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A Big Fat Greek Wedding in Seattle at the Arctic Club

Winter weddings in Seattle are few and far but when they’re at the Arctic Club, you know it’s going to be classy and sweet. I’d never documented or witnessed an Orthodox Greek wedding in Seattle so when Nina and Nick invited me to shoot theirs in 2015, I was ecstatic.

Arctic Club Seattle wedding: Nina and Nick
The signature wedding couple shot at the Arctic Club Seattle.

Here are a few words behind the planning from Nina and Nick:

How did you and Nick meet?

Nick was living in California and I was living in Seattle. He had been friends with my brother for 15 years and we were both involved in the Greek community. Somehow, we had never met. We both visited Portland one weekend for the Greek festival since we had mutual friends there. I instantly knew who he was, so I walked up to him and said “Hey, you’re Nick Retelas!”

That same night a group of us went to a small bar to catch-up. He and I had wild chemistry that drew us to each other. We connected through an existential talk. We felt like we had known each other forever. The next night I told one of our friends “He’s my soul mate.”

How did Nick propose? 

Family is very important to us, so Nick arranged for his entire family from California and my family to get together on my 26th birthday.

I was upstairs at my parents house in my childhood room, where he found me and grabbed me at my waist (he was was so nervous and breathing heavily – like Darth Vader). He said the most beautiful, romantic words I’ve ever heard; which I now can’t remember. He then dropped down on his knee, reciting my full name and asking to marry me.

Both of our families were waiting to congratulate us downstairs with a lot of champagne prepared.

What’s your inspiration behind your decor?

A Big Fat Greek Wedding in Seattle at the Arctic Club
Nina and Nick’s white and gold tones were perfect for the Arctic Club!

We wanted our love to shine, so keeping the décor simple, was key.

White and Gold, were the color scheme to our subtle décor; which can be complex and difficult to tastefully execute. Our intent was to highlight the architecture and keep the décor simple, elegant, and timeless. To do so, we avoided superfluous decorations and made very thoughtful choices on quantity and quality.

The flower arrangements consisted of all white roses, gardenias, and orchids that were accented by gilded magnolia leaves and olive branches – imagine 1920’s Classic meets Mediterranean. I believe that invitations set the tone for a wedding. We selected a high quality, ecru colored, thick paper, accented by gold edges and (taupe) engraved, formal text. Consistency was very important to us, so we were very thoughtful about keeping our vision at the forefront of decision making.

St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Seattle
St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle

What are your favorite parts of your wedding?

Our ceremony was deep and spiritual – you could feel the room palpitating with love. Nick and I couldn’t stop bawling, as his father (our priest) spoke his blessing to us at the end of our service.

Bride and groom entrance to their wedding reception at The Arctic Club in Seattle
Nina and Nick made their grand entrance with a Greek folk band, dancing a traditional “Tsamiko”.

We entered our reception lead by a Greek folk band and the entire dance floor was showered with money as we danced (a Greek tradition).· We chose to get married on my husband’s 35th birthday – he proclaimed, “It is the best gift I could ever ask for.”.

Wedding cake with sparklers at Nina and Nick's wedding reception at The Arctic Club
It was Nick’s 35th birthday on his wedding day!

To honor Nick’s birthday properly, we had our 5 tier wedding cake rolled out, full of sparklers and the room sang happy birthday!

Why the Arctic Club?

Nina and Nick's first dance for their wedding reception under the dome at The Arctic Club, Seattle.
The historic dome of the Arctic Club

Large weddings can lack intimacy and warmth. The Arctic Club is a historic landmark, filled with photos and relics from the originating founders. That historic presence in combination with the grand architecture provide the perfect intimate setting for a winter wedding.

Here are a few more photos of Nina and Nick’s day starting with their getting ready and their Greek Orthodox wedding at St. Demetrios Orthodox Church in Seattle.

Rainy wedding day Seattle
arctic club seattle wedding nina and nick
Winter wedding in Seattle: Nina and Nick
Winter wedding in Seattle: Nina and Nick
Nina’s dad gets ready for the day.
Groom Nick's gets ready for his big day
Groom Nick’s gets ready for his big day
Groomsmen learn how to tie bowties for Nick's big fat greek wedding!
Tying the bow tie is always a challenge with weddings!!
Groomsmen learn how to tie bowties for Nick's big fat greek wedding!
Groomsmen hustle on Nick's wedding day
I love this award-winning shot from my second and BFF Jenny Wohrle.
Always good to have a shot to steady those nerves!
Always good to have a shot to steady those nerves!
Groom Nick reads a love note from his bride before heading out
Groom Nick reads a love note from his bride before heading out
Greek Orthodox wedding in Seattle: Nina and Nick
Getting a little emotional!
Bride gets ready for her Orthodox Greek wedding in Seattle
Meanwhile at Nina’s things are getting busy!
Bride gets ready for her Orthodox Greek wedding in Seattle
Bride gets ready for her Orthodox Greek wedding in Seattle
A Greek Orthodox wedding in Seattle: Nina and Nick
One of Nina’s bridesmaids has to keep her babe fed!
A Greek Orthodox wedding in Seattle: Nina and Nick
A Greek Orthodox wedding in Seattle: Nina and Nick
A Greek Orthodox wedding in Seattle: Nina and Nick
This is Nina’s Koumbara, Alexis. which is similar to being the Maid of Honor, who later became Nina and Nick’s son’s godmother last year!
A Greek Orthodox Wedding in Seattle: Nick and Nina
A Greek Orthodox Wedding in Seattle: Nick and NinaA Greek Orthodox Wedding in Seattle: Nick and Nina
A Greek Orthodox Wedding in Seattle: Nick and Nina
A Greek Orthodox Wedding in Seattle: Nick and Nina
The boys are arriving and the ladies are enthusiastic!
A Greek Orthodox Wedding in Seattle: Nick and Nina
A Greek Orthodox Wedding in Seattle: Nick and Nina
Nina and Nick's Orthodox Greek Wedding in Seattle
Nina reads a card from Nick right before her First Look.
Nina and Nick's Orthodox Greek Wedding in Seattle
Nina walks down the stairs for her First Look with Nick
Nina and Nick's Orthodox Greek Wedding in Seattle
Nina and Nick's Orthodox Greek Wedding in Seattle
A wedding at the St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Seattle
St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle – such a beautiful building!
A wedding at the St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Seattle
A wedding at the St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Seattle
A flower girl walks down the aisle at Nina and Nick’s Greek Orthodox Wedding in Seattle
A wedding at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle
A guest watches from the balcony at the St Demetrios Greek Orthodox church at Nina and Nick’s wedding.
A wedding at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle
A wedding at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle
A wedding at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle
A wedding at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle
Nick’s dad puts on the bride and groom wedding crowns during Nina and Nick’s Greek Orthodox wedding wedding in Seattle.
A wedding at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle
The Crowning is the highlight and focal point of the Sacrament of Holy matrimony. The priest takes two wedding crowns, or Stefana, and blesses the bride and groom in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then places the crowns upon their heads.
A wedding at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle
A wedding at St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle
The Ceremonial Walk: The celebrant takes Nick’s arm and leads him and his bride around the table three times as an expression of joy and gratitude for God’s blessings.
A Greek Orthodox wedding at St Demetrios in Seattle
One of the little ringbearers counts down the ceremonial walk!
A Greek Orthodox wedding at St Demetrios in Seattle
Nick’s dad gives the couple an emotional Benediction.
A Greek Orthodox wedding at St Demetrios in Seattle
Congratulations Nina and Nick!
A Greek Orthodox wedding at St Demetrios in Seattle
A Greek Orthodox wedding at St Demetrios in Seattle
Nick’s mom congratulates her son.
A Greek Orthodox wedding at St Demetrios in Seattle
A Greek Orthodox wedding at St Demetrios in Seattle
Nina and Nick ride their sweet limo to the Arctic Club in Seattle for their wedding reception
Nina and Nick ride their sweet limo to the Arctic Club in Seattle for their wedding reception

Nina and Nick ride their sweet limo to the Arctic Club in Seattle for their wedding reception

Arctic Club Seattle weddings: Nina and Nick
Nina and Nick’s grand entrance was led by a Greek folk band starting them off with a Kalamatiano welcoming the beautiful bride and her groom.
Arctic Club Seattle weddings: Nina and Nick
It was also Nick’s 35th birthday!
Arctic Club Seattle weddings: Nina and Nick
Arctic Club Seattle weddings: Nina and Nick
Arctic Club Seattle weddings: Nina and Nick
Nina the bride performs the Kalamatiano
Nina the bride performs the Kalamatiano. Love these Greek weddings in Seattle!
Arctic Club Seattle weddings: Nina and Nick
The famous Greek money dance. Nick making it rain while his new mother-in-law and her daughter dance.
Little dude collecting all the floor money from Nina and Nick's wedding.
This little guy knows how it works!
Little dude collecting all the floor money from Nina and Nick's wedding.
More Greek dancing at Nina and Nick's!
More Greek dancing at Nina and Nick's!
Nick and Nina bouquet toss
Nick and Nina bouquet toss
Nina and Nick garter toss, wedding at The Arctic Club Seattle
Nina and Nick's wedding party in white, gold and blush.

Thanks to our fellow vendors for making Nina and Nick’s vision come true!

Venue: The Arctic Club Seattle 

Florals: Athina Flora

Video: Best Made Videos

Bakery: Macrina Bakery

DJ: Yianni Vlahos

Second shot by my work wife and BFF Jenny Wohrle!

Getting married at the Arctic Club Seattle and need a photographer? Having a big fat Greek wedding in Seattle and need an experienced photographer? Get in touch!

Need another indoor venue in Seattle? Check out this Seattle Tennis Club wedding by the water!

 

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