The royal wedding of Theodora of Greece and Matthew Kumar He left us unique images in Athens, tributes, beautiful reunions and unrepeatable family momentsThe couple was in charge of personally choosing all the details of this marriage that they had been waiting for for so long (they had to postpone it up to three times). They wanted to finally have their dream celebration, but they also wanted to surprise the 250 guests, to whom they gave a gift full of symbolism as a souvenir of the big day.
© Nikolas Kominis / Studio KominisThe youngest daughter of Kings Constantine and Anna Maria She is very proud of her roots, and that was demonstrated doubly in their marriage. They chose Athens “as a reflection of their love for Greece, the strong ties they have with the country and their desire to share Greek culture, Greek hospitality and identity with their guests.” They further reinforced these ties through the detail with which they gave their families: a handcrafted piece that allows them to have a beautiful memory of the Hellenic country in their homes.
The couple gave each of the attendees a decorative piece designed by Daphne P. with the colors of the Greek flag: blue on the inside and white on the outside, with the monogram of Princess Theodora and Matthew, created on the occasion of their link. Each of these gifts has been handcrafted with a type of porcelain that imitates marble. This material was developed around 1845 by the manufacturer Staffordshire Mintons (the main one during the Victorian period) and owes its name to Paros, the Greek island famous for its white marble, used since ancient times for sculpture. The image of this area of ​​the country is one of the most common postcards.
The couple made this very personal commission to Yria Ceramics, a company created in 1977 by two young ceramists named Stelios Ghikas, a native of Paros, and Monique Mailloux, born and raised in New England. Since then they have produced tableware, vases, bowls, tiles, decorative fountains… Their designs are very different and for some of their collections they are inspired by preclassical and Byzantine models.
Three days of romantic celebrations
The main celebration took place on September 28 in the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Saint Mary, to which Theodora of Greece arrived on the arm of her older brother, Prince Paul, head of the Hellenic Royal House. I was radiant with a dress designed by Celia Kritharioti and two historical pieces previously worn by other members of the Royal Family: the Khedive de Cartier tiara and the veil of her maternal great-grandmother, Princess Margaret of Connaught. Among those attending were Queen SofÃa, the Infantas Elena and Cristina and three of the latter’s four children, Juan, Miguel and Irene Urdangarin.
© Nikolas Kominis / Studio KominisOn the eve of the big day, the couple received their loved ones in a pre-wedding dinner at the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens. Furthermore, as a finishing touch to a weekend of emotions, they organized a brunch at the One & Only Aesthesis hotel, on Glyfada beach. This spectacular resort located in a forest reserve, less than 20 kilometers from Athens and on the edge of the Aegean Sea, was also the scene of the wedding banquet, which lasted well into the night with music and fun.
