An Ethereal Wedding at a Villa in Mykonos

Photography by Anna Rouses & Thanos Asfis.

Returning to the place they first met, Julia Hussein, founder of BG Mediaz, and Ahmad Balhas wed amidst the glimmering waters and sunlit shores of Mykonos.

A u-shaped installation of bundled ivory roses, draping fabrics, and the hallowed revelry of friends and family steeped their ceremony in a palpable feeling of poetic beauty.

For the reception, a communal table at the private seaside villa was adorned with ruched white linen, a copious assortment of cream toned candles, and delicate dishware, while a row of chandeliers dripping with crystals hung whimsically overhead. By layering whites and organic materials, the atmosphere was rich with ephemeral elegance and modern minimalism.

Julia wore a gown by Marmar Halim before changing into her second dress by Noyeliah Bridal, both with custom Jimmy Choo heels.

greek wedding

Greek Wedding

Our Story

Names / Julia Hussein & Ahmad Balhas

Location / Mykonos, Greece

Wedding Date / August 27th, 2024

Guest Numbers / 50

Budget / Not disclosed

How We Met

Julia and Ahmad first met in Mykonos on August 27, 2022, at a beach club. It was a beautiful Mykonian night where they locked eyes and felt an instant connection. Love at first sight sparked their journey together.

Our Engagement Story

Ahmad proposed to Julia in April 2024 during a romantic evening in Dubai. Surrounded by hundreds of roses and candles, with the stunning Dubai skyline as the backdrop, Ahmad got down on one knee and asked Julia to marry him. She was overwhelmed with joy and immediately said yes.

What we love most about each other…

Julia and Ahmad deeply admire each other’s entrepreneurial spirits, as well as their shared love for adventure and the way they complement each other emotionally.

Greek Wedding

The Setting

Wedding Location

The couple held their wedding in Mykonos, at a private seaside villa. The location was chosen because it’s where they first met, making it a meaningful place to tie the knot. The setting reflected the natural beauty of Mykonos, with the sea breeze and sunset as the backdrop for the ceremony. The island was symbolic for them, as it marked the place where they first met. They also got married on their second anniversary. The sunset, sea breeze, and natural Mykonian beauty created a perfect and intimate atmosphere for their wedding.

Aesthetic

The overall aesthetic was “Modern Elegance,” combining the natural beauty of Mykonos with sleek, modern décor. The palette was soft whites. The design inspiration was drawn from the beauty of Greece, with a sophisticated modern touch.

Preparation

Julia got ready at the private villa, surrounded by her mother and sister. The morning was spent exchanging heartfelt moments, and they enjoyed a special Italian lunch together before the ceremony.

Photography

The wedding was photographed by Anna Rouses and Thanos Asfis. They were chosen for their ability to capture candid moments and the natural beauty of Mykonos. The couple loved how the photographers were able to document both intimate and grand moments of the day, making their memories timeless.

Videography

The wedding was filmed by Alberto D’aria. The style of the video was elegant and cinematic, capturing the magic of the day. They appreciated the artistic and emotional way the videographer told their love story.

Greek Wedding

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

The ceremony was held on a sleek and modern aisle, decorated with all-white roses on the sides. The ceremony area later transformed into a dance floor for the party.

Reception Décor

The reception was decorated with elegant white draping that moved with the breeze. The natural backdrop of Mykonos, combined with the minimal and modern décor, created a stunning visual impact. The floral arrangements, mostly white roses, complemented the simple yet elegant theme. The design continued with the “Modern Elegance” theme, incorporating sleek décor, white flowers, and soft candlelight. The overall design reflected stunning yet subtle details that added warmth and sophistication.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Artemis Armelia Weddings provided A-Z creative direction and planning from day one until the wedding day. They managed every detail, from venue scouting and selection to the creative concept of the event, planning, design, execution, and travel concierge services, ensuring the couple’s vision came to life. Their expertise helped ensure the entire wedding day looked flawless and flowed seamlessly.

Flowers

Julia chose white roses for the main floral arrangements to represent purity. Her bouquet was made of Lily of the Valley, her favorite flower, adding a romantic and timeless touch to the overall floral design.

Greek Wedding

Stationery

They used Bliss & Bone for their wedding website and online invitations. Day-of stationery was created by Designz by Mare. The designs were simple yet elegant, reflecting the modern aesthetic of the wedding with clean lines.

Cake

The couple had a three-tiered white fondant cake, with each tier having a different flavor: lemon with raspberry, vanilla, and chocolate hazelnut. They went through several tastings to finalize these flavors, aiming for a balance of sweet and refreshing options.

Food & Beverages

The menu featured a bespoke Mediterranean dining experience, prepared by a private chef. Dishes included seafood, grilled meats, fresh salads, and pasta, reflecting both their heritage and the Mykonos setting. It was a sit-down meal complemented by a selection of cocktails, premium wine, and champagne.

Greek Wedding

“The sunset, sea breeze, and natural Mykonian beauty created a perfect and intimate atmosphere for their wedding.”

Greek Wedding

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

The wedding dress was designed by Marmar Halim, while her second dress was by Noyeliah Bridal. For the pre-wedding photoshoot, she wore a dress by Nicole + Felicia. Her shoes were custom-made by Jimmy Choo to match her dresses.

Bridesmaids’ Dress & Shoes

The bridesmaids wore dresses by Leo Lin for the bride reveal. Their dresses were midi-length, elegant, and flowy, complementing the wedding’s aesthetic. They later changed into different outfits for the ceremony.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

The engagement ring and wedding bands were custom-made by Yasser Younes. Both were timeless and elegant, reflecting the couple’s personal taste. Julia also wore a pair of diamond earrings and a custom-made diamond necklace from her family jeweler.

Hair & Makeup

Julia’s hairstylist, Konstantinos Gerles, gave her a classic, romantic look with a classic bun. Her makeup, done by Angela Beydou, was natural yet glamorous, using soft tones to highlight her features while complementing the elegance of the day.

Groom’s Attire

Ahmad and his groomsmen wore tailored tuxedos by Tom Ford, paired with Valentino shoes. The look was classic yet modern, in line with the overall wedding theme.

Greek Wedding

The Details

Honeymoon

They honeymooned in Monaco after the wedding, where they enjoyed peaceful relaxation following the excitement of the celebrations.

Wedding Songs

The couple chose “Enchanted” by Joseph William Morgan for the procession. During the champagne tower toast, a surprise performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” added to the magic of the night. The DJ played a mix of house, Arabic, and international hits for the reception.

Entertainment

They had a DJ, a live singer, and a pianist. The DJ, Marios Tsiaprazis, played a mix of international hits, while the singer, Marianna Voulgari, performed live throughout the reception, adding a personal and memorable touch. Their pianist, Raphael Sigalas, played during the ceremony and dinner.

Celebrant

The ceremony was officiated by a local celebrant in Mykonos, whose calming presence helped set the tone for a heartfelt exchange of vows.

Greek Wedding

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

Watching the sunset as a newly married couple, surrounded by their closest loved ones, was an unforgettable moment for Julia and Ahmad.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

They wish they had planned for a longer celebration. The weekend felt too short, and they would have loved to extend the festivities.

Sources of inspiration…

Artemis, their wedding planner, was inspired by their love story in Mykonos, blending the island’s natural beauty with modern elegance and 2024 trends, all while mixing in her signature style of Timeless Elegance.