Holy Communion, more than 20 years ago, and has continued over the years for their family and friends alike.
For this special occasion, they received exceptional service from Lawrence, who personally attended to each one of them and the groomsmen, ensuring everyone, including both our fathers, looked their best.
Their attention to detail and care made the experience truly memorable."
Food, Drink, and Cake:
"For the wedding cake, we chose an elegant three-tier design with a smooth buttercream finish, keeping the aesthetic simple yet refined. Each tier was carefully adorned with a cascading arrangement of fresh grapes and figs, their rich tones adding a touch of natural beauty and tying in with the overall vintage and opulent decor. The subtle texture of the buttercream, combined with the rustic charm of the fruit decorations, created a harmonious blend of sophistication and organic allure, perfectly reflecting the timeless elegance of the day."
"For the food and drinks, we highlighted Greek and Mediterranean cuisine by partnering with a premium local Greek caterer with a stellar reputation since 1995. During the cocktail hour, we featured a grand ham and cheese table, paired with the couple’s signature drinks: a customized gin basil for her and an old-fashioned for him."
"For dinner, we embraced the Mediterranean tradition of buffet-style dining, ensuring an abundance of flavors and variety. A nod to Iraqi culture, where food is both rich and plentiful, we incorporated interactive live stations, including salad bars featuring tabbouleh, a carving station, and hot mains like moussaka, fish fillet, grilled chicken, pork, and traditional Cretan lamb. To add an international flair, we included pasta, paella, risotto, and a salmon station."
Desserts were equally impressive, with a sprawling buffet showcasing an array of sweets, including the couple’s favorite: a live churros con chocolate station. For the late-night snack, a Greek gyros station stole the show and was a crowd favorite.
Drinks included a curated selection of fine Greek wines and beers, complemented by a bar catering service ready to craft custom cocktails for the guests. The combination of flavors, traditions, and interactive elements made for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ceremony & Music:
The groom made his entrance alongside his parents as the choir sang "Hallelujah," followed by the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer, and flower girl entering to the same song.
The bride, accompanied by her parents, walked down the aisle to the Arabic hymn "Nashid El Makhluokat." For their exit, the couple chose the beautiful Arabic hymn "Kouli Ouhibbouka," performed by the choir.
During the reception, the music was a vibrant fusion of Assyrian, Iraqi, Arabic, and English songs, celebrating the couple’s diverse cultures.
The father-daughter dance was set to ABBA's "Slipping Through My Fingers," while the first dance as a couple was to "Where Do I Begin."
Adding a fun twist, they surprised their guests with a choreographed bachata performance to "Kiss Me" by Lola Jane.
The cake cutting was accompanied by the uplifting "Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay, creating a magical moment.
Special Details:
- One of our favorite details was how the wedding favors beautifully blended both cultures: raw Iraqi tea representing the bride’s heritage and elegant English tea cups symbolizing the groom’s roots. Together, they came together to create a charming tea bar that celebrated their union.
- The table setup was inspired by astronomy and the bride's gown, designed to resemble sun rays radiating outward from the presidential table when viewed from above.
- The personalized quotes printed on each tablecloth were also inspired by astronomy, adding a meaningful touch to the decor.
