ALEXIA KAKAZIOTI & DAVID LEON
June 6, 2021 • Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity + The Dewberry
The moment David Leon met Alexia Kakazioti at a summer dinner party, he knew he would marry her. Alexia, on the other hand? “I might have needed some convincing!,” she laughs. Come December, the two were every bit an item. The couple was living in Pennsylvania, but it wasn’t long before they each fell hard again—this time for the Holy City while on a road trip in the Southeast. To Alexia, who grew up in Agrinio, Greece, its historic downtown was reminiscent of a European city. They soon decided they were smitten enough to put down roots here.
One day, David asked Alexia what her dream proposal would look like. She said it would be amazing to be in Santorini, the whitewashed gem of the Mediterranean. Eventually, she forgot about the conversation. But he didn’t. Five years into dating, the couple was on a European cruise with a stop in Oia, Santorini. David proposed in a picturesque enclave with sweeping views of hillside homes and the sparkling sea—to the cheers and congratulations of onlookers. “It was truly the most magical moment,” recalls Alexia.
The couple knew that their adopted hometown would be the perfect setting for their special day. With plans to wed at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, they chose the Dewberry for their reception for its elegant, timeless feel and flexible indoor-outdoor space.
Alexia remembers an ethereal joy settling over herself and David as she walked down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” by Elvis Presley. “The emotion that took over us is unexplainable,” she says. Following a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony, the couple joined their guests at the Dewberry for dinner in the walled garden and dancing in the ballroom.
Pops of fresh citrus enlivened the Dewberry’s cool midcentury charm—and recalled Alexia’s Greek upbringing. “Lemons and oranges are such big crops in Greece, and growing up, my grandparents had an orchard.” It was a sweet reminder of the joy that surrounds the couple. “We felt so happy in the moment,” Alexia says. “And so very loved.” —Emily Storrow
Vendors
Planning & Design: Alexandra Madison Weddings
Photographer: Kailee DiMeglio Photography
Venue, catering, desserts, bar: The Dewberry
Florals: Kwan Bruce; Bliss in Bloom
Rentals: Event Works
Bridal Attire: Stella York
Entertainment: Jackson Caldwell (cocktail hour); EEP Designs (reception DJ)
Lighting: Nick Zareski from Lowcountry Entertainment
Stationery: HALODesigns
Beauty: Dia Johnson, Willow Salon (hair) Elina Mille, Bellelina (makeup)
Accessory/Jewelry Designer: Mountz Jewelers
Favors: Custom candles by Park & Madison
