ATHENS – Protelia Weddings is named after the Ancient Greek word “protelia,” which were the offerings the couple made to the gods prior to their wedding to please them and be blessed for the start of their new life together. So, Protelia is symbolic of the couple’s preparation before being blessed on their wedding day.

Protelia Weddings and Events is a boutique event planning company with over 15 years of experience in the field. Based at the beautiful wedding venue Kleopatra, Protelia since 2002 has successfully planned and organized over 800 weddings, baptisms, parties and other social and business events.

The company recently expanded their business to offer services for wedding and event planning all over Greece as well as the Greek Islands. They can create tailor-made solutions for the destination wedding of your dreams.

The National Herald spoke with Mado Chatzipanagiotou who manages Protelia Weddings and Events. Ms. Chatzipanagiotou told TNH about their wedding planning services, how far in advance a couple should begin planning their special day, and what Greek-American couples can look forward to when working with the company.

TNH: What can a couple expect when they choose Protelia to plan their wedding?

MC: Having more than 15 years of experience in designing and planning dreamy weddings and events, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest levels of customer service for a truly stress-free planning process.

As an event planning company with an excellent knowledge of the country and culture, we organize unique events under the Greek sun, by trying to interpret the couple’s personal vision of what Greece or the particular location they have chosen means to them and give them advice on which details will make a difference.

We aim to immerse ourselves in our clients aesthetic, their personality, passions, artistic sensibility and then create a small piece of art customized to their own dreams.

TNH: How far in advance should couples begin planning for their wedding with Protelia?

MC: The sooner a couple decides to set their wedding date, the more options we have to book the space that interests us at the best possible price and to organize our partners to have a perfect result and a good organization. The usual timeframe that a couple organizes their wedding abroad is 6 months to 2 years. However, we at Protelia due to our great experience of 15 years in planning weddings, we pride ourselves on being able to organize the perfect wedding on any Greek island in much less time.

TNH: What should Greek-American couples be aware of when they decide to plan a wedding in Greece? Do they need special paperwork or permission?

MC: It depending on the type of ceremony and the religion of the couple. In any case, we are willing to deal with all the bureaucracy required to perform any type of wedding ceremony.

TNH: What do Greek-American couples look for the most when they plan their wedding with you as opposed to what Greek couples look for?

MC: Greek-American brides give more emphasis to detail, are very organized, and have impressive weddings that remain unforgettable to their guests!

TNH: Are there any major differences, either in scale or preferences?

MC: Greek-American brides are very interested in the excellent service and satisfaction of their guests. They place a special emphasis on the wedding gown. They are real hostesses at their event.

More information is available at proteliaweddings.com.