Top 5 Tips For a Stress-free Orthodox Wedding
Growing up, I’ve been in attendance of countless Orthodox weddings. It’s a reality of being the daughter of an Orthodox priest and later, a member of the choir. And now as an adult, I photograph Orthodox weddings both at my own parish and other parishes in the Houston metropolitan. So over the years I’ve figured out some things that make Orthodox weddings stressful, and how to work around those stressers. So let me share them with you here.
Always consult your priest
I want you to get this temporarily tattooed on your arm for the duration of your engagement: “When in doubt, ask your priest.” That will probably remove half your stressors right there. Who can be my maid of honor? Ask your priest. Is this dress church appropriate? Ask your priest. Can we decorate the parish hall the day before? Ask. Your. Priest.
Read through and understand the Orthodox Wedding Service
If you’ve not attended an Orthodox wedding in a long time (or never), consider reading a service text or watching a YouTube video of one. Did you know we place crowns on the head of the bride and groom to represent them having the crowns of martyrdom? In marriage we become a martyr to our spouse as we sacrifice everything to them. You can learn more about the different parts of the wedding service here.
Resources:
Greek Archdiocese Service Text
Antiochian Archdiocese Service Text
Have a large crowd? Skip the recieving line!
I once photographed a beautiful wedding where they had probably 150 people in attendance. The recieving line took about 30 minutes, maybe more! Everyone wants to greet the couple and chat for a moment with them, and it will quickly eat into your timeline. That day I struggled to get enough photos outdoors of the couple because the light was quickly fading as the recieving line continued.
So, word to the wise: Immediately exit the church together after your kiss and/or the priest gives a sermon. Hide in a cry room, office, choir loft, or sacristy and have the priest announce that the guests can proceed to the reception while the family and wedding party wait for photos. This will clear out the church faster so your photographer can move efficiently through portraits. Your guests will have plenty of time to catch up with you during the reception!
Gather small detail pieces together
Help your photographer out by gathering your detail pieces like your candles and crowns in a shoe box or other container before the wedding. They can quickly get all the photos they need without rushing around looking for all your pieces. Here’s a list of things that you may want photographed beforehand:
Candles
Crowns
Rings + ring box(es)
Custom booklet of wedding service
Paper invitation + envelope
Veil
Shoes
Icons
Groom’s boutonniere
Bridal bouquet
The Kiss
Remember these two key things about your first kiss as a married couple: Keep it church-appropriate, and hold it out for 3 Mississippi’s. We don’t want to scandalize your in-laws, but let’s make sure your photographer gets the shot in perfect focus.
Well, there’s my top tips for a smooth wedding as an Orthodox photographer! Just a couple things that you might not find on every other list of wedding tips and tricks. If you live in Texas and are in need of a wedding photographer, check out my current package options here. I’d be excited to capture you and your fiance’s big day!
