Real Richmond Wedding | Stella and Jake in Richmond, Virginia

Stella & Jake
June 5, 2021

Stella and Jake have been through everything, from acquaintances in middle school to close friends in high school, to sweethearts in college. While Covid was shutting down the world, Jake asked for Stella to spend forever with him with a custom ring that he designed! “We got out of sweats for the first time in months,” as Stella describes “for a delicious meal of homemade fried chicken and wine, which ended up being the perfect proposal.”

The pair said their I do’s on a hot summer day in June at her parents’ home. Guests were shuttled in and greeted with a welcome drink from the “Defender Bar”. The cocktail hour was poolside before and after the ceremony and included a few food stations with oysters, a whole roasted pig, and a few other snacks! “Rei Alvarez from Bio Ritmo did an all-Greek vinyl set during cocktail hour and also the ceremony which was incredible.”

Of course, the food was one of the many focal points of their special day since Stella’s parents own many restaurants. “The Executive Chef at Stella’s Grocery, Loretta Montano, consulted with Mosaic to create our family style menu.”

The couple recalls, “We really wanted to transform the tent for the reception. I think we pulled it off thanks to Michael from Mosaic! Dinner and dancing below the tropical plant ceiling (designed by Flowers Make Scents) and disco balls were magical.”

Stella’s ‘something borrowed’ was in her gown. She worked with a designer to incorporate fabric from her mother’s gown into her own! This was the best unique touch.

After a few traditional Greek dances, the party got STARTED! Guests munched on late-night pizza and even jumped into the pool! Between the amazing food, music, and watching everybody have a good time, this was the perfect evening for Stella and Jake!

 

 

Further Credits

Photography: Zeph Colombatto | Ceremony/Reception Site: Private Residence |  Rehearsal Dinner: Little Nickel | Videography: Altamira Weddings | Officiant: Michael Conte | Music: Rei Alvarez, Bio Ritmo | Gown/Veil: Custom designed by Fariba Bridal | Shoes: The Attico, Jimmy Choo | Accessories: Vintage Hairpiece and Cufflinks from Halycon Vintage | Hair/Makeup: Ken Langston from Jak Salon | Jeweler: Lustre by Adolf, Nine Roses | Formalwear: Tom James Company | Stationery: Designed by Stella’s brother, Constantine Giavos, printed by Paper Plus | Calligraphy: Mary Sue Sanderlin | Bouquet and Ceremony Flowers: Poppy and Birch | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals of Virginia | Restroom Trailers: Edmunds Waste Removal | DJ: Reid Waters  | Food Truck: FiftyOne Pizza | Cake: Fat Rabbit | Greek Sweets: Grandmother Stella Dikos | Favors: Na Nin Studio | Transportation: RVA TukTuk

*All information provided by the featured couple. Richmond Weddings™ is not responsible for discovering and adding vendors who were not on the completed submission form.*