When given an opportunity to practice photography, I am always happy to jump at it, especially when it is for a friend.  I was recently given the honor of photographing Paul and Shelby’s wedding at St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedralin NE Minneapolis.    

For those of you not familiar with the Orthodox faith, it is an amazingly beautiful ceremony steeped in tradition and symbolism, one that I am proud to say I participated in during my own wedding nine years ago. 

The wedding began at the center of the church (after the procession of the wedding party) where the rings are blessed.  The priest made the sign of the cross while holding the rings and then touched the rings to the Shelby and Paul’s forehead three times.  Then the rings were placed gently on their fingers and their Starosta, usually a godparent or an important elder in the couple’s life, exchanged the rings between the Paul and Shelby three times.

The crowning (in my opinion) was one of the main highlights of their wedding.  The priest made the sign of the cross with the crowns (three times for each crown) and handed the crown to two of Paul’s godsons.  They held the crown over the bride and groom for a long period of the ceremony, representing the royalty of marriage.

Another one of my favorite parts of the wedding was when the priest led Paul and Shelby three times around the Tetrapod (a small table that displays candles, wedding flowers, holds the crowns when not being used and most importantly, an icon, bible and cross.)  The “ritual dance” represented the dance around the Ark of the Covenant.  It is in this small procession that Paul and Shelby took their first steps as a married couple. 

What an honor to be a part of Paul and Shelby’s day and this beautiful ceremony.  It was so inspiring to see the love and happiness between them.  It is a great testament that love can find us at any age.  

Many years!

~Sarah