REAL WEDDINGS
Ilias & Mikaela - An elegant summer wedding at Kourtesis Estate in Andros
For Ilias and Mikaela, Andros was always home, the place of their heritage! Not simply a beautiful island on which to celebrate their wedding but the island of their families and their own childhood summers and memories. Most importantly, it was where their paths crossed, the place where their own story began. Their wedding brought everything they love about Andros together: a white-washed island chapel standing above the sea, vibrant bougainvillaea, family and friends arriving from near and far. It was also a wedding celebration at the Kourtesis Wine Estate, overlooking the landscape and the beautiful Chora of Andros.
“I had dreamed of getting married on this island since I was a little girl. I honestly could never have imagined just how magical the day would turn out to be,” Mikaela shares.
Bougainvillea, Greek Island Colour & Summer Spirit
As someone who grew up surrounded by island life, Mikaela knew that the bougainvillea had to be part of the wedding. Its vivid colour captured exactly the spirit of the summer atmosphere she and Ilias wanted to create.
The couple chose a joyful, spirited approach to the styling, filled with colour and a distinctly Greek island feel. Soft olive tones appeared on the invitations and wedding favours, balancing the brighter florals and complementing the natural surroundings.
Their vision was not about following a particular theme. It was about creating a celebration that felt personal, relaxed and full of life — and welcoming the people closest to them to the island that means so much to them both.
“More than anything, we wanted to have an incredible day and welcome everyone we love to the place we love most. I think, in the end, that was the most beautiful part of our wedding.”
A Celebration at Kourtesis Wine Estate
With a breathtaking setting and sweeping views towards Chora, Kourtesis Wine Estate was the choice for a spectacular backdrop for the couple’s reception. Its stone terraces, the distinctive island character and open views across Andros were the characteristics they loved and which created this irresistible setting for their wedding.
For Mikaela and Ilias, however, the experience went beyond the beauty of the estate.
“Kourtesis Wine Estate was the ideal choice for us. The incredible view towards Chora and the character of the estate created such a beautiful setting for our day. So many of our guests commented on how wonderful everything looked, with the decoration, lighting and surroundings coming together perfectly.”
She also remembers the warmth of the team behind the estate: “Everyone was kind and so helpful throughout, making sure everything ran smoothly so that we could simply enjoy our day without any stress.”
Emotion, Laughter & Dancing Until Sunrise
Family played a wonderful part in the celebration, and one of the most memorable moments came during the speech by Mikaela’s father. His words managed to have everyone laughing and emotional at exactly the same time.
He even made a special dedication to Mikaela’s mother — much to her embarrassment and her daughter’s amusement.
The speech made such an impression on Ilias that, during their first dance immediately afterwards, he turned to his new wife and said: “Your dad completely destroyed me!”
Then came the party. As soon as Alexandros started the music, the celebration took on a life of its own. Dancing, laughter and the spontaneous energy of their guests continued until six in the morning — exactly the kind of summer wedding celebration Mikaela and Ilias had hoped for.
Capturing the Day with NIAN Photography
Photographer Nikos Anagnostopoulos of NIAN Photography captured the celebration with a relaxed and discreet approach that immediately put the couple completely at ease.
“I really don’t have enough words for Nikos and his work. We connected from our very first conversation. On the wedding day, both he and his associate made us feel relaxed, and somehow always in exactly the right place at the right moment.”
The result was a collection of photographs filled with genuine emotion, spontaneity — from the quieter moments between the couple to the laughter, dancing and energy of the celebration.
For Ilias and Mikaela, their wedding ultimately became much more than the beautiful summer day they had imagined. It was a celebration of their story in the place where that story began — surrounded by family, friends, the landscape of Andros and the sweeping island views of Kourtesis Wine Estate.
Wedding Planner: Maria Maroulidou In Eventive Wedding Photographer: Nian Phototography Reception Venue: Kourtesis Wine Estate Church: Agia Fotini (Stenies ) Bridal Gown: Anna Anemomylou Groom’s Attire: Vardas Floral Decoration : Studio 7 Makeup & Hair: Ioannis Zozoulas Catering: Art Catering Bar Catering: Moving Spirits Music / DJ : Alexandros Mitrakis