Most weddings are pretty hectic, with each culture adding them own stamp. Photographing a Greek wedding is one of the most fast paced versions of a wedding day. Here are a few of the photographs I created for Despi and Terry. The day begins early with the bride getting ready at Cardiff City Hall before the separate traditional ceremonies for both the bride and groom, where several families members and close friends perform several folklore rituals to bing good luck. Following these festivities it was time for a little refreshment before heading to the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas for the legal ceremony, in one of the most ornate places of worship I have had the pleasure attending. The large number of guests attending, packed the church to the rafters with only standing room left for those wishing to witness the Isaias dance, the part of the wedding ritual where the priest leads the couple on their first walk together around the table. The stefana crowns as also placed on the couples head, tied together with a ribbon to signify the union.
The remaining celebrations took place back at Cardiff City Hall, the Greeks need no invitation to dance. The band played throughout the reception, the sixteen members working rotation to keep the music playing, with dancing before the meal and even in between courses. There was a brief pause to allow for the after meal speeches. Once the father of the bride, the groom and his best-man has finished their delivery, the dance floor was re-opened once again for the couples first dance.
