LOVE ON THE GREEK ISLE

Basil Zempilas & Amy Graham
Church of Saints Constantine and Helene - Greece, 6th September 2009

When popular television and radio personality Basil Zempilas married his gorgeous fiancée Amy Graham in Greece, it was a celebration of a very intimate nature that combined their respective family traditions and customs.





After meeting at the Queens Hotel in Perth 8 years ago, Basil proposed to Amy on the balcony of their home. Whilst taking in the glorious sight of the evening moon, Basil dropped to one knee and asked THE question. He had flowers, champagne and a beautiful princess cut solitaire from Stelios Jewellers in Perth. Basil then enlightened Amy of fact that they were “getting married on the 6th September”; he had already booked the wedding and started making arrangements! More so the wedding was taking place in Kastellorizo Greece, the birthplace of Basil’s mother.





Just over one hundred guests jetted in from Australia, the UK and Dubai to witness the couple exchange their vows and start the next phase of their relationship. The day began with a traditional Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony at the Church of Saints Constantine and Helene in Kastellorizo.





Amy wore a sophisticated and elegant custom created gown by Perth design house Pallas. The origins of the gown were inspired by the wedding location; the stunning Greek islands. Reflective of the beach sands, the undertone of the dress aura was clean, crisp and white. The finer details were solidified from an understanding of Amy’s personality and attributes, culminating in a gown reflective of classic old Hollywood glamour. French tulle was draped in a basket weave pattern over the fitted bodice then interwoven with French lace in pure white, to keep the silhouette sharp, a paper silk lining was used. The skirt was a confection of silk chiffon and the bride completed the look with an heirloom quality lace veil.



Basil was sharp and dapper in a Pal Zileri custom made suit from FollowMe Menswear; so too his groomsman. Fitted in Perth, the suits were then expertly tailored in Italy guaranteeing an ensemble befitting the importance of the occasion. The bridesmaid’s dress was custom made by Isabel Aujoulet, a fabulous dressmaker here in Perth. The reception was held at the Megisti Hotel which fortunately is owned by Basil’s sister and her family, a fact that made the surprise planning process a whole lot easier. The outside terrace which is stunningly perched over the Megisti Sea was decorated in an all white palette.
Amy says of the reception, “It was a wonderful reception with a Greek band; I recorded the wedding waltz which was L.O.V.E.  My cousin Emma Sophina (who was a survivor of the Hudson River plane crash) sang Arithmetic by Brooke Fraser and then my father and brother, Paul and Ryan Graham, played guitar and sang Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton. Then of course we had lots of greek dancing, so it was a beautiful blend of both cultures.”





It was also a beautiful start to a marriage!