Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Travel
  4. Destination Weddings
  5. An Outdoor Rustic Destination Wedding in Greece
Martha Stewart Weddings

An Outdoor Rustic Destination Wedding in Greece

Skip gallery slides
Pin

1 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nancy and Elias

nancy-elias1111rw-293.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Nancy Salumbides, the textile designer behind Rare Bird, and Elias Manousos, the founder of a security technology company, met on a boat in the San Francisco Bay. About 10 years later, they decided to wed. On June 25, 2011, they journeyed far from their home in the city by the bay to Chania, a small town on the island of Crete, Greece, to get married.

Taking a cue from the groom's Greek-American heritage, the destination wedding infused Old World traditions, historic surroundings, and a fresh color palette that took its cues from the setting.

1 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Invitation

nancy-elias1111rw-304.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day created the letterpressed stationery suite. It was painted in a range of soft pastel watercolors and mailed in envelopes calligraphed by Emilie Friday.

2 of 23

3 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Extra Details

nancy-elias1111rw-306.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

The suite also included a booklet with a map and travel and lodging information. The couple's initials and wedding date were letterpressed on the front. A quote by Robert Browning, "Grow old with me, the best is yet to be," graced the back.

3 of 23

Advertisement

4 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Welcome Bag

nancy-elias1111rw-020.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Totes silk-screened with a design created by the bride were stuffed with programs and local treats (Cretan herbs, Greek chocolates, and pumice stones). The female guests also received handwoven white-and-blue-striped summer shawls.

4 of 23

5 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Location

nancy-elias1111rw-119.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

The couple visited the island the year before and knew it was the place to wed. "Crete offered everything," Nancy says. "Its rich history, beautiful beaches, and lush setting were ideal. And Chania was the perfect merging of village life and modern-day living." Plus, the island boasts an international airport, which made travel easier for guests.

They chose to say "I do" in Mitropoli Church, an Orthodox cathedral in the historic town.

5 of 23

6 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Fashions

nancy-elias1111rw-278.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Nancy paired her Amsale gown with Alexandra Neel shoes. She wore earrings from her maternal grandmother -- they had been passed down through the generations.

Elias donned a Gucci tuxedo.

6 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bouquet

nancy-elias1111rw-296.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Peonies, olive branch, dendrobium orchids, pincushion dahlias, lisianthus, and dusty miller made up Nancy's bouquet.

7 of 23

8 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Arrival

nancy-elias1111rw-152.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

The groom and 80 guests waited outside the church until the bride and her family arrived. Escorted by her parents, Nancy crossed the courtyard to where Elias stood waiting for her. They entered the church together, followed by everyone else.

8 of 23

9 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony

nancy-elias1111rw-180.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

The Greek ceremony included a number of important rites, such as the "stefana" (crowning). "The recitations of our priest, his cadence, and the language were musical and magical," Nancy recalls.

9 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception Venue

nancy-elias1111rw-056.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

The cocktail hour and reception were held at Metohi Kindelis, a centuries-old estate that formerly housed an olive oil factory. It was a stunning backdrop for the celebration.

10 of 23

11 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Warm Welcome

nancy-elias1111rw-233.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

When the newlyweds arrived at the reception, guests tossed rice to greet them.

11 of 23

12 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Photo Display

nancy-elias1111rw-300.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Photos affixed to mat board were displayed during the reception.

12 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Portraits

nancy-elias1111rw-294.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Chloe Browne, of Caught the Light, photographed the couple on the grounds of the villa right before sunset.

13 of 23

14 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Escort Cards

nancy-elias1111rw-311.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Boxes from Bella Terra were filled with the traditional wedding favor of "koufeta" (known as Jordan almonds around the world) and doubled as escort cards. Guests' names and table numbers were written by Nancy's mom onto labels from Bell'occhio.

14 of 23

15 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Photo Booth

nancy-elias1111rw-010.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Strung ribbons created a backdrop so guests could take portraits. Here, Nancy's friend (and makeup artist for the day) Robyn Ayers-Lee and her husband, Maurice Ayers-Lee.

15 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Local Sparks

nancy-elias1111rw-225.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Matchboxes foil-stamped with the wedding date and "Opa!" were ordered from ForYourParty.

16 of 23

17 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Menu

nancy-elias1111rw-329.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

A watercolor dinner menu showcased the local fare prepared by Tzedakis.

Bianca Mascorro of Little Miss Press calligraphed the place cards.

17 of 23

18 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception

nancy-elias1111rw-313.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

The decor was simple: Tables were topped with taper candles in brass candlesticks and small arrangements of large, blooming peonies. A traditional Cretan band played during dinner.

18 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Special Touch

nancy-elias1111rw-314.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Swags and small floral arrangements adorned the backs of the bride and groom's chairs.

19 of 23

20 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Cozy Moment

nancy-elias1111rw-287.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Handwoven blankets and pillows designed by the bride brightened up a nook near the dance floor.

20 of 23

21 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception

nancy-elias1111rw-383.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

The last course, served alfresco, was a traditional Greek dessert table of fresh fruit and "kataifi" and "galaktoboureko" pastries.

21 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

First Dance

nancy-elias1111rw-472.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Mr. and Mrs. Manousos danced to "Sea of Love" by Cat Power.

22 of 23

23 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

nancy-elias1111rw-293.jpg
Credit: Chloé Browne of Caught the Light

Photography: Chloe Brown of Caught the Light

Wedding Planning: Sara Pavlatou of SP Weddings

Stationery: Oh Happy Day

Hair: Janice Arnold of Elevation Salon

Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: Conroy & Wilcox

Florist: Andreadakis Andreas

Entertainment and Lighting: Sound Design

23 of 23

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    • The 20 Best Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer
    • Ariana Grande Inspired These Grooms' Black-Tie Wedding in the Pacific Palisades
    • 10 Items You Need to Pack in Your Wedding Dress Emergency Kit
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 23 Nancy and Elias
    2 of 23 The Invitation
    3 of 23 Extra Details
    4 of 23 The Welcome Bag
    5 of 23 The Location
    6 of 23 The Fashions
    7 of 23 The Bouquet
    8 of 23 The Arrival
    9 of 23 The Ceremony
    10 of 23 The Reception Venue
    11 of 23 A Warm Welcome
    12 of 23 Photo Display
    13 of 23 Portraits
    14 of 23 Escort Cards
    15 of 23 The Photo Booth
    16 of 23 Local Sparks
    17 of 23 The Menu
    18 of 23 The Reception
    19 of 23 A Special Touch
    20 of 23 A Cozy Moment
    21 of 23 The Reception
    22 of 23 First Dance
    23 of 23 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    An Outdoor Rustic Destination Wedding in Greece
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.