A Greek Wedding in Arkansas: Monica & Stephanos Draw Inspiration from Family Traditions, Food

Monica Madey & Stephanos Mylonas
Terry House, Little Rock
July 14, 2012

It boggles the mind to think how many ways Stephanos and I might not have met,” Little Rock native Monica Madey says. She and Stephanos Mylonas of Cyprus happened upon each other because of a turn of fate: Monica’s study abroad at Cambridge having not panned out, she instead attended the University of Bristol in west England, the same university Stephanos had graduated from. After a mutual friend brought them together, they began to see a lot of themselves in each other, most of all their love of food. “We developed our skills cooking for one another, went on pilgrimages to foodie hotspots around the country and cultivated a fabulous cookbook collection,” she says. The couple traveled stateside in summer 2011 for a family reunion, and Stephanos proposed.

For décor, olive leaves inspired Monica. “I think they’re beautiful, and I loved the way they represented Stephanos’ homeland.” Other Greek elements included traditional wedding cookies called kourabiedes, the rite of stefana performed at the ceremony and Greek dancing.

THE DETAILS

Photography: Photography by KES Weddings

Florist: Little Rock Urban Farming

Cakes: Blue Cake Company, Little Rock

Caterer: Simply the Best Catering, Little Rock

Rentals/lighting: Confetti’s Party Rental, Little Rock

Band: The Big John Miller Band

Bridal boutique: Proposals, Little Rock

Bridesmaids attire: David’s Bridal, Little Rock

Groom/groomsmen attire: Dillard’s, Little Rock

Hair & makeup: Salon Karizma, Little Rock

Guest accommodations: The Capital Hotel, Little Rock