fbpx

Messinia & Bill’s Greek Orthodox Wedding

Concorde Banquets wedding rachael schirano

Messinia and Bill got married at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Palatine and held a reception at Concorde Banquets in Kildeer. It was such a beautiful and elegant orthodox Greek wedding and I loved being Messinia and Bill’s wedding photographer.

Bill And Messinia’s Aruba Beach Proposal

After finding each other on Bumble and deciding to meet up at a concert, Messinia and Bill didn’t really get a chance to know each other… since Bill was playing guitar on stage most of the night! But Bill felt Messinia was so ‘nice’, while Messinia felt Bill was cute and had a bad boy’s charm.

For Messinia and Bill, it was love at first sight. It was also ironic because they both were against dating fellow Greeks, but in the end, their values and upbringing aligned. Later, on a trip to Aruba with another couple, Bill proposed marriage to Messinia on the beach. Messinia told me it was the most perfect, romantic moment she’d ever experienced. Bill set up the dinner on the beach. It was decorated like a honeymoon or anniversary theme with hearts and red ribbons. The proposal was live on Instagram so Messinia’s nieces got to see it. It was so touching and all of the people eating around Messinia and Bill were cheering and clapping after it happened.

Concorde Banquets Wedding Photography

Messinia and Bill’s was an orthodox greek wedding. It was traditional, classic, and romantic. I loved it so much. From capturing Messinia and Bill while they got ready to their first look, to their ceremony to the amazing reception, this wedding was so wonderful.

Messinia wore a beautiful lacey white gown. In her late father’s remembrance, she added a heart cut out of his favorite Hawaiin shirt to the inside of her gown. She felt it would be a great way to keep him by her side on her big day. The train to her gown was gorgeous. Her hair suited her well and her jewelry was pretty just like her. Bill was dapper in his black suit with a white shirt underneath. He completed his look with a black bowtie and black shoes. His haircut made him look all the more handsome.

Wow! I just loved the choice of location Messinia and Bill had for their first look. They had their first look at the Metra Station in Palatine. It was such a unique location and the photographs came out amazing. Next, I captured this adorable couple with their bridesmaids and groomsmen. The ceremony at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church followed. It was a traditional greek orthodox wedding where Messinia and Bill wore Stefana crowns, lighted candles, and had a ceremonial walk among guests.

The reception at Concorde Banquets was an elegant affair. The florals and tableware were great. The evening was all about speeches, dances, happiness, and laughter. I got some great photographs of Messinia an Bill’s intimate first dance. They looked fabulous together. The guests had fun with traditional Greek dancing after dinner with a live band.

Messinia and Bill, thank you so much for making me your wedding photographer and giving me the opportunity to capture all these beautiful moments of your life. Cheers you two!

Featured Illinois Vendors

Florist: Flowers by KH
Stationary: Minted
Decor: DIY
Rentals: Concorde Banquets, Kildeer, IL
Caterer: Concorde Banquets, Kildeer, IL
Band/DJ Band: The Hellenic 5
DJ: Charizma Entertainment
Makeup Artist: Antonette White Airbrush Makeup and Hair Artistry
Hair Artist: Antonette White Airbrush Makeup and Hair Artistry
Wedding Rings: James Allen
Bridal Dress Designer: Essense of Australia
Bridal Dress Boutique: Diana’s Bridal, Skokie, IL
Jewelry: Etsy, Swarovski
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridal Headpiece or Veil: Diana’s Bridal, Skokie, IL
Bridal Other: Heart in Dress is from late Father’s shirt
Groom Suit Boutique/Store: Emanuele Tuxedo, Morton Grove, IL
Groom Accessories: Custom “The Office” Socks
Bridesmaids Dresses: Sorella Vita, Diana’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Accessories: Olive & Piper https://www.oliveandpiper.com/
Groomsmen Suits: Emanuele Tuxedo, Morton Grove, IL
Groomsmen Accessories: Custom “The Office” Socks
Flower Girl: JCrew
Getting Ready Location: Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Deer Park, Deer Park, IL
Ceremony Venue: St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, Palatine, IL
Reception Venue: Concorde Banquets, Kildeer, IL


Weddings

telling stories with genuine grace and artful simplicity

Explore the Journal

weddings

engagements

Collective

I.

II.

III.

i want to turn your moments into memories.

Whether it’s the conversation that lingers in your eyes, a happy tear cascading over a cheek, or two foreheads pressed together in unspoken affection...

Let’s tell your love story the way you always imagined it being told.