Ancient Opulence: Celestial Inspired Wedding at the Athenian Manor Estate

When Mariam & Peter decided to get married in Greece, it was because of the need! They had to cancel all their original plans for their destination wedding in Lebanon. But, luckily all turned out for the best! They got to celebrate their Celestial Opulence-inspired Wedding at the Athenian Manor Estate with all their family and friends!

With the help of their wedding planner Cybelle of Kiveli Weddings, they moved the whole wedding party from Lebanon to Greece. And they got the wedding of their dreams even in the midst of all the hardship!

Bride’s advice for all the couples planning a wedding in Greece: “Choose a date with mild weather”! Now read on, to find out the story behind this real wedding the Athenian Manor Estate!

How They Met: The Lovestory

The journey of Mariam & Peter began back in 2022 when The Putros’ family visited the Gabbarah’s home for tea. Despite the initially awkward moment that followed at the Assyrian social family club in Ankawa, their connection quickly deepened. The next day, fate brought them together again at the Karlovy Vary Hotel, where a casual invitation for coffee led to an unforgettable pizza date. The following days were filled with sightseeing in Erbil and a memorable breakfast picnic in the park.

A month later, on Christmas, Peter formally asked Mariam to be his girlfriend, solidifying a bond that felt as if it had already been established. Their love story took a significant leap on March 25th, 2023, when Peter proposed during a breakfast hike on Safin Mountain.

From the Bride: The Planning Process

What truly helped us during the planning process was how quickly our planner could adapt to changes. It was very challenging for all of us (as a couple and for her), but her ability to recommend solutions, adjust to new circumstances, and maintain an organized timeline was invaluable. Despite the personal challenges we faced that often led to last-minute decisions, Cybelle was always on board and fully supportive.

Originally, the wedding was supposed to take place in Lebanon. However, due to the situation in the Middle East, we had to change the destination. Thankfully, Cybelle’s experience with weddings in Lebanon, Greece, and other destinations came into play. She recommended Greece, and it turned out to be the perfect choice!

In my line of work, we call it “risk management.” Risks aren’t just during times of conflict but can arise in simple situations, like last-minute changes or cancellations at a family gathering. I believe Cybelle’s years of experience have honed an incredible risk management approach. Her attention to detail and flawless execution perfectly matched our energy as a couple.

We can’t single out a favorite vendor because everyone exceeded expectations

However, the bond we built with the catering team and the venue owner stood out. They went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect, even exceeding what we hoped for. The catering team made sure to accommodate Middle Eastern tastes and took utmost care when preparing certain raw dishes. With guests from various backgrounds and ethnic groups, the menu included something for everyone.

The owner of Pyrgos was one of the most welcoming people I’ve ever met. During our venue visit, we had dinner with them, and on the wedding day, they made sure we were comfortable in the changing rooms. They even offered us exclusive use of the pool and venue the day after the wedding, but we already had other plans. We’ll definitely return for our anniversary to relive the beautiful memories of our special day.

For future couples planning a wedding in Greece, my advice is to choose a date with mild weather. We opted for August because it suited our family’s travel schedules, but the summer heat made things a bit uncomfortable for some guests.

All in all, Greece is a stunning country, but what made our experience truly unforgettable was our planner Cybelle. If you’ve ever watched the American TV show Friends, you’ll understand when I say Cybelle is Monica during Phoebe’s wedding! That’s why Pete and I call her “Cybonica” 💖

Thank you for everything, Cybelle. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to be by our side on our special day. You’re more than a planner to us—you’ve become a lifelong friend!

From Cybelle, the Wedding Planner of this Athenian Manor Estate Wedding

Wedding Colors

The primary color palette for the branding and decoration featured shades of burgundy, dark purple, olive green, and cream. Complementing these were secondary tones of nude, peach, white, and pink salt.

The Vision Behind Design and the Vibe of Athenian Manor Wedding

The design vision was a timeless and vintage aesthetic infused with history and elegance, set in a 17th-century castle on the Athens Riviera. The ceremony embraced minimal decor to highlight the ancient church. With elements inspired by Ancient Greece, including white pillars, porcelain vases, and dramatic floral arrangements with grapes and figs.

The cocktail hour featured vintage lounge areas, a grapevine-inspired seating chart, and personal touches like a “memory lane” with family wedding photos and a Polaroid guestbook. Incorporating the couple’s multicultural roots, a tea bar showcased Iraqi and English traditions. While the astronomy-inspired floor plan and regal table settings, with antique silverware, blush napkins, and porcelain statues—created a harmonious blend of heritage and sophistication.

Florals & Décor

For the wedding ceremony at the Athenian Manor Estate, we kept the decor minimal. To highlight the ancient church we used ghost chairs and understated aisle arrangements. Drawing inspiration from Ancient Greece, we added vintage fans for the ladies. On top, we adorned the space with white pillars, porcelain vases, statues, and vintage silverware. The pillars were complemented by dramatic floral arrangements with grapes and figs for a touch of opulence. Four esteemed Iraqi priests officiated the ceremony. Accompanied by a Lebanese choir that performed Arabic hymns, deeply moving everyone in attendance.

The cocktail hour featured vintage pearl and olive lounge areas for seating. For the seating chart, we designed a canopy inspired by grapevines, suspending clusters of grapes from draped fabric. To keep the theme throughout, our seating chart was also printed on white fabric. And to enhance the royal vintage aesthetic, we added white pillars, antique silverware, and statues.

Additionally, we created a “memory lane” corner with vintage frames showcasing wedding photos of the couple’s close family members. Nearby, a Polaroid station with a customized guestbook invited guests to leave heartfelt notes and photos for the couple. Guests all received their personalized newspapers, detailing the couple’s love story and wedding highlights. Finally, grape-style fairy lights draped from four trees surrounding the cocktail area created a magical and enchanting ambiance.

Honoring the Heritage

To honor the couple’s multicultural background—the bride’s Iraqi heritage and the groom’s British roots—we incorporated tea as a unifying element. A tea bar featured Iraqi tea displayed in elegant silver baskets. While English teacups, wrapped in white tulle and black ribbons, adorned the reception tables.

The floor plan was inspired by the bride’s astronomy-themed gown. The layout radiated like sun rays from the presidential table, with fairy lights extending outward in the same pattern. To further incorporate the astronomy theme, the couple chose eight meaningful quotes which were also printed on the tablecloths.

The table settings included opera flatware, and antique silver cutlery reminiscent of heirloom collections. As well as bell-shaped glassware, blush powder farfalle napkins, and placement cards featuring elegant calligraphy. Floral arrangements reflected a regal and classical aesthetic! Combining antique silverware, candle holders, and white porcelain statues to create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Ceremony and Music

The groom made his entrance alongside his parents as the choir sang “Hallelujah.” Followed by the bridesmaids, groomsmen, a ring bearer, and a flower girl entering to the same song. The bride, accompanied by her parents, walked down the aisle to the Arabic hymn “Nashid El Makhluokat.” For their exit, the couple chose the beautiful Arabic hymn “Kouli Ouhibbouka,” performed by the choir.

During the reception, the music was a vibrant fusion of Assyrian, Iraqi, Arabic, and English songs, celebrating the couple’s diverse cultures. The father-daughter dance was set to ABBA’s “Slipping Through My Fingers,” while the first dance as a couple was to “Where Do I Begin.” Adding a fun twist, they surprised their guests with a choreographed bachata performance to “Kiss Me” by Lola Jane. The cake cutting was accompanied by the uplifting “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay, creating a magical moment.

Food & Drink

For the food and drinks, we highlighted Greek and Mediterranean cuisine by partnering with a premium local Greek caterer with a stellar reputation since 1995. During the cocktail hour, we featured a grand ham and cheese table, paired with the couple’s signature drinks: a customized gin basil for her and an old-fashioned for him.

For dinner, we embraced the Mediterranean tradition of buffet-style dining, ensuring an abundance of flavors and variety. A nod to Iraqi culture, where food is both rich and plentiful, we incorporated interactive live stations, including salad bars featuring tabbouleh, a carving station, and hot mains like moussaka, fish fillet, grilled chicken, pork, and traditional Cretan lamb. To add an international flair, we included pasta, paella, risotto, and a salmon station.

Desserts were equally impressive, with a sprawling buffet showcasing an array of sweets, including the couple’s favorite: a live “churros con chocolate” station. For the late-night snack, a Greek “gyros station” stole the show and was a crowd favorite.

Drinks included a curated selection of fine Greek wines and beers, complemented by a bar catering service ready to craft custom cocktails for the guests. The combination of flavors, traditions, and interactive elements made for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Wedding Cake

For the wedding cake, we chose an elegant three-tier design with a smooth buttercream finish, keeping the aesthetic simple yet refined. Each tier was carefully adorned with a cascading arrangement of fresh grapes and figs, their rich tones adding a touch of natural beauty and tying in with the overall vintage and opulent decor. The subtle texture of the buttercream, combined with the rustic charm of the fruit decorations, created a harmonious blend of sophistication and organic allure, perfectly reflecting the timeless elegance of the day.

“For our wedding cake, we took inspiration from the traditional “Ziqqurratu Cake” which resembles the Mesopotamian temple towers. It was a classic cake for celebration during the Assyrian empire which featured grapes and figs as the main ingredient.”

Wedding Venue: The Athenian Manor Estate

The bride envisioned a timeless and vintage aesthetic with a sense of history, leading us to select a stunning 17th-century castle on the Athens Riviera as the venue. Pyrgos Melissourgou Manor Estate is one of Greece’s oldest and most historic private residences, impeccably preserved by the same family since 1836.

The Wedding Attire

Bridal Gown

Inspired by the galaxy, the bride’s gown symbolizes the interplay of the sun and the moon, embodying the phrase that resonates so deeply between Peter and her: “You are the sun to my moon.”

The heart of the design was the veil, an exquisite piece that felt almost like wearing a constellation. Bride’s cousin Ban, who is more than a sister, kindred spirit and creative muse sketched her veil. Ban brought their vision to life, weaving in their zodiac signs to align their stars within the design. Every detail shimmered with the timeless magic of the universe, from the delicate embroidery to the way the fabric moved like moonlight. Mariam was intentional in crafting the dress to be timeless. This wasn’t just for her wedding day, she wanted to save it for her daughter or granddaughter, so they could carry this piece of their love story with them into their own futures. “Wearing it felt like stepping into a dream, one shaped by love, family, and the infinite beauty of the cosmos.”

Bridesmaids Dresses

The bridesmaids’ dresses were thoughtfully selected from @dentelle_iq, a local business owned and managed by the bride’s cousin, proudly supporting and celebrating local talent. Many guests’ gowns, as well as the bride’s after-party dress, were also featured from this boutique.

“The bridesmaid dresses were designed to let my girls shine effortlessly. Simple yet elegant, they featured minimal embroidery with delicate butterflies. The color was chosen for its originality and thoughtfully matched the unique tones and beauty of each bridesmaid, ensuring they all looked beautiful.”

Grooms and Groomsman Attire

“The suits for our wedding were purchased from Moss Bros in London, England, a trusted establishment that has served families for generations. Their relationship with Moss Bros began with Peter and his brother’s first suits for their Holy Communion, more than 20 years ago, and has continued over the years for their family and friends alike.

For this special occasion, they received exceptional service from Lawrence, who personally attended to each one of them and the groomsmen, ensuring everyone, including both our fathers, looked their best. Their attention to detail and care made the experience truly memorable.”

Special Details of this Wedding at the Athenian Manor Estate

• One of our favorite details was how the wedding favors beautifully blended both cultures: raw Iraqi tea representing the bride’s heritage and elegant English tea cups symbolizing the groom’s roots. Together, they came to create a charming tea bar that celebrated their union.
• The table setup at this wedding at the Athenian Manor Estate was inspired by astronomy and the bride’s gown, designed to resemble sun rays radiating outward from the presidential table when viewed from above.
• The personalized quotes printed on each tablecloth were also inspired by astronomy, adding a meaningful touch to the decor.

Final Event Cost: 80-100k

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Get this look:

Planner & Designer: Kiveli Weddings
Photographer & Cinematographer: Jad Flayhan
Venue: Pyrgos Melissourgou
Catering: Olon Events
Rehearsal Dinner: Island Art and Taste
Bar catering: The moving spirits
Rentals: Tore Furniture Rentals
Tablecloths: XK Rental
Art de la table: White Lilac Rentals
Souvenirs: Gifthood curated gifts
Florist: Anthea Floral Studio
Choir: Elie Saad
Sound & light: Loud and Clear
DJ: DJ Nour
DJ: DJ Tony
Makeup: Xristina Makeup artist
Hair: Tasos Barsegian
Wedding dress: Merve Karaman Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses: Dentelle
Groom’s and men’s attire: Moss
Bridal Shoes and perfume: Dior
Bridal jewelry: Swarovski
Wedding rings: Cara Jewellers