Thespi + Andrew

T+A

August 16, 2021

Thespi and Andrew both came into my life in college. When I first met them, I was not a fan, but I quickly learned that first impressions are often wrong. Over the last 12 years, they have become my favorite people in the world. Sp when Thespi asked me to be her maid of honor, the answer was, obviously, yes.

Bride Thespi Guatieri and Groom Andrew Ilnyckyj are showered with rice outside a small Greek church.

While I wasn't Thespi and Andrew's official photographer, I couldn't pass up the chance to capture memories of my dearest friends. Armed with only my film camera, I acted as the over-enthusiastic dad, snapping shots on the fly, which is my favorite shooting style. I love the natural moments you catch when people are genuinely in the moment.

Bride Thespi Guatieri has her makeup done

Bride Thespi Guatieri has her makeup done

Father of the Bride walks with Bride through the village of Lixouri

Kefalonia Κεφαλονιά is a beautiful, lesser-known island in the Ionian Sea. Filled with small villages and stunning coastline, it instantly steals your heart and makes you dream of living a Mamma Mia life. The wedding was a wonderful mix of a traditional Greek service and a welcoming atmosphere; even if you didn't understand what was said, you knew that love was behind every word. The way the entire village of Lixouri Ληξούρι came out to support the bride had me crying long before the ceremony began.

Bride is greeted by the villagers of Lixouri

Mother of the Bride with her daughter

Bride Thespi Guatieri

Thespi and Andrew’s first dance.

Beyond the wedding, one of the most extraordinary aspects of the entire trip was being shown the island by the couple. We spent days exploring the wide sand beaches and swimming in the sea. There is something so special about a person you love sharing the places they love.

Newlyweds on Petani Beach

Sunset over Myrtos Beach