Vangelis from Ithaca Florist decorated the entrance path leading to the church with white bouquets. Inside the church stood the two white lambades, the stefana and the rings ready for the ceremony. Outside the church, drinks and canapes were served as a welcome after the service. This was done by Fakalos Catering. The bride made her entrance with a slow walk joined by her family to the church where she met her groom. After the ceremony, each guest was handed rice in a cone with the couple’s initials, Mary and Ektoras were congratulated, and then Maxos and Chris started their photo shoot session.  Music was also played during this time by DJ Dimos, to create the mood with some Greek traditional music in celebration for the newly wed couple. 

A few steps across the main square is where the venue for the reception party was set up. Being a wedding for 300 people, the preparation and organising started early in the morning. We had a special light company Makis Klonis from Kefalonia set up a waterfall of lights above the main table, and string lights throughout the remaining reception area. On the stage the live band was set up with DJ Dimos and special dance lights were also set up here. Music and sound was checked, and Fakalos catering did a great job with the setting of the tables and seats for everyone to fit. The decor was plain and elegant with the flowers adding a splash of colour as a centre piece per table. The bobenaires (gifts) by babaloo, gold pomegranates were set on the table. The evening was perfect. 

After everyone had taken their seats, food was served, fresh meat on the spit was cooking the whole day, lamb, goat and pig, amongst salads, Greek traditional dishes, cheeseboards, etc. Everyone enjoyed dancing the night away and were very happy to experience a Greek traditional island wedding. Mary’s hair was done by Spyros Vlismas, and make up by Natalia.

On Sunday after the wedding a traditional soup was prepared. Everyone gathered at the local farm in Anoghi village, where Ektoras family and friends prepared the local dish with drinks. Everyone had the last chance to mingle and enjoy the experience while learning and taking away the traditional moments from their holiday on the island. 

Transport was by Avgerinos

Thank you to all of the MV team, our providers, and contractors to make these events happen. 

Flowers: Vaggelis Peticaris, 

Lights: Makis Klonis

DJ: Dimos Kostopoulos

Band: Vaggelis and Co.

Catering: Fakalos Catering

Anoghi community for the space 

We thank everyone who was part of helping us organise this beautiful wedding.

If you would like more information about how we co-ordinate and create these special events, please get in touch. 

Contact us.

The post Event Planning: Mary & Ektoras Wedding Church Ceremony & Party IDMVW001ANO first appeared on MV Properties.

The post Event Planning: Mary & Ektoras Wedding Church Ceremony & Party IDMVW001ANO appeared first on MV Properties.

Guests flew into Greece from all around Europe, America and Australia. A welcome dinner on Wednesday took place at the local restaurant Trexadiri, where we at MV Properties had organised welcome packs from Babaloo shop in Vathi. These were given to all our guests travelling from far as an introduction for our traditional island. The bride and groom chose specifically what they wanted to treat the guests with to make this a memorable wedding of ceremonies. A Greek eye souvenir, olive organic soap, local Ithaca caps, a small bottle of Greek oil, a candle and matches with the labelling created by the bride herself. Lastly a programme designed to inform everyone of the events ahead of time.

The floral arrangements were a mixture of white flowers set on the tables outside, done by Anemolia Smaragda. The catering was served by Trexadiri restaurant. Greek dishes, with local drinks were enjoyed by the couple’s family and friends, sharing the Ithacan traditions and experiences.

Moving onto the rehearsal dinner which took place on the Friday night at To Xani, where one can enjoy the views of Kefalonia island for sunset, and Vathy bay sea views. It is a private venue, and guests were welcomed with light snacks and drinks. Then a full menu was served buffet style with Greek traditional dishes, salads, starters, meats and fish, ending off with sweets. The flowers were arranged by Anemolia Smaragda, in beautiful, colourful wild flowers as per bride’s wish. After dinner, the dancing continued until late by DJ Dimos, playing both Greek and modern music. The guests had a real good time dancing, and it was a night not to be forgotten.

Thank you to all of the MV team, our providers, and contractors to make these events happen. 

Earlier that day we organised a private boat with Hermes Boat coming from Poros and arriving at Vathi bay where the guests were picked up from. The boat day begun while enjoying the island hopping on and off to explore beaches. The programme consisted of a stop at Platinamos beach in Afales bay. A ride past Marmakas Bay, with the iconic Ag. Nikolaos church, a lunch stop at Kioni bay and a last swim at Gidaki beach before returning to Vathi again. It was a fun day, that everyone enjoyed.

Thank you to all of the MV team, and collaborators to make these events happen. 

If you would like more information about how we co-ordinate and create these special events, please get in touch. 

Contact us and we can be flexible and organise any event you choose, with quality work and within your timeframe.

The post Event Planning: Mary & Ektoras Wedding Welcome & Rehearsal Dinner IDMVW002ANO first appeared on MV Properties.

The post Event Planning: Mary & Ektoras Wedding Welcome & Rehearsal Dinner IDMVW002ANO appeared first on MV Properties.

The bride & groom were staying at Eumaeus Villas and getting dressed with the views of Dexa Bay really started the mood for their wedding day. The Church ceremony took place at Lazareto island, in the Church of the Transfiguration. 

We had decorated the Mana Corina with white lanterns and ribbon, which transported guests to the island, together with the groom and family members. Last was the bride who arrived on her own with smiles and happiness to meet her husband to be. 

The day was perfect. It was an intimate, traditional wedding ceremony in the small church. Rafaela looked amazing with her perfect wedding dress. White lambades, fresh lavender with gypsophila flowers and handmade confetti cones were prepared individually for everyone to congratulate the couple afterwards. 

Rafaela’s hair was done by Spyros Vlismas, and the make-up by Natalia Baltsavia.

The flowers at the church and reception followed the same theme of lavender with greenery and white gypsophila by: Smaragda Sardeli (Anemolia) . Rafaela’s soft natural green shades together with her white dress, really fitted in with the island wedding theme.

After the ceremony, Dionysis Petratos took beautiful photos of the newly wed Bride and Groom. Many great shots with sunset were captured from Lazareto island itself, and furthermore at the reception. 

The after party reception was enjoyed at the perfect beach setting at Filiatro Beach.

The catering was done by Stateri Catering Kefalonia which included welcome drinks with light canape snacks on offer as guests arrived at the beach setting, with beautiful olive groves. Once everyone saw their names on the welcome board, they took their seats at the round tables scattered around the area, while the bride and groom sat on their own, at the main table. Food was served on buffet and the bar open for cocktail drinks were organised by: Kirki. DJ speakers were from Christina Taflambas, and lighting by Kirki. 

Each table was beautiful decorated by homemade bobenaire gifts made by the bride herself. The centerpiece was a collection of three jars with homemade candles, and lavender flowers (by Anemolia) centred with a soft candle. The evening had a wonderful atmosphere, with many celebrations and memories that were made. 

The couple arrived to their favourite song, and cut their cake made by: Frosini Servos Bakery, celebrating with champagne.

Thank you to all the MV team who helped in making this event so successful. And to all our providers and contractors for making it happen. 

Venue: Kirki, Filiatro

Hair: Spyros Vlismas

Makeup: Natalia Baltsavia

Catering: Stateri Kefalonia

Flowers: Smaragda Sardeli (Anemolia)

Speakers: Christina Taflambas

Lambades ( White candles) : Xara (Babaloo)

Bride and Groom: Rafaela and Charles Congratulations, and all the best to a long life filled with love and happiness together!

For any details regarding planning your event, please contact us. 

The post Event Planning: Rafaela & Charles wedding at Filiatro beach, Ithaca Greece IDMVW010VAT first appeared on MV Properties.

The post Event Planning: Rafaela & Charles wedding at Filiatro beach, Ithaca Greece IDMVW010VAT appeared first on MV Properties.

1) Pre-Wedding Event at Mrytia, Ithaca Greece

2) Boat day exploring around Ithaca

3) Event Planning: Anastasia and Lockie’s Wedding Ithaca Greece IDMVW009STA – MV Properties

Anastasia and Lockie wanted to show their guests what Ithaca is all about and this can really only be shown from a view on the sea. So we organised a Boat day where all the guests had the opportunity to enjoy some ‘pre-wedding fun’.

Leaving from Frikes bay in the morning, the weather couldn’t have been better. Hermes Boat from Poros arrived and the trip started. Touring around the island, the guests enjoyed their morning swim at Afales Bay, Platinamos Beach, returning via Marmakas, then to Vathi for lunch at Batis Restaurant. MV Properties organised a variety of seafood and meats, with drinks, salads and vegetables. The seaside setting in Vathi was quite special for the guests, really giving them the opportunity to enjoy the island vibe. For the return, an afternoon swim was enjoyed with the last stop at Gidaki Beach in the south. Returning to Frikes in the afternoon. All guests were happy and satisfied, having spent the whole day hopping on and off of the boat. Snacks and drinks were also available onboard, and everyone enjoyed every moment. What a better way to explore and see Ithaki from the sea.

I highly recommend this activity for your guests if you want to organise an event where guests can mingle and get to know each other in a fun way. 

Please contact us for more details and information about organising your fun boat day out. At MV Properties we will take the stress away for you, and organise a fun event for guests to warm up to the island and time spent together to get to know each other. Tailor made packages just for you.

The photos show it all!

The post Event Planning: Boat day exploring Ithaca Greece IDMV001BOA first appeared on MV Properties.

The post Event Planning: Boat day exploring Ithaca Greece IDMV001BOA appeared first on MV Properties.

1) Pre-Wedding Event at Mrytia, Ithaca Greece

2) Boat day exploring around Ithaca

3) The wedding day, Church at Stavros with the wedding celebration at Ayeri Restuarant in Frikes.

A pre-wedding event was organised at Mrytia, the private venue, and hidden gem on the mountain just outside of Stavros and Platrithya. From this location one can enjoy the amazing views of Afales Bay, and Frikes Bay. Guests were welcomed with welcome drinks and tasty canapes provided by Myrtia, photos were taken by Maxos and Chris from Ithaca Weddings. Guests mingled, and stayed all night, admiring the views, enjoying the food and drink and getting into the wedding mood for further celebrations to follow. On the same evening Dr. Nick Deftereos (father of the bride) also celebrated his special Birthday, of which the Bride, Anastasia and Groom, Lockie, wanted to surprise him with a special carrot cake and song. Everyone was happy. The evening was smart and stylish with very memorable moments that were captured. Leaving everyone with the island groove, getting into the mood for the next days of events.

Please click on following links, to see The Boat Day and The wedding.

If you would like us to tailor make your event or create memories for you on the island of Ithaca, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we are flexible, and happy to work with your requirements. Providing you with the best event you can imagine on Ithaca, with quality work.

The post Event Planning: Anastasia and Lockie pre-wedding party, on Ithaca, Greece IDMVW008STA first appeared on MV Properties.

The post Event Planning: Anastasia and Lockie pre-wedding party, on Ithaca, Greece IDMVW008STA appeared first on MV Properties.

1) Pre-Wedding Event at Mrytia, Ithaca Greece

2) Boat day exploring around Ithaca

3) The wedding day, Church at Stavros with the wedding celebration at Ayeri Restuarant in Frikes.

Following on from the Boat day event, we also had the privilege of organising ‘the wedding day’, a special and beautiful evening that was just perfect. It all started with some family traditions at the family Deftereos house in Stavros where the Bride and her party dressed to live greek traditional music playing, Greek singing and music were playing. Photos captured these moments, seen below. While the groom and his party were getting ready at Villa Idylle, with beautiful views of Poli and excitement to swing through the evening with fun and confidence.

The bride made her entrance into Stavros village with a walk and was met by her groom at the Sotiros church. An intimate church service was done with friends and family. Everyone was dressed in white with the bride standing out in her colour of Pink, matching her dress she held her pink bouquet of roses by ‘Ithaca Florist: Vangelis Peticaris. The greek stefana and rings were exchanged, and the newly wed couple was congratulated outside the church, as husband and wife.

A mini bus by Ithaca tours was available for the guests to make their way to the reception area located in Frikes bay, at Ayeri Restaurant.

The reception area was chosen to be at the perfect location of Ayeri Restaurant, right on the waterside, with amazing views, and really created the island vibe atmosphere for guests that travelled so far. The experience that everyone had and the memories of moments captured will never be forgotten. It truly was a magical and perfect evening for everyone. Guests were welcomed with drinks on arrival. While taking their seats and enjoying the views with photos taken.

The menu was greek traditional food. Salads, dips, home baked yemista, mousaka, and meat with fish options. Rovani for the sweet was also made, a traditional sweet for Ithaca itself. The night was a real party. After the food was enjoyed, we had traditional greek dancing in the street by a live Greek band, followed by more music by DJ Dimos. Fiorendinos Bar was also rented out for the dancing and bar. Greek plate smashing was done, which was captured by the photos, ouzo bottles were enjoyed, zembekiko, the kalamatiano dances, zorba, and a great party with lots of fun took place. (Links to videos on Youtube below)

The joys of celebrating their special wedding night in the quiet months of June for 115people.

The evening was elegant and traditional and everyone was fulfilled from the night of events.

We, at MV Properties would like to thank all our contractors and providers, staff, family and friends that were a part of these events. We always do our best and strive to please our customers with the quality of work meeting their expectations. I believe it was a very successful day of events. Thank you!. 

Flowers: Vangelis Peticaris from Ithaca Florist , Photography: Chris and Maxos, Organisers: MV Properties, Live music: Vangelis Michalatos and Band, DJ: Dimos Kostopoulos, Venues: Ayeri Restaurant & Fiorendinos. Transport: Ithaca Tours, Villa for Groom: Villa Idylle, Hair: Anastasia Lekatsa.

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom: Anastasia and Lockie, may you have a lifetime of love, respect and happiness together.

If you are interested in more information about what we can organise and if you have a special event you would like help with organising, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Contact us.

The post Event Planning: Anastasia and Lockie’s Wedding Ithaca Greece IDMVW009STA first appeared on MV Properties.

The post Event Planning: Anastasia and Lockie’s Wedding Ithaca Greece IDMVW009STA appeared first on MV Properties.

This project began in October 2022. The current building was originally used as a business which would show movies in the great courtyard. When we sold this property to our clients, their vision was to turn this space into a gorgeous, modern 2 bedroom home. 

We first began with our team stepping in, to strip the house of all the current interior obstructions to begin with a clean slate. We had one team, building up the interior walls to divide the open space into two bedrooms and incorporate the existing outside toilets into a new modern en suite bathroom connected to the main house. Our plumbing team was hard at work installing all their pipes for the bathrooms and new kitchen which would later be installed. Simultaneously we had our electrician also planning and prepping all his wires for the installation of the lights and plugs. 

Once this was complete, we had the tiler do all the floors, and the plumbing team continued with installing all the new sanitaryware for the bathrooms. Thereafter the entire house was painted on the inside and outside. New doors and windows were installed. The project moved ahead, quite quickly and easily, with the brand new kitchen being added and marble countertops. Then came the finishing touches, with the lights and the outside pergola. 

The entire house renovation was completed in 6 months, so by early April, our clients could arrive in Ithaki, and move straight into their complete home. This project brought us much joy, seeing the result of transforming an old building into something new and magical. We hope our clients enjoy their new home, and should you be interested in doing project renovations with MV properties, please be in contact with us. A big thank you to all our contractors that made this happen, and for all the hard work that was put in.

Should you require any project management services, please do get in contact with us and we will be able to assist you. For a comprehensive guideline on how renovations and building project are handled on Ithaca, take a look at our Building on Ithaca brochure. Check us out on Instagram and Facebook.

The post Complete house renovation in Vathi, Ithaca Greece PROJ003VAT first appeared on MV Properties.

The post Complete house renovation in Vathi, Ithaca Greece PROJ003VAT appeared first on MV Properties.

Meet the Team

As we begin this New year, we would like to take the opportunity to re-introduce the team to you here at MV properties.

Co-Founder & CEO – Melanie Haralambous
Melanie is the proud founder of MV properties. She is the heart and drive behind everything we do. You will most likely find her showing new properties to clients, meeting sellers for valuations, orchestrating and co-ordinating all the finer details and workings of everything that happens at MV. Whilst being passionate and dedicated about her work; Melanie also has two small children who she is devoted to and she loves to run in her spare time, taking in all the beautiful trails and beauty that Ithaki has to offer.

Signage & Drone Videographer – Vassilis Galatis
Vassilis is also co-founder of MV properties has been with us from the start. His consistency and unwavering commitment to the company has been steadfast. His work allows many of our clients to be able to see, understand and experience properties for sale in a very real way especially for those clients who are unable to be on Ithaki at a poignant moment. Vasilis, born and raised Ithacan, has extensive knowledge of the island that is second to none. He is a valuable team member and when he finds some time to relax, he loves to go on adventures, to try new things and experience all that this life has to offer.

Stavros Office Administration – Cornelia Dumitru
Then we would like to introduce you to our newest administrative member, Cornelia. She will be situated in the Stavros office. Cornelia will be the first point of contact. She sees to all our property enquiries, our new sellers adding properties, all the administration and office operations. She has been a great blessing to this team, originally from Romania, she is a very capable woman with many talents; one of them being the fact that she can speak 4 languages fluently. This is so beneficial to us having clients from many parts of the world. In her spare time Cornelia loves to read, walk and listen to music.

Vathi Office Administration – Natasha Robb
Then lastly we have Natasha who will be working for us on a part time basis in our Vathi office. She is an instrumental part of this team, taking care of all the writing with regards to new properties as well as general office administration. Originally from South Africa, she moved with her family 2 years ago to live in Ithaki. She has four small children and in her spare time she loves to bake and cook.

Summer Rental Properties

Now that you have a face behind the team at MV properties we look forward to meeting with all our clients as the year progresses. Winter has been in motion with adding new properties to our portfolio and continuing our renovation projects that are on the go. Having said that, we would like to take the time to highlight some rental properties which are available for this summer as people start planning and booking their summer holiday in Ithaki.

Villa Kalos

First up we have,  Villa Kalos. Situated in the tranquil village of Lahos, this luxurious villa offers the serenity of a retreat. It can sleep up to 8 people in 4 double bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms. This traditional stone villa has a rustic, contemporary style and it also boasts an infinity pool with sun lounges to enjoy during the hot summer months.

Kouvarata Villas

Next we have Kouvarata Villas which is in Stavros Village. Ideally located within a short walk to Stavros centre and Poli beach, this villa comprises two stone cottages. The first stone cottage sleeps 2 to 4 people with a fully equipped kitchen and lounge area, the second stone cottage sleeps up to 5 people. The outside area has the most amazing views with a garden and barbeque area as well as a large swimming pool which offers privacy and tranquility.

Villa Idylle

Thirdly we would like to showcase Villa Idylle. Also located in Stavros village, this villa offers the most exquisite views of Poli bay. This Lavish villa has 4 double bedrooms, with a large downstairs open plan living and dining area. Each bedroom overlooks the breathtaking view of Poli bay. The stand out feature of this rental would be the outside terrace with private swimming pool creating your dream holiday come true.

Kolleri Rental

Then lastly in the picturesque village of Kolleri we have a wonderful 4 bedroom house which can sleep up to 8 people. This house is the perfect holiday getaway, with breathtaking views, the quiet and calmness of the surroundings and only a 5 minute drive to Afales beach. The exposed stone walls, smooth cement flooring with bold and contemporary features provide a cool and authentic atmosphere.

The post Welcome 2024! first appeared on MV Properties.

The post Welcome 2024! appeared first on MV Properties.

We had yet another busy, hot and vibrant season on Ithaki. We loved welcoming all of our clients either at our Stavros or Vathi office. Many people coming for holiday are captured by the beauty, the uniqueness and authenticity of Ithaca and so they find themselves, at our door, interested in finding their perfect home.

As a result, our days were filled with many property viewings, helping our clients find exactly what they were looking for. We pride ourselves in taking the time to prioritise property viewings knowing that for each client comes their own personal aspirations of which we like to meet. 

Rental Properties

Whilst we had many property viewings, our rentals also comprise most of what we do in the summer; managing the many visitors arriving and departing Ithaca, at all our various rental establishments.

One of our rental villas in Stavros, upgraded their property adding a swimming pool to its facilities, and how the guests enjoyed this feature along with the privacy that it had to offer. Amongst all the different rental properties in the North and the South part of the island, we loved welcoming and meeting visitors from all over the world, who came to our small island, to enjoy the magic that Ithaca has to offer. 

Event Management

At MV properties, we also offer a service of event organising and planning.

This summer, we had the honour of assisting at a wedding for 200 people on Lazaretto island and the reception at Filiatro beach. Normally we would organise the entire event ourselves, from the catering, to the decor, the DJ, to every small detail involved in making a wedding ceremony and reception come to life exactly as desired. In this specific wedding this summer, the client had a passion for event organising, herself, and so she only needed our services as assisting on the wedding day, of which we were happy to undertake. It brings us such joy to see people choose the beautiful Ithaca as their wedding destination to begin their marriage on our beautiful island.

We are currently working on all the planning and organising for several weddings that are scheduled for next summer already, and we will keep you posted with those events, as they unfold. 

Secondly, we had the privilege of organising an intimate 50th birthday party at Filiatro beach.

Taking place in the middle of October, it was the end of the season, and the beach was private, peaceful and serene. It was the perfect setting to host this event of a close group of friends, about 40 people in total. We organised everything, including the Catering company from Kefalonia, to cater an incredible menu of simple Greek flavours at a very high standard.

We had our team at MV properties to set up the lights, and take care of all the decor, flow of events and management of everyone involved. There was a fantastic DJ who mixed a great variety of music, keeping the whole party going, and creating a wonderful atmosphere. The guests could enjoy the perfect sun setting, with an array of colours scattered throughout the sky.

The event was truly a great success especially due to the weather playing its role. After a mild storm the day before, we had luck on our side, with the most calm and tranquil backdrop. 

As this season drew to a close, we look forward to the end of Autumn and start of Winter and all that they have to offer. The shops have begun to close down, we are all taking a breath from the non-stop summer. We are starting to chop wood, to prepare for our heating for the winter months that will roll around.

As we enter the middle of November, the Olive picking season will take place; an important time of year, where the olives are raked and harvested and pressed in order to supply oil for us and our families for the next year ahead.

The post Reflecting back on summer 2023 first appeared on MV Properties.

The post Reflecting back on summer 2023 appeared first on MV Properties.

Taking place in the middle of October, it was the end of the season, and the beach was private, peaceful and serene. It was the perfect setting to host this event of a close group of friends, about 40 people in total. We organized the Catering company Mythos from Kefalonia, to cater an incredible menu of simple Greek flavours at a high standard. We had our team at MV properties to set up the lights, and all the other decor, flow of events and management of all the people involved. There was a fantastic DJ, Dimos Kostopoulos, who mixed a great variety of music, keeping the whole party going, and creating a wonderful atmosphere.

The Guests arrived at around 17:00 with welcome drinks and canapes circling around. They could enjoy the perfect sun setting, with an array of colours scattered throughout the sky. The event was truly a great success especially due to the weather playing its role. After a mild storm the day before, we had luck on our side, with the most calm and tranquil backdrop. Dinner was served at 19:00 with a wonderful buffet of meat, salads, dips and vegetarian dishes. There was a bar set out by Mythos catering, offering various drinks and a fabulous variety of wines. The music began to pick up after dinner, which included the guests all dancing, creating wonderful memories of celebration.

There were hammocks laid out amongst the olive trees for the children to play and relax in. The client was thrilled with how the event turned out, exactly as expected, and it brings us no greater joy than to deliver to the client what they are looking for. It was wonderful to see a variety of nationalities coming together, friends from all parts of the world celebrating together at a wonderful event.

Thank you to the whole team which brought this great and memorable day for Andreas 50th Birthday on Filiatro Beach.

If you wish MV Properties to help you organise your event, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

The post Event Planning: MV Properties 50th Birthday, Filiatro Beach, Vathi, Ithaca Greece IDMVBI003VAT first appeared on MV Properties.

The post Event Planning: MV Properties 50th Birthday, Filiatro Beach, Vathi, Ithaca Greece IDMVBI003VAT appeared first on MV Properties.