My brother's wedding

What a great weekend! It was filled with fun, adventure, and love <3

Bill and I left our beloved mountains to travel to Louisville, KY for my brother’s wedding.  My brother, Dave and his bride, Veronica, were married on Sept 17, 2016, joining their combined homes into one lovely family. It was a beautiful event.  

And it was also a fantastic weekend.  In fact, it was so fantastic that I have realized it’s too much for one blog post, so this is the first installment for that love filled weekend. 

The wedding was different from any that I have ever been too.  It was held in an Orthodox Church.  Many of you may be familiar with this branch of Christianity but I was not. They follow a different set of customs from the more traditional churches. 

On Friday night we gathered at Dave and Veronica’s home to celebrate with friends and family.  They made a great meal for those that were hungry, and after meeting several friends of the bride, we all celebrated with wine and chatted about the upcoming event.  

Then the big day arrived.  They were married in St Michael Antiochian Orthodox Church.  BEAUTIFUL church.  It was ornate and mystical.  And filled with Icons.  If you are unfamiliar with icons, they are considered sacred images.  They are images of another reality that look into heaven.  They are created by an Iconographer.  The iconographer doesn't just sit down and dab paint around.  They prepare themselves with fasting and prayer.  The iconographer follows a rigorous set of rules in order to create the painting.  And when they are finished they do not sign their own work.  They also do not expect any accolades for their hard work.  They pray before starting to paint, using colors and creating famial expressions that have been passed down through the ages. The style and regimen of their work is precise.  

There is so much detail used in these paintings that I could write an entire blog on just that topic.  But I'll leave it there so I can get back to the wedding. 

I have not been to many Orthodox churches, and this was my first wedding in this religion.  I loved the traditions and magic of it all.  The service is a Betrothal Service.  There is more symbolism than I realized in wedding ceremonies.  Like the fact that the couple stand out in the entrance that is called the narthex.  This is the room right outside the actual church service area.  They stand there because that is where they met, “in this world”. Then the traditional march begins.  The groom walks to the alter,  The wedding party comes down in twos.  Followed by everyone standing to watch the bride enter.  Once they have both entered the church they await the blessing which represents the “world to come”. The couple not only declare their love and desire to be married to each other, they also declare to God.  

Then it, in my opinion, varies off from the more common traditions.  It follows an older belief.  The ceremony has been used since the beginning of the church.  Unlike many religions that change with the times, the Orthodox believe there is no need to change.  And so the ceremony is beautiful and ancient... timeless.

The priest hands them both a candle which stands for their willingness to follow God throughout their lives.

I have never witnessed a 'Crowning' at a wedding.  It was a wonderful tradition where the priest prays for the couple and blesses the crowns (actually called Stefana).  He places a Stefana on both of their heads and then swaps them around, placing the groom's crown, or stefana, on the bride and vice verse.  And then the priest again switches them around.  These symbolize the couple being in the Kingdom of God and that they bear witness to God's presence in their lives.

The blessing of the crowns and the crowning is repeated three times for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The rings are blessed and touched to the couples foreheads prior to being placed, not on the left hand, but placed on the right-hand ring finger. This is because there is a biblical reference stating the ring is to go on the right hand.

There is also a Dance of Isaiah, this is when the priest takes the bride and groom's hands and they travel around the table three times.  The table holds a cross and a bible so they remember to keep God the center of their relationship at all times. 




And that is your cultural/history lesson for the day.  Now on the fun!









Prior to the ceremony...

You have to get ready for the ceremony.  

Not often you see the groom mopping up! 

This is the room the reception was in.  It's all within the church.  

The bride handled the finer details making sure all was the way it should be.  Despite the look on the groom's face, the bride handled the straight pin and boutonniere quite nicely. 

During the ceremony beautiful words and traditions played out as the happy union was formed.  

                                             

The wedding was followed by a reception.  There was a great meal along with meeting new family and friends.




And the shoes!  Why did I post a pic of the shoes? Because they're awesome shoes! No symbolism or tradition or story.  I just liked them. :)

And of course, the cake was a masterpiece. 

I have to say, this is one of my all-time favorite photos! I love it.  So happy and fun.  And, by the way, that’s my new sister-in-law, Veronica.  

It wasn’t long and they were off for their honeymoon.  I got to drive them to the airport where they left for Germany! What a great trip that would be.  In fact, it just so happens that my brother has a blog! And you can see photos of their trip at https://journeysbydave.blogspot.com

Yes, your welcome :)


My next post is about the great time we had hanging out in Louisville for the rest of the weekend while the newlyweds enjoyed their getaway.