It was a dream of mine to get married in Greece. My father, Giasemis was born and raised in Kalamata before starting his family in New York. The summers we visited Greece growing up led to experiences that became deep parts of our family’s roots. When my Gregory proposed, and his family were happy to hear of a destination wedding, my family and I only had only a few short months to plan the August wedding outside of Kalamata, Greece others brides can plan a year in advance!
It was in June we settled the date – August 15th – with the church and reception site for our 100 guests of Greeks living nearby, and American travellers. The one thing I heard repeated from many people was the importance of choosing the right DJ! It has a powerful effect on the reception. To set the music for celebrating into the night, I must find a DJ who can take his cues from the people gathered and the rhythm of the evening
In my search, Ilias name came to me from every direction! Trusted as the best from the reception site GMP in Bouka, as well as from the recommendation of family friends who have experience of many good weddings and connections in the local music industry.
From the first meeting, even with his broken English and my broken Greek, he set my fears at ease. He made suggestions about the evening’s rhythm based on his extensive experience which we used as a frame. I knew I was a challenging client, with different expectations based on traditions our family has inherited living in the US, as well as a large number of musical requests outside of his range for moments in the evening! But within two hours and several emails we finalized the evening’s musical timeline and the stage was set.
Ilias was the magician behind the curtain that orchestrated a magical evening.
From the moment that each member of the wedding party was announced, and the bride and groom entered the reception hall, to the first dance… I knew we were in great hands. Ilias hit every moment with charm and more importantly, with a versatility to shift direction based on the needs of the crowd! From jazz standards and slow dances, to traditional Greek dances, to Arab fusion sounds, to dedications…
Ilias listened to my dream, in all its complexity, and gave my dream wings.
Thank you, my friend, for going above and beyond my expectations.
Gregory Borys & Irene Karedis
15/8/2014
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