THE COUPLE Estelle Pappas and Kosta Nicolozakes first met on the Red Line platform and connected over their involvement in the youth ministries for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and their passion for the city’s food scene. Two years later, Kosta pulled off a romantic surprise proposal in a cave at Napa’s Fairwinds Estate Winery.
THE DETAILS Following a traditional Greek ceremony at the bride’s childhood church, the newlyweds hosted an outdoor reception inspired by a European castle for 220 guests. A palette of white, green and soft pink blended with the natural setting, and gold accents added to the grandeur.
THE PARTY“It was the precipice of the summer solstice, so we capitalized on the extra hours of sun and let light magically change the vibe of the evening,” Estelle says. “As the sun and lighting changed, so did the guest experience.” The party began on the golf course with a fresh seafood tower and cocktails, and transitioned to a banquet on the venue’s terrace. Later, twinkle lights flickered on as guests danced under the stars and, for the grand finale, the sky lit up with fireworks.
The goal of their European-inspired decor was to “magically transport guests into a storybook experience."
There were two sweets tables, one with treats from Altissima and the other full of Greek pastries made by family members.
The happy newlyweds.
The invitation suite featured a classic two-letter monogram and beveled gilt edges.
Monogrammed boxes at each place setting contained Greek koufeta (sugar-coated almonds).
THE LIST
Wedding Planner Arin Busch, Big City Bride, bigcitybride.com
Bride’s Gown Pronovias, LBR Bridal, lbrbridal.com
Bride’s Jewelry Custom, Ed Schmelzle & Sons Bride’s Veil Ms Couture, mscouture.net
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Beaute Luxe, beauteluxesalon.com
Groom’s Tux Calvin Klein, Men’s Wearhouse, menswearhouse.com
Rings Schiffman’s Jewelers, Pittsburgh, Penn.
Florals Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, phillips-flowers.com
Invitations Smitten Boutique, smittenboutique.com
Rentals Remarkable Events, instragram.com/rmarkable_events
Cake Bittersweet Pastry Shop, bittersweetpastry.com
Sweets Altissima, altissimacake.com
Entertainment The Chris Sarlas Orchestra, Sarlas Music, sarlasmusic.com
Transportation CelebLux Limos, celebluxlimos.com
Fireworks Melrose Pyrotechnics, melrosepyro.com
Videographer Isle Media, islemedia.com
Photographer Averyhouse, averyhouse.net
Photography by:
