Connie and Pano met at the chanter’s stand at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Connie was organizing chanters to chant solo hymns for the Akathist service during Great Lent and was told to talk to Pano so he could sign up to chant. Pano signed up and then didn’t show up! Later that night, Connie found a video posted on Facebook of Pano chanting with her cousin at another church, so she sent him a message to give him a hard time. They secretly dated the first couple of months, all while everyone around them kept telling them they should be together. When people finally did find out they were dating that whole time they were all so shocked!

Pano told Connie they were going to go to dinner for his best friend’s birthday. While Connie was getting ready to go to dinner that evening, Pano and his parents were in her driveway setting up for the surprise of her life. When Connie and Pano walked out the front door, a path of lit candles led them out to the driveway. The driveway was full of red rose petals, candles, and balloons. Pano led Connie into a heart created with rose petals and candles to pop the question.

Their elegant, classic wedding shimmered with ivory, gold and champagne accent colors and decor. The priests and chanters were all related to the bride and groom and/or very close friends. Their Koumbaro (best man) is also a priest so he played both roles (so there was a special outfit change during the service). Homemade desserts were made by the grandmothers of the bride and groom.

Considering it is where they met and they share a deep faith together, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church was the perfect ceremony site! Together, Connie and Panos enjoy taking walks and going to parks. Also, this traditional Greek wedding was very large - with 350 guests! So much fun and Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort is one of the few venues that can accommodate this large guest count so it was a perfect spot for the reception!

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Michael Zoumberos

Henry and Laina met in 2009 on the first day of Tarpon Springs High School. They were paired together as partners for projects in a Culinary Arts elective class and they have been inseparable ever since.

Almost a decade later, they were enjoying a birthday celebration for Henry in St. Pete. After a day of festivities, Henry and Laina were supposed to be meeting friends at the Fenway Hotel but the friends were “running late”. While waiting, Henry and Laina walked across the street to a bench by the water to watch the waves. Henry got down on one knee and proposed. After saying yes, the “tardy” friends ran across the street from where they had been watching the entire time (sneaky sneaky) to congratulate and celebrate with them!

Henry says: I love that we are friends first and that we have a good balance of doing what’s best for each other, whether that means putting the needs of one of us ahead of the other and vice versa. I also like that we share similar views and positions on life’s big questions and issues and we’re not afraid to communicate about them.

Laina says: : I love that, no matter the situation, everything is always better when we're together. Grocery shopping, laundry folding, and other mundane tasks are made fun with lots of laughs together. I also love that, even when we’re upset, there is always mutual shared respect and kindness for one another. When we argue, we fight with love.

St. Nicholas has been integral to Henry's life. The Greek Orthodox faith is very important to him and getting married anywhere else was unthinkable. Henry went with the classic black tuxedo, with the Coburn Clan tartan cummerbund, an attempt to balance his Scottish heritage with the Greek. While the ceremony was at St. Nicholas, Laina was able to incorporate her Episcopal upbringing through the organ music at the start and close of their ceremony.

Throughout the day, the couple had integrated personal aspects highlighting the things they love about Florida. Laina had oranges in her bouquet to add a bright pop of color. Instead of cake the couple went for a delicious key lime pie. Finally, their favorite restaurant served a delicious spread of fresh seafood and local beers during the reception.

It was truly a pleasure being able to be present for this wonderful couple. We wish them the best of the best and many more years of fun and adventure together as Mr. and Mrs. Congratulations!!!

Lead Photographer | Audrey Clifford
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriquez