Rochester Wedding at the Hyatt Regency | Despina + Nick

Kismet brought Despina and Nick together. A month after meeting through mutual friends at a city festival, they ran into one another by chance at a local bar…and have been together ever since!

Their wedding began with a ceremony at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Rochester, a place that’s extra special to Despina. “It was the same church my parents were married in, and where I was baptized. It was incredibly important to me to be married here, and I’m so lucky my husband was just as excited about it. Our ceremony was a traditional Greek ceremony, with the crowns and walk around the altar.”

Then it was on to the Hyatt Regency Rochester for a gorgeously modern and warm celebration with an amazing dinner. That Despina ate the next night. Because, you know, McDonald’s! “We had worked with our wedding coordinator for about a year and really got to know and love him. During our food tasting, we joked about how much I love McDonald’s (true!), and when the appetizers on our wedding day were served to us, I opened mine to find a McDonald’s cheeseburger and fries. I’m not sure anyone saw this or really knew about it, but I didn’t even eat our wedding food. I had McDonald’s…and our wedding dinner the next night.” HA!

More details below about Despina and Nick’s day from our sweet bride, who wore our Bellatrix top paired with a Wtoo skirt:

 

How did you create your bridal ensemble?

 

“Initially, I went to Lovely Bride to try on a specific, long-sleeved dress I found online. I went on the weekend of that designer’s trunk show and it was the first dress I tried on and I felt done. The bridal consultant at Lovely suggested I try on at least one other and asked me if I would be open to other long-sleeved looks. She brought out the Bellatrix top with a different designer skirt and I fell in LOVE. I immediately knew it was the one! I tried on maybe four others after that, but my mind was set on the Lea-Ann Belter/Wtoo combo. I LOVED the high neck, long sleeves, and the fact that I don’t think many brides have worn or will wear this exact “dress.” It was perfect for a cold, NY winter wedding, and wearing Bellatrix enabled me to change into a fun party skirt later on in the reception.”

bride’s finery: Lea-Ann Belter Bellatrix top and Wtoo Nori skirt via Lovely Bride Rochester, reception feather skirt: Alice & Olivia | photography: TPI Photography | full vendor list at bottom

Tell us about your day!

 

“We decided to get married in February, so the weather was not something we were ever concerned about. Being in upstate NY we had about a 50/50 chance of an absolute blizzard, or a 60-degree day. We ended up with a beautiful, sunny, 40-degree day! Our reception was at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, which was large enough to accommodate our guests inside during the winter, and was easy for our out of town family. It was truly such a great day, we still have no words.”

 

What was your first dance song?

 

“”You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne. It reminds us of this day every time we hear it!”

 

One detail you couldn’t live without?

 

“Along with my father who spoke at our reception, the only other speeches were by our brothers. Nick’s brother Jon was his Best Man and I had my two brothers Matthew and Markos, who were also at the wedding, give speeches. It was SO special to us. No one knows you better than your siblings, right?! All three speeches were so hilarious, heartwarming, and paid respects to our grandparents who are no longer with us. I still cry every time I think about it.”

 

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

 

“We went to Thailand! We both had been dying to travel to Southeast Asia and decided to go for it on our honeymoon. We were incredibly lucky to travel all over Thailand in late February/ early March and make it back home safely before the world shut down.”

 

Any advice for future brides/grooms?

 

“This sounds super stereotypical but there’s a reason a lot of people say it (because it is true!)—don’t stress the small things. Let go of things that don’t really matter, stand your ground on things that do, and remember why the day is happening in the first place. Someone also suggested to us that we take 10 minutes to ourselves at some point during the busy day. After our ceremony and photos, we went straight to our suite before joining cocktail hour. Our wedding coordinator had champagne and hors d’oeuvres waiting for us, and we were able to take in the day together. Looking back, we are so grateful to have had that time to take a step back and celebrate together.”

Despina + Nick’s Rochester Wedding Vendors

bride’s finery: Lea-Ann Belter Bellatrix top and Wtoo Nori skirt via Lovely Bride Rochester, reception feather skirt: Alice & Olivia | photography: TPI Photography | ceremony venue: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church | reception venue: Hyatt Regency Rochester | bride’s shoes: Manolo Blahnik | hair: Krystle at Sorellas & Co | makeup: Eva Jewel | florals: Kittleberger Florist | wedding cake: Savoia Pastry Sho

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email Jessica@Lea-AnnBelter.com.