On September 28, 2024, the world witnessed a fairy tale come to life as Princess Theodora of Greece married her American fiancé, Matthew Kumar, in a ceremony that was nothing short of magical. The couple exchanged vows at the historic Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, surrounded by an aura of elegance and grandeur.

Princess Theodora arrived with her older brother, Crown Prince Pavlos.
Princess Theodora arrived with her older brother, Crown Prince Pavlos.

The Dress: A Timeless Masterpiece

Princess Theodora floated down the aisle in a breathtaking bardot wedding dress, designed by the renowned Celia Kritharioti. The gown, adorned with intricate lace and delicate embroidery, perfectly complemented her regal poise. Theodora’s look was completed with the glittering Khedive of Egypt tiara, a family heirloom that once belonged to Princess Margaret of Connaught. This exquisite tiara, featuring a delicate design of scrolls and diamonds, secured the Connaught lace veil, adding a touch of historic charm to her ensemble.

For her big day, Princess Theodora wore Princess Margaret of Connaught’s tiara.
Princess Theodora’s lace veil also originally belonged to Princess Margaret of Connaught, and has been wore by all of her female descendants at their weddings.
Princess Theodora and her brother waved to onlookers

The Guests: A Gathering of Royalty

The guest list read like a who’s who of European royalty. Among the distinguished attendees were Queen Sofia of Spain, Princess Beatrice of York, and Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece. The presence of these illustrious guests added to the splendor of the occasion, making it a truly royal affair. The wedding also saw the attendance of close friends and family, including Theodora’s sister, Princess Tatiana, who played a significant role in the bridal party.

Among the royals in attendance were Queen Sofia of Spain, the sister of King Constantine.
Queen Anne Marie and her son, Prince Nicholas, wave at the gathered crowds.
Countess Alexandra, Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille, and Princess Benedikte of Demark, the sister of Queen Anne-Marie (and therefore aunt of the bride).
Princess Alexia of Greece and Carlos Morales with their children, Ana Maria, Amalia and Carlos.
Princess Marie-Chantal with her children, Constantine Alexius, Achileas, Odysseas and Aristides.
Arrieta Morales y de Grecia and Princess Olympia, two of the bridesmaids, pose for a photograph before the wedding.
Prince Philip and Princess Nina (in bright blue) outside the church, with other family members.
Queen Sofia and Princess Benedicte of Denmark coordinated in bright pink outfits.

The Cathedral: A Historic Setting

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, where the ceremony took place, is a significant landmark. Built in the 19th century, it has hosted numerous royal events and is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. The cathedral’s majestic interiors provided a perfect backdrop for the royal nuptials.

Crown Prince Pavlos giving his sister, Princess Theodora of Greece, away to her future husband, Matthew Kumar.
Theodora and Matthew at the altar of the Annunciation Cathedral of St. Mary of the Arm.
Royal guests attended Princess Theodora’s Orthodox wedding to Matthew Kumar at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, where her parents wed 60 years ago.

The Décor: A Symphony of Elegance

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens was transformed into a floral wonderland, with white roses and lush greenery adorning every corner. The reception, held at the luxurious One&Only Aesthesis Hotel on Glyfada Beach, featured a stunning blend of classic and contemporary décor. Crystal chandeliers, elegant drapery, and a palette of soft pastels created an ambiance of timeless sophistication. Guests enjoyed a picturesque view of the Aegean Sea, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

Princess Theodora and Kumar were all smiles following their wedding ceremony at the Metropolis Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
The bride and groom leave the church.
Queen Anne-Marie adjusted her daughter’s dress, which was designed by Celia Kritharioti.

Historic Elegance: A Royal Dinner at the Byzantine Museum

The wedding, meticulously planned to perfection, was a testament to the couple’s vision and dedication. Every detail, from the welcome brunch to the farewell breakfast, was executed flawlessly. The couple’s love story, which began with an engagement announcement in 2018, culminated in a celebration that was worth the wait. Despite the challenges of postponing their wedding twice, their bond only grew stronger, making their wedding day even more special.

On the eve of the wedding, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, alongside Princess Theodora and Matthew Kumar, hosted a splendid dinner at the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens. This elegant event gathered esteemed guests in a celebration of love and heritage. The museum’s stunning backdrop added a touch of historical grandeur to the evening, making it a night to remember.

Dinner and party at the Byzantine and Christian Museum.

The Menu: A Culinary Delight

The wedding menu featured a selection of gourmet dishes that celebrated both Greek and international cuisine. Guests were treated to a variety of delicacies, from traditional Greek meze to exquisite seafood and decadent desserts. The culinary experience was a highlight of the evening, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

The Entertainment: A Night to Remember

The evening was filled with entertainment, including live music and performances that kept the guests dancing all night. A highlight was a surprise performance by a famous Greek singer, adding a personal touch to the celebration. The entertainment ensured that the celebration was lively and memorable, with guests enjoying every moment.

The merry looking groom sliced off a mouthful of the delicious looking cake, spooning it into his new bride’s mouth as guests whooped in celebration
The newlyweds enjoyed a traditional Greek dance in front of about 250 family members during a dinner and party held at the Byzantine and Christian Museum.

A Celebration to Remember

Princess Theodora and Matthew Kumar’s wedding was more than just a union of two hearts; it was a celebration of love, heritage, and tradition. As the newlyweds embark on their journey together, their wedding will be remembered as one of the most enchanting royal weddings of our time.