Greek Wedding at the Arizona Biltmore
Eleni and TJ were married at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, and celebrated with their friends and family at the iconic Arizona Biltmore. For Eleni, it was important that the wedding be full of love and a true Greek celebration of the bringing of these two families together.
Eleni and TJ live in Pittsburgh, so all of our planning was done long distance, except for when they came for their menu tasting and mock-up! The Arizona Biltmore was so wonderful in working with their limited availability due to their schedules. One of the perks of hosting your wedding at a venue of the caliber of the Bitlmore is their desire to be as accommodating as possible. Eleni was in the final stages of her PhD in Neuroscience, and TJ was in his Residency for Neurology, so it was important that our planning be efficient and work around their schedules.
Wedding Design
The Arizona Biltmore can be described as an iconic, glamorous, and historic resort known for its Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture and tailored amenities. It’s a place where luxury, history, and a bit of old Hollywood glamour come together. The resort’s design and atmosphere evoke a sense of timeless beauty and refinement, and that is exactly how we wanted to design their wedding day. Eleni envisioned a classic palette of green and white flowers with gold and cream accents. To bring a little modern Gatsby to the design, we incorporated a beautiful but subtle patterned linen to the tables. And of course, a lot of crystal candles to keep it romantic, light, and airy in feel.
The Wedding Day
On the day of their wedding, it was as perfect and beautiful a May afternoon as anyone could wish for, and every element was executed to perfection. Eleni got ready at her parents’ home with her Mom, Dad, Yiayia, Aunts, Uncles, and Bridesmaids. And then her brother drove her and her father in the family’s historic Rolls-Royce to the church. In true tradition, the bride and groom didn’t see each other until she was being escorted down the aisle by her father. And I love the beautiful smiles they have when she finally reaches him and he takes her hand.
After the wedding ceremony, all the guests were transported back to the Arizona Biltmore and enjoyed cocktail hour on the Front Lawn while the family and bridal party took photos. The reception was held in the historic Gold Room – named for its gold leaf ceiling – where the celebration lasted until midnight.
The evening was full of love, laughter and Greek dancing. And of course, the traditional Koufeta brought back from Greece. Eleni and TJ did a truly amazing job of focusing on the elements that were most important to them and leaning into those details. It was truly an honor to help bring their wedding day to life.
Vendor Team
Planning and Design: Shine Events | Photography: Mary Claire Photography | Floral: Lux | Makeup: Lillian Fogel | Hair: Hair by Emily Hughes | Day of Dresser: Risa Kostis | Rentals: Stradley Davidsom, BBJ La Tavola | Cake: A Bakeshop | Transportation: AZ Limo | Band: Synthezi
