The McKinnons and the Ganucheaus

From the first date to the honeymoon, and everything in between, these newlyweds have buzzy stories to tell. We wish them the best as they begin their exciting new chapters. 

Elena Pappas + Andrew McKinnon 

When Elena Pappas said “yes” to Andrew McKinnon’s proposal, she knew exactly where she wanted to marry her groom. The seaside town of Xylokastro, Greece, about an hour and half from Athens, situated on the coast of the Gulf of Corinth, was the perfect spot. This destination is very special to Elena, as she spent many childhood summers at the family home in the nearby town of Kiato Diminio. 

Bottom left photo: The happy couple enjoyed perfect sunset lighting for their reception on the Gulf of Corinth. (Photo: Christos Mavraganis @authenticweddingsgreece)

Andrew and Elena met while they were both law students at South Texas College of Law. Andrew was two years ahead of Elena and they had mutual friends in the law-school community. A Florida native, Andrew is the son of Lessa and Scott McKinnon of Juno Beach, Fla. After growing up in West Palm Beach, he attended Appalachian State University in North Carolina before relocating to Houston to study law and meet his future wife. He is now the owner of McKinnon Law, specializing in personal injury, estate planning, and probate law. 

Elena, the daughter of Pamela and Bellaire Mayor Gus Pappas, grew up in Bellaire, attending Condit Elementary, Pershing Middle School, and Bellaire High School. After graduation, she headed to College Station to pursue a finance degree from Texas A&M University and then moved back to Houston for law school. 

Bottom right photo: Elena and Andrew danced until the wee hours of the morning, surrounded by friends and family. Athens-based DJ and saxophone player kept the crowd moving on the dance floor for hours. (Photo: Christos Mavraganis @authenticweddingsgreece)

Friends and family traveled to Greece and were treated to stunning views and festive Greek culture. The wedding was held in a tiny Greek Orthodox chapel in the woods alongside the beach, with the reception at a nearby resort on the water. Keeping with traditional Greek culture, the couple did not have bridesmaids or groomsmen; families of the bride and groom stood at the altar during the ceremony. Sunset along the coast was the perfect backdrop for the evening, while guests danced to music from a DJ and saxophone player, both from Athens. The Greeks know how to throw a party, and it didn’t end until after 3 a.m., with everyone enjoying time socializing and hitting the dance floor with many traditional Greek dances. 

After a honeymoon in Portugal, Mr. and Mrs. McKinnon are back home in Houston.

HOMEGROWN LOVE A beautifully dressed wedding party wishes the new couple a lifetime of happiness at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. Pictured, back row: Mary Clare Ganucheau, Hannah Robichaux, John Kaul, Bailey Jetton, Cade Skeete, Katie Ferris, Jack Schrimsher, Lukas Dworak, Olivia McGuire; front row: Jon Lauck, Emma Kaul, Hanna Kaul, William Kinney, Shelby Skeete Ganucheau, John Thomas Ganucheau, Morgan Coppoc, Augustine Zepeda, Allison Monacelli, and John Brady. (Photo: Lucy Struve Photography)

Shelby Skeete + John Ganucheau

Despite growing up just a few miles apart in Houston, and having several connections, Shelby Skeete and John Ganucheau did not know each other until they met on the Bumble dating app when Shelby returned to Houston after graduating from college. When they finally met, they learned of many friend-of-friend connections that brought an immediate sense of comfort. That initial comfort proved reliable, as they began a dating relationship that led to an engagement and marriage. 

John and Shelby exchanged vows in a traditional Catholic ceremony. (Photo: Lucy Struve Photography)

After three years together, John surprised Shelby with a proposal at her farm in Burton, Texas. Just hours before her planned birthday-weekend celebration with friends was scheduled to begin, John stood anxiously in the middle of the house, surrounded by flowers, waiting for Shelby to return from taking her dog to the vet. Shelby opened the door and was completely shocked to see John. She had spent the day preparing for guests, making a trip to the vet, and was not “dressed up,” making it the perfect surprise occasion and a special moment for the couple. 

Standing among bridesmaids and groomsmen, maid of honor and best man, and flower girl, Shelby and John exchanged vows in front of family and friends at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Memorial Park, with Father James Murphy as celebrant. After saying “I do,” the wedding party and guests headed to the Junior League of Houston for the reception featuring musical entertainment from Adrian Michael and The Greenway Band. It was a special treat for American Idol fans who recognized lead singer Adrian Michael from Season 10. When it was time to cut the cake, John was thrilled to have a 3D replica of a Red Bull F1 car as his groom’s cake. After the wedding and reception were over and everyone had a chance to catch their breath, Shelby and John enjoyed a honeymoon at Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ganucheau show off their wedding rings while celebrating with family and friends at their reception at the Junior League of Houston. (Photo: Lucy Struve Photography)

The couple is now home in Houston, living near where Shelby grew up and attended Memorial Drive Elementary, First Baptist Academy, and Memorial High School. Her parents, Robert and Monica Skeete, still live in the area. John grew up in Bellaire and attended St. Thomas High School. His parents, Thomas and Lisa Ganucheau, are close by in Montrose. With a master’s degree in accounting, John now works for Deloitte, while Shelby, a graduate of Texas Tech University, works as a senior multinational underwriter at Chubb.

Editor’s note: If you were recently married and would like to submit your wedding to The Buzz, email us at [email protected].