A Modern, Destination Wedding At Grand Resort Lagoinssi in Athens, Greece

When Anastasia Sheveleva first came to work in Igor Shnayderman’s office, they couldn’t imagine that their coffee breaks would lead to a beautiful wedding ceremony on the coast of the Mediterranean. Igor was a true romantic who courted Anastasia by sending her 300 roses, taking her away to secret destination getaways on the weekends, and writing poems–all, which melted her heart.

Right before Anastasia’s birthday one year, the couple was on a wakeboarding trip and went to watch the sunset. The first thing she saw was a billboard on a bridge that said, “Let’s grow old together,” which was being held up by all of their closest friends. Igor got down on one knee and popped the question with a custom designed engagement ring. “He always makes me the happiest girl in the world,” Anastasia says. “We are just perfect for each other.”

It took a year for the couple to plan the wedding of their dreams–a destination wedding in Greece, hosted by the Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens. On the big day, 70 of their closest friends and relatives gathered from around the world to celebrate the couple’s nuptials. The wedding started with a warm, traditional Greek evening to welcome guests. On the second day, a beautiful ceremony and gala dinner were held, and the bride and groom recited personal vows to each other.

For the décor, the hotel’s large terrace was fully transformed. The helicopter pad became the location for the ceremony arch, and guests were amazed with the ambiance that had been created. Mirrored tables and columns filled the event space, while white flowers and glass chandeliers stood out against the deep blue sky, sapphire sea, and the sun.

The wedding night was filled with surprises from family and friends, including a congratulatory video, live music, and dance performances. Anastasia and Igor also wanted to prepare a gift for their guests as a symbol of their gratitude; so they filmed a video in Moscow, which showcased who they are as a couple, as well as the characteristics they inherited from their parents. These personal gestures were a wonderful complement to the intimate event.

The evening ended with a large fireworks display, synced to Whitney Houston’s song “Run to You.” “We were unbelievably happy,” says the newlyweds. “We wish we could relive the wedding again and again.”