The 2002 movie was named My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

With apologies to Nia Vardalos and everyone else involved in the hugely successful movie, those of us who came to Hydra this week saw a real Greek wedding, and not the North American celluloid version of same.

The couple being married were Greek and American, but they did this in the groom’s country, on the island of Hydra, which in its ethnic authenticity seemed far better suited to the event than any movie-making set.

To wit:

–The bridal party, including father and siblings, was led through the streets of the town by a trio of musicians playing instruments associated with Greek music and led by a crooner who belted out a love song (I assume) for the 30 minutes or so that the journey lasted.

This procession, greeted by big smiles, especially by locals, as it made its twisting way through the village, eventually headed towards the southern end of the town, where the marriage was to take place.

–The ceremony was held in the grounds of an open-air restaurant, under a gazebo, on the edge of a cliff … as the sun sank behind the Peloponnese, on the other side of the strait, on a warm summer night.

–Parts of the ceremony were done in Greek. The deputy mayor officiated. The bride and groom said the sort of sweet things that seem really suitable only at weddings.

–The groom’s extended family made for a big part of the crowd of about 100. When the local music resumed, they were the key figures in the traditional circular dancing, and in some more strenuous footwork later in the evening.

–I am not an expert on auspices, but up in the clear Aegean sky were a red sliver of moon, which cast a reddish reflection across miles of sea, as well as Jupiter and Mars. It was all fairly spectacular for those of us who live in places where we can barely make out the moon at all. Anyway, the red moon and two planets … has to mean something, in various religions/folk interpretations, doesn’t it?

–The dinner/feast was thoroughly Greek. Lots of courses. Fava beans, mushrooms, eggplant, thick bread and the main course, a mixed grill that included lamb, pork and chicken. Right after the ceremony, everyone was treated to Champagne, and during the dinner the wine kept coming.

–In the best Greek (and Mediterranean) style, the reception and dancing lasted until 3 a.m., and some of us were exhausted even before then.

It was an event that certainly will not be forgotten by the newlyweds and their families.

It likely also will retain a cherished place in the memories of those who traveled to Hydra from France and the U.S. and England and Germany and Abu Dhabi … people who may not get another chance to be part of a real Greek wedding.