A Greek & Indian-Filipino Congress Plaza Hotel Wedding for Milteva & Jay

With a wedding that blended their Greek-American and Indian-Filipino heritages, Milteva and Anjay’s (“Jay”) celebration at The Congress Plaza Hotel was simply magical.

Milteva, born and raised on the island of Lesbos, Greece, moved to the United States with her family in 2011. Jay, hailing from Northbrook, Illinois, grew up in an Indian and Filipino household. Despite their distinct upbringings, they were brought together while studying abroad in London. It was in the dorms that Milteva’s bubbly personality led her to introduce herself to her neighbor, Jay. Now both lawyers in Chicago, the couple wanted to celebrate their wedding in the city they now call home.

Milteva and Jay’s wedding day started with a stunning Greek Orthodox ceremony at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago. Honoring Milteva’s Greek heritage, the ceremony included all the time-honored rituals, including the crowning by their Koumbaro and the Dance of Isaiah, amongst others. A more playful Greek tradition was also woven into the day — before walking down the aisle, Milteva had her unmarried bridesmaids write their names on the soles of her Jimmy Choo heels, a custom that predicts which bridesmaid will marry next.

With its timeless elegance and rich history, The Congress Plaza Hotel provided the ideal reception setting. With changes into Indian wedding attire, the reception kicked off with Milteva and Jay’s grand balcony entrance. The lively reception that followed was full of joyful laughter and boisterous dancing. As the Kalamatianós money dance wrapped up, Milteva and Jay embraced on the dance floor, soaking up the warmth of a perfectly curated celebration.

VENDORS

PHOTOGRAPHER: Winterlyn Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER: Katie Doyle Films
CEREMONY VENUE: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago
RECEPTION VENUE: The Congress Plaza Hotel
PLANNER: Stasia K. Events
FLORAL & DECOR: Atmosphere Entertainment Group
BRIDE’S GOWN: I Do Designer Bridal Consignment
HAIR & MAKEUP: Total Image Bridal
HENNA: Henna Art by SS
STATIONERY: Willow Street Creative
CATERING: The Congress Plaza Hotel
CAKE: The Baking Institute
HARPIST: Kseniya Sushkevich
ENTERTAINMENT: The DJ Firm