Julie & Mike’s Greek Wedding Albany NY Wedding Photographer

This one was a doozy, but has to be one of our favorite weddings we have shot this year!  Julie and Mike grew up on strong Greek values and their day was a party like NO OTHER we’ve seen.  Since this was our first official “Greek Wedding,”  Julie actually gave us some homework.  She said, “seriously, watch the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and you will be totally prepared for the entire day.”  She was not kidding.  The tradition and the symbolism throughout the day was really amazing to witness.

We started at Mike’s hotel room, where in cramped quarters, about 10 of his family members were getting him ready.  His aunt sung in Greek as everyone quietly busied themselves.  We met up there with Dan and Jaime Ross from Best Bytes Media who captured the entire day on video.  We love working along side them!

We all headed over to Julie’s parents house, where the ENTIRE house was decorated for the wedding day.  I can’t even tell you how many people were in this house, all I know is there was so much going on and the excitement was absolutely contagious.  She had aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends all there at the house for the big day.  As Julie got ready, all the girls helped her get dressed.  Her brother blessed her gown and her dad was so excited to see her in her gown for the first time.  The Koumbaro (or Best Man), proceeded to stuff Julie’s shoes with money (not talking just dollar bills here) until she was satisfied with the amount.  It was so fun to watch.

We hopped in the car again and headed to St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church.  Let me tell you, this has to be one of the most ornate and beautiful churches we have ever been in.  The colors are AMAZING inside.  The ceremony was nothing short of amazing as well.  Since we did our homework, we were sure to catch all the important Greek ceremony elements such as the crossing of rings, delivery of crowns, and the important walk around the alter 3 times.  It was a lot to capture, but it kept us on our toes!  You could see how special it meant to everyone in the church and we were so honored that we got to see it up close.

The reception was down at the American Polish Community Club where a whopping 250 guests partied the night away.  Music was played by the Ageans and many guests enjoyed traditional Greek dancing.  The dollar bills flew threw the air as they danced in circles.  Who would have known that one of our vendor friends, Evan Euripidou from Anthology Studio was such an outstanding dancer.  If you get the chance to see him dance, you won’t be disappointed. It was seriously a star-studded day for the vendors.  Evan was a guest along with Tony and Amber Gibson from Time Capsule Photobooths.

Julie and Mike, thanks for allowing us to witness your special day and capture it for you to have forever.  Many blessings we wish on you and your family!  Τις καλύτερες ευχές μου!

Julie smiled the ENTIRE day!  I love her smile!

The Ceremony

LOL, the Koumbaro (Best Man) took his own pic of the kiss!

These two are so in love.  They get all giddy when they are together!

The Reception

Such amazing dancing!

Superstar Vendor Team:  Best Bytes Media: Dan and Jaime Ross and assistant Terry, and Time Capsule Photobooth:  Tony Gibson with Adam and Desaree, and Anthology Studio: Evan Euripidou dancing 

And.. of course us.  Meg is a stickler about a Bride’s dress and below she runs around to get Julie laughing.  Keith attempting some “floor work” with a killer ring shot.

Vendors:

Venue:  Albany Polish American Citizen Club Inc., Coordinator:  Anne Houser

Officiant:  Father Patric Legato, Father Louis Nicholas, Father Manny Mantzouris

Music:  Band, the Ageans

Video:  Best Bytes Media, Contact: Dan and Jaime Ross

Flowers:  Anthology Studio, contact: Evan Euripidou

Makeup:  Leigh Underwood Brockmann (bride’s cousin)

Hair:  Bella Salon, contact:  Stacy Kontos

Transportation:  All Occasions Limo

Photobooth:  Time Capsule Photobooths, contact:  Tony Gibson

Cake:  Villa Italia

Gown:  Juliette House of Brides

Tuxes:  Men’s Wearhouse

Rings:  Gallaria Jewelers, Brooklyn, NY

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