Mother of: Michael
Venue: Mediterranean Hotels, Pieria, Greece
Vibe: Mediterranean formal
Dress: Rina di Montello from Alexandra’s Boutique
Both Michael and Anna grew up in the suburbs of Boston, but they chose a destination wedding in Greece, where Anna’s parents were raised. The ceremony took place in the picturesque city of Katerini on the northern coastline, in the very church where Anna’s paternal grandparents were married. The celebration continued at the Mediterranean Hotel on the beach, where all the guests stayed.
“It was a beautiful blend of hometown charm and destination elegance,” says mother of the groom Julie.
So what does the mother of the groom wear to a Greek destination wedding?
“Anna’s only request was to incorporate colors that would reflect the spirit and essence of Greece,” says Julie, who gathered some friends and made an appointment at Alexandra’s Boutique in Fall River, Massachusetts. It was the same shop where Anna found her bridal gown. “That made the visit even more special,” Julie says. “The staff created such a fun and welcoming atmosphere, and having a couple of friends with me made it even better—they offered great perspectives and helped me feel confident in my choices.”
Julie selected a one shoulder Rina di Montella gown the color of the sea with textured lavender and gold metallic florals decorating the organza jacquard, and a side ruffle.
“I loved the unique pattern and vibrant color,” Julie says.
Pro tip: Julie worked with a tailor who sewed shapewear into the bodice. “That made a noticeable difference in the fit and overall look of the dress,” she says.
Packing for an international destination wedding can be a bit nerve wracking. “My best advice," says Julie, "is to walk through each outfit you plan to wear and create a checklist as you go—this way, even the smallest details won’t be overlooked.”
The wedding kicked off with the Greek tradition that has the bride and her family dance through the streets with musicians, leading to the church. Meanwhile, the groom and his family wait on the church steps to greet her arrival. The groom holds the bride’s bouquet to hand to her when she arrives. “It was such a special and meaningful tradition to witness—and to be part of,” Julie says.
It’s natural, of course, for all eyes to be on the bride as she makes her entrance and walks down the aisle. But as the mother of the groom, Julie says the best advice she received was to keep her gaze fixed on her son. “It truly was the best moment to see the reaction on his face of just joy and the deep emotion he was feeling.”
| Photography by Eather Wedding Photographers