A Mediterranean-Inspired Wedding in Jacksonville, Florida

November 06, 2013

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All Hands On Deck

Bryan Gardner

The bride invited 10 friends to an “assembly party” to help her put together the invitations, a collaboration between Regas, her sister’s letterpress company, and Paperfinger, which provided the calligraphy.

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All-Inclusive Wedding Party

Tory Williams

Allison recruited 14 bridesmaids—“I know that’s absurd, but honestly, I wanted more!” and asked each attendant to wear a neutral or blush-colored gown of her choice from Thread. To set apart her sisters, as well as Tyler’s, she had dresses made for them from fabric that incorporated a subtle metallic pattern. Art school friends of Allison’s made her two dresses: a wispy, sleeved overlay that she later shed to reveal a sleek, strapless gown underneath.

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The Bridal Bouquet

Tory Williams

Created by Cypress, Allison carried a clutch featuring Duchesse de Nemours peonies, David Austin "Juliet" roses, french parrot tulips, white ranunculus, Queen Anne's lace, white lysimachia, and scabiosa pods.

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A Bridesmaid's Posy

Tory Williams

The bridesmaid's bouquets by Cypress blended soft peach spray roses with Monte Casino asters, Queen Anne's Lace, white lysimachia and scabiosa pods.

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Greek Life

Tory Williams

The newlyweds entered the reception under an arch of sabers, according to military custom, on the grounds of a water—front former mansion. “The summer we spent on Crete guided our vision,” says Allison of the mediterranean-style fête. “We wanted it to feel like we were at a Greek taverna, under the stars and by the sea—that kind of simple elegance.”

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A Personalized Logo

Tory Williams

The couple stamped welcome bags with a high-flying logo: their initials flanked by wings, a nod to both Tyler’s profession and the Dave Matthews Band song “Loving Wings,” which a friend serenaded them with at the reception.

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Going To the Chapel

Tory Williams

The ceremony was held at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in the pair’s hometown of Jacksonville. Three officiants presided, one of which baptized the bride as a baby.

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Meaningful Traditions

Tory Williams

During the traditional “Dance of Isaiah,” the couple clasped hands and circled the altar three times while wearing crowns linked by a silk ribbon. “Allison’s dad told me it’s not official until the third lap,” Tyler says. “So I focused on that moment. It’s when I really felt married.”

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High-Flying Theme

Bryan Gardner

Partygoers found their names on paper airplanes from Regas that unfolded to reveal their table numbers.

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Cocktail Hour

Tory Williams

There was a full bar on offer, but bartenders circulated with Dark and Stormies (Tyler’s favorite drink), and jalapeño margaritas (Allison’s pick in honor of their wedding date—cinco de mayo!).

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Signature Steins

Tory Williams

Embossed with the wedding date and location and the couple’s monogram and winged logo, these custom mugs were part of the groomsmen’s gift. It’s traditional for each member of a flying squadron to have a stein with his name on it; Tyler created these for his groomsmen and had nicknames printed on the back. For Allison’s dad he chose “patera”—“father” in Greek.

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Bride-Designed Table Numbers

Tory Williams

The table numbers were designed by Allison and produced by Regas.

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Small Bites Before Dinner

Tory Williams

Greek salad, wine, cheese, and olives awaited guests at their tables. “That way, people could eat and hang out before dinner was served,” says Allison.

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Sources

Tory Williams

Location, Catering, and Cake: Epping Forest Yacht Club

Day-of Coordination: To-Doers Event Planning

Flowers: Cypress

Stationery: Regas

Calligraphy: Paperfinger

Music: Atlanta Allstars

Linens: Beachview Event Rentals & Design

Bride's Gown: Jeffrey Caldwell Hart with Emily Jahn

Bride's Accessories: Jeffrey Caldwell Hart (veil); Miriam’s Jewelry (earrings and necklace); Bhldn (shoes)

Photography: Tory Williams Photography

Videography: Kevin Fornes

Officiants: Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh and Rev. Dr. Milton Magos
of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church; Rev. Fr. Paul Costopoulos of Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Makeup: Maureen Riley

Engagement ring: Underwood’s Jewelers

Bridesmaid dresses: Thread 

Menswear: Jos. A Bank 

Transportation: Carey Worldwide Chauffeured

Wedding bands: Kadella Diamonds (bride); Underwood’s Jewelers (groom)

Flipbook: The Flipbook People

Party sleeves: Spoonflower fabric, based on groomsmen’s designs

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There's More!

Whether you decide to go big or small, seaside or mountainside, bohemian or black tie, find more wedding inspiration in our fall Real Weddings issue by downloading our app and buying the digital issue for only $.99.

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