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Home > A Big Fat Greek–Israeli–Moroccan Jewish Wedding at Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

A Big Fat Greek–Israeli–Moroccan Jewish Wedding at Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

24/11/2025 by Karen Cinnamon

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

We’re obsessed with New Yorkers Maria and Talor’s description of their big day as a Big Fat Greek–Israeli–Moroccan wedding. It was truly the most incredible fusion of the bride’s Greek heritage and the groom’s Moroccan Israeli background, filled with so many personal touches that made the day truly one-of-a-kind.

In Maria’s words,

While the celebration was Orthodox and fully kosher, we added our own twist — instead of having a traditional Moroccan henna party before the wedding, we incorporated it into the celebration itself. The day beautifully blended Greek and Israeli customs and culture, creating the perfect event to symbolize the union of our two families and the new life we’re building together.

We’re also in love with the stunning ocean views at the couple’s venue, Island Resort Athens Riviera – and especially with their vibrant outdoor chuppah, packed with bright florals like peonies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, and roses. Husband and wife duo Sandy and Odysseas captured the day so perfectly in their luminous photography.

We’ll leave it to Maria – who looked so classically chic in her Jude Jowilson gown – to share the rest of the details of this very special day…

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

How We Met

Maria, the bride: We met on Bumble when I messaged Talor in Hebrew.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, GreeceMaria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

A Wedding in Greece

Island Resort Athens Riviera – It was important to Maria and Talor to get married in Greece, both to honor Maria’s 100% Greek heritage and to make it feasible for Talor’s family and friends from Israel to attend.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Theme

Wedding planner – Ioanna Karatza. Theme was bright florals to blend seamlessly with the greenery of the venue with personalize touches such as custom monogram kippahs and matis (Greek evil eyes).

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, GreeceMaria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Invitation/Stationery

We used The Prettiest Pixel for stationery.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Hair + Makeup

Hair for Maria – Valery Joseph, owner of the salon where Talor works and a true uncle-like figure to the couple, styled Maria’s hair for the day. He was joined by Eyal Berger, Talor’s best friend and the Creative Director of Valery Joseph’s Miami location. Both Valery and Eyal signed the ketubah, a gesture that was deeply meaningful to Maria and Talor.

Hair for Maria’s mother, mother-in-law and sisters-in-law was done by Eleni Barr with She Beauty Spot Greece.

Make up for everyone was done by Sofia Barr with She Beauty Spot Greece – INSANELY talented!

Eleni and Sofia are sisters who own She Beauty Spot Greece.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, GreeceMaria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, GreeceMaria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, GreeceMaria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

A Jude Jowilson Dress

Jude Jowilson Hepburn dress – purchased from L’fay Bridal in New York City, where Maria and Talor reside. Maria loved the subtle sparkle and how the dress caught the sunlight — a perfect reflection of her bright personality, combined with a classic, timeless design.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Shoes

My shoes were Stuart Weitzman.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Bridesmaids

Just my sisters-in-law 🙂 they could pick what they want because the day was about us and our marriage, not about what they were wearing.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Ceremony & Chuppah

Rabbi Gabriel Negrin, the Chief Rabbi of Athens, officiated the ceremony — something especially meaningful to Maria, as a Greek Jew. He beautifully conducted the service in Greek, Hebrew, and English. One of the most special moments was watching Talor walk down the mirrored aisle to take Maria from her parents and gently place the veil over her face — a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, GreeceMaria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Ketubah

It was especially meaningful as it was a traditional Romaniote/Sephardic ketubah, gifted to Maria and Talor by Rabbi Negrin.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Our music choice

We had a DJ in traditional Israeli style, who played an incredible mix of Israeli, Greek, Moroccan, and house music that kept everyone dancing all night.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Flowers

Jim Labraco – created stunning floral arrangements featuring a combination of peonies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, and roses.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Photographer and videographer

Maria and Talor loved the husband and wife duo Sandy and Odysseas and knew they were the perfect photographers to capture their wedding. The two played off each other’s energy beautifully and were so kind and professional that they felt more like guests and friends rather than vendors. Their instinct proved right when the wedding day arrived; by the end of the night, they were all dancing and celebrating together.

We also had Dimitris Pavlidis for videography.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Food and cake

Kosher catering from Dipnosofistirion – Greece’s top kosher caterer.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Wedding List/Registry

We used Bloomingdales and Zola.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Extra Details

We had our very own Big Fat Greek–Israeli–Moroccan wedding. While the celebration was Orthodox and fully kosher, we added our own twist — instead of having a traditional Moroccan henna party before the wedding, we incorporated it into the celebration itself.

The day beautifully blended Greek and Israeli customs and culture, creating the perfect event to symbolize the union of our two families and the new life we’re building together.

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Honeymoon

We stayed at Grand Lagonissi Resort for a mini moon right after the wedding – honeymoon not planned yet!

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, GreeceMaria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

Advice to couples currently planning their wedding

Hire a wedding planner that can manage the logistics – remember it’s your wedding and you put your and your husband’s needs first!

Maria and Talor, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Vari, Greece

MARIA & TALOR’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Photography – Sandy and Odysseas 
Videography – Dimitris Pavlidis
Venue – Island Resort Athens Riviera
Planner – Ioanna Karatza
Bride’s dress – Jude Jowilson found at L’fay Bridal
Bride’s shoes – Stuart Weitzman
Hair – Valery Joseph & She Beauty Spot Greece
Makeup – She Beauty Spot Greece
Flowers – Jim Labraco
Catering – Dipnosofistirion
Stationery/Invitation – The Prettiest Pixel
Wedding List/Registry – Bloomingdales & Zola
Mini-moon – Grand Lagonissi Resort 


If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.


 

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Filed Under: Jewish Garden Weddings, Outdoor, Uncategorized, Real Jewish Weddings, Jewish Destination Weddings Tagged With: Sandy and Odysseas, Dimitris Pavlidis, Stuart Weitzman, Island Resort Athens Riviera, Greece, Ioanna Karatza, Bloomingdales, Jude Jowilson, Valery Joseph, L'Fay Bridal, She Beauty Spot Greece, Zola, Dipnosofistirion, Greece Jewish Wedding, The Prettiest Pixel, Jim Labraco, Grand Lagonissi, Vari Jewish wedding

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