Cameron van der Burgh and Nefeli Valakelis get married in Greece
Having joined our swimming champion Cameron van der Burgh and his stunning fiancé Nefeli Valakelis on a tour of what is any Olympian’s spiritual home – it was time for the I Do’s, the dancing, plate-breaking and everything else the world loves about a Greek wedding beneath the gaze of The Acropolis in Athens.
In Anavyssos, a town near Athens on the Aegean Sea - the bridal couple found a cliff-side villa and wedding venue that is the equal, if not better than any that we had seen. Complete with a tiny, Greek Orthodox chapel the scene for the ultimate Greek wedding was set…
Returning to be wed in the country and culture which they hail from, would always be emotional for the bride’s family.
It was a day which traced its roots back to the decision Nefeli’s father Nicolaos Valakelis took years ago. Leaving the town of Plomari in Greece, to seek opportunities in South Africa.
Although it was designed by Spanish couturier Pronovias of Barcelona, in style, Nefeli’s dress was a tribute to her family heritage. Mister Van Der Burg went with a three-piece suit with an aquatic theme.
Proudly South African with a protea in her bouquet, Nefeli would have made all her Greek relatives beam with the traditional, orthodox ceremony.
To the hundred and seventy guests who were here from all corners to celebrate, high summer on the Aegean Coast made for ideal conditions.
With a restaurateur for a father, the bride has entertaining in her DNA and she set the tone for a fantastic evening. An attorney who decided that marketing makes her far happier than law, Nefeli understands the need for joy in life and she’s married a man who shares her ideas.
The World Championships are in December so there was plenty of time to dance then enjoy the best of Greece in a honeymoon on Corfu… and take it from there.
