Pittsburgh Orthodox Wedding
Pictures & Information
Pre-Ceremony Traditions
Many Orthodox weddings include cherished pre-ceremony customs that celebrate family, heritage, and the joining of two families. Depending on our couple’s cultural background, we cover many events throughout the morning like the bartering for the bride, the skup, family blessings, music, dancing, and the formal procession to the church. These moments are often filled with laughter, emotion, and meaningful interactions, making them some of the most memorable photographs of the wedding day. Every family celebrates these traditions a little differently, and we love documenting each unique custom with authenticity and respect.
Ceremony
We understand that every Orthodox wedding is rich with sacred traditions and meaningful symbolism. Our team takes great care in documenting each part of the ceremony—from traditions like the Service of Betrothal and the Crowning, to the Common Cup, the Dance of Isaiah, and the blessing of the marriage. With two photographers, we're able to capture both the timeless rituals and the heartfelt reactions of your family and guests, preserving every meaningful detail with the reverence and attention it deserves.
Our experience with Orthodox weddings means we understand the rhythm of the ceremony, the significance behind each tradition, and the importance of working respectfully within the church. We coordinate with the clergy and follow parish guidelines so every meaningful moment is documented with care while preserving the reverence of the service.
Post Ceremony Traditions
We approach the fun and lively events immediatley following the ceremony, like the coin toss and vodka shots, with a more documentary style—anticipating key interactions, working unobtrusively within the flow of the celebration, and using a mix of wide storytelling frames and close candid moments to preserve both the energy of the crowd and the emotions of the couple as they unfold naturally.
Reception
We know the traditions don’t stop once the reception begins. The celebration continues with meaningful customs, family moments, and plenty of energy as everyone comes together to celebrate. From grand entrances and heartfelt toasts to traditional dances and cultural moments, every reception has its own rhythm and story.
We know that traditions like the Serbian kolo, the Ukrainian hopak, the Greek kalamatiano, money dances, bread and salt blessings, special family toasts, and other customs bring everyone onto the dance floor and create some of the most memorable images of the day.
Just like the moments immediately following the ceremony, we’re always ready to capture these traditions as they happen naturally. We anticipate the big moments, the spontaneous reactions, and all the little interactions happening around them. We also make it a priority to photograph the people who make your day special—capturing both posed portraits with family and friends and fun & candid moments throughout the celebration.
From the traditions everyone is expecting to the moments no one planned, we’re there to tell the full story of your wedding day.
