The Beauty and Tradition of an Orthodox Wedding at the Holy Protection of the Mother of God Orthodox Church and the unforgettable reception at the Saint Joseph Orthodox Church.
The Orthodox wedding ceremony is deeply spiritual, full of rich traditions that are not only meaningful but visually stunning. As a photographer, capturing the essence of the sacred moments is essential. The church, with its beautiful iconography, ornate candles, and soft golden light, provides a perfect backdrop for documenting the couple's vows and the priest’s blessings. The iconic crowning moment is one of the most powerful images in an Orthodox wedding. The couple is crowned with the stefana, delicate crowns that symbolize their spiritual unity and divine blessing. The connection of the crowns by the ribbon is a powerful visual representation of their bond, while the priest’s prayers and blessings create an intimate and sacred atmosphere. The "Dance of Isaiah," where the couple walks in a circle around the altar, is another key moment to photograph. This symbolic act, signifying the couple's journey together, provides a chance to capture both the spirituality of the occasion and the elegance of the couple as they take their first steps as husband and wife. One of the highlights of the reception was the traditional Lebanese dance. The bride and groom, along with their guests, were swept into a whirlwind of Lebanese folk dances. The most intimate and emotional moment of the reception was when the bride surprised the groom with a heartfelt gesture - she wrote and sang a special song for him.