We had the opportunity to plan and execute a large greek wedding, and it was so much fun. Our friend David Abel, with David Abel photography referred this couple to us and it was great to work a wedding with a few of our favorite vendors.
We learned so much on this wedding. Large, multicultural weddings are something that we love to do.
Here are some of our favorite takeaways from learning this new wedding culture and their traditions.
In the Greek Orthodox tradition, certain times of the year may prove especially fortunate for a wedding. In ancient times, January was reserved for celebrating Hera, the wife of Zeus and goddess of marriage and fertility. Later, the Romans translated Hera to Juno and celebrated her in the month of June. Our couple was married in June as to have a favorable date.
The matrimonial altar is a small table on which a special tray holds the wedding crowns, betrothal rings, candles, goblet of sanctified wine, and book of gospels.
The betrothal service recognizes the engagement of the couple by the church and includes the priest’s blessing of the rings. He also alternately blesses the bride and groom three times. The triple repetition is to express the presence of the Holy Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
The couple will also have a “Koumbara.” This is their sponsor of the marriage. It is a very highly respected position and not one that is taken lightly. The Koumbara is also the one who will be asked to be the god parent for the couples future children.
The Greek ceremony is very formal. There are lots of traditions and rituals that take place. Once the ceremony is over the guests make their way over to the reception space.
This wedding was held at the Omni Richmond. The guest count was close to 300 so we needed a space that could hold such a large guest count and was also convenient for their out of town guests. They had hired a greek band and they all danced the night away.
At traditional greek weddings the couple must start off the dancing. Once the couple has started dancing the family and guests join in for some dancing in large circles. The couple and all of their friends and family danced, they cut their cake, they toasted to the couple, and they ate homemade baklava that was brought in by a family member.
As always, I would love to chat.
Photography: David Abel Photography
Lighting: Lighting Professors
