My 'Big Fat Greek Family!
This is over 17 years ago when I got married to my soul mate and my best friend, Libby. I love the Greek Cypriot family lifestyle and traditions which is why we had TWO weddings...Greek and English to include all our friends and family. Note my labouring of the word 'FAMILY', I asked my little brother to be my best man, because he along with the rest of my relatives and heritage means so much to me (but don't tell him that please I have a reputation).
This year was my brother's turn and when he asked me to be HIS best man, despite our mutual family values...it was still a surprise to me if I'm honest! Yet, I was truly honoured and privileged and excited to do this for him. This meant a lot to me and all I wanted to do was the best job I could at all the usual Bestman 'stuff'.
When it came to his wedding day, it was and it wasn't difficult for me to leave my camera behind. But I did, granted not too far behind. Any opportunity I had in taking a picture I could well I did, but with best man procedures always came as a top priority and making my little brother's day go as smoothly as possible.
On shooting a wedding I can take anything between 1500-3000 photos, but for this day I only took about 150, and looking back I was surprised at how I even managed that with all events that my brother and his beautiful new wife had organised into a day spanning little over twelve hours! Despite the time constraints I faced in taking these images. Something I hear so often is 'quality not quantity and I can still feel the emotion of the day when I look at these memories.
My 'Big Fat Greek Family' is getting even bigger! I can't wait to capture the memories to come.
Greek Cypriot Wedding Traditions, From a Photographer With a Big Greek Family
With a big Greek family of my own, and having photographed these traditions too, here are some of my favourite parts of a Greek Cypriot wedding, and the moments I always make sure I capture.
To Krevati, making the wedding bed
A few days before the wedding, family and friends gather to make the couple's new bed. Money is thrown onto it for good luck, and often a baby is rolled across it as a wish for a future family. It's full of laughter and makes for brilliant photos.
The Stolisma, getting ready
On the morning of the wedding, the bride and groom are dressed at their family homes, traditionally with music from the violin and lute. Close family help them get ready, the groom is often given a ceremonial shave by his koumbaros, and a red sash is tied around the bride's waist. Olive leaves are burned and the smoke is waved around the couple to keep away the evil eye. If you've searched for "stolisma", this is it, and it's one of the most emotional parts of the whole day.
The church ceremony
Greek Orthodox ceremonies are full of symbolism. The couple are crowned with the stefana, two crowns joined by a ribbon, which the koumbaros or koumbara swaps between them three times. They share wine from a common cup, and then the priest leads them around the table three times in the Dance of Isaiah, their first steps together as a married couple.
The money dance
At the reception, the couple's first dance turns into the money dance, as guests come up to pin money onto the bride and groom. It can go on for a good while, and the outfits are often covered by the end. It's loud, happy and one of my favourite things to photograph.
The party
Then come the circle dances, the food and a celebration that goes on late into the night. Greek Cypriot weddings are big, warm and all about family, and that's exactly why I love them.
Planning a Greek or Greek Cypriot Wedding?
With a big Greek family of my own, I know how much these traditions mean, from the krevati and stolisma to the church and the money dance, and I know where to be so none of them are missed. If you're planning a Greek or Greek Cypriot wedding, I'd love to hear about it. Get in touch to check my availability, or have a look at my wedding packages.
