Have you ever been to a Greek wedding? If not, I suggest you make some Greek friends who happen to be getting married soon and go to one. The Greek wedding traditions, the loud (and I mean loud) celebrations and the famous money dance are things everyone should experience at least once. As the wedding photographer, I was able to see and capture the wedding from start to finish. Well, I say finish, but a lot of stamina is needed for that level of partying!
I always go to the groom first to give the bride a little extra time to get ready. When I walked into that house, I wasn’t sure I ever wanted to leave. The excitement was palpable. There was movement everywhere you looked. Everyone was talking. The welcome I received was better than I have ever received from family members I had known all my life. It was incredible. In between the laughing and joking I took photographs of the smaller details. Then it was the first of many of the Greek wedding traditions I was going to capture that day, getting the groom ready. The groom’s best man shaved him which shows how much the groom trusts him. Then, the other groom’s men put an item of clothing on him, his tie, his blazer, his pocket square. It was a great moment filled with a lot of laughter.
After taking pictures with the groom and his many, many family members I made my way over to the bride. I didn’t think it was possible, but it was even busier! The ladies were helping the bride to get dressed which was another Greek Wedding tradition. Live music played while symbolic rituals were performed. It was a beautiful moment in the day. I love catching a bride with her parents, but there was something even more special about this. Whether it was witnessing them giving the bride their blessing or the look in their eyes when their daughter walked down the stairs, I’m unsure. Whatever it was, it helped me to create some fantastic images.
The ceremony took place in a beautifully decorated church. Again, there were many other beautiful traditions carried out. The placing of the Stefana on the bride and groom’s head, connected by ribbons to symbolise their unity, was a genuinely stand out moment.
After the post-ceremony pictures, we made our way to the reception. I’m going to be honest with you. The wedding reception was the part of the day I was looking forward to the most, and it was better than I had ever imagined. The speeches were emotional, hilarious and set the tone for the rest of the night. There was the famous money dance. I’m sure I’m 1/20th Greek; definitely should have had this at my wedding. No matter how great you are as a photographer, (and I think I’m pretty good if I do say so myself) emotion and energy go a long way to creating excellent pictures and there was plenty of that at this traditional Greek Wedding.
I would like to thank Andrea and George for inviting me to be your Greek Wedding photographer. It was an unforgettable experience! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.