Reply #3 - October 17, 2007, 01:10:49 PM
Hi there! it's me!
Here's the scoop on Greek Orthodox weddings.
The ceremony is usually a very majectic affair and is longer than a Roman Catholic ceremony- some go to 1 or 1 ½ hours. The churches are usually very ornate with high ceilings or domes and very impressive traditional carving and statuary. There are some more modernistic ones but they are usually more ornate than most average newer churches.
There are two clergy who conduct the ceremony- the Priest and the Cantor. The Priest will chant many of the prayers and the cantor will echo them. In many ways it is like a high mass in the Roman Catholic style in terms of burning of incense (sometimes) and sipping wine from a golden challis. Of course there is the ring exchange and the processional and the recessional. One of the main differences is the placing of crowns on the heads of the bride and groom. At one point the crowns are held over the couple’s heads by the best man and the maid of honor. This is done while the Priest is chanting various nuptial blessings and administering the vows.
Watch for lots of details. The Priest will wrap the couple’s hand in a sash-like vestment as he is resisting certain benedictions. Exchange of family Icons will sometimes happen- theses are shadow box type glass enclosed picture frames with beautifully detailed religious art- some in gold leaf displayed within. Sometimes theses are displayed on an easel ir stand at the back of the church and people will kiss them as they enter,
VERY IMPORTANT- There are two altars, an outside altar and another one in back of it. There are no restrictions about making all the photographs you want near the outside or front altar where most of the aforementioned events take place anyway. The inside altar, it totally out of bounds! It is strictly for the Priest and the couple go there briefly for a special blessing- you can shoot that with their backs to you but don’t go in there or shoot from there- the is no reason to because all the goings on at the front altar is very easily shot from the sides.
I have done many Orthodox weddings and I have never seen any restriction- even flash is permitted. It is better, however to check with the clergy at all times. If you operate in a refined and business-like manner no one will bother you.
My favorite lighting set up is multiple flash and the shutter set at a lower speed to pick of stained glass windows and chandeliers. Wide angle available light images of the church interiors are usually quite impressive as well.
The reception are very lively with lots of tradition Greek dancing, Check with you clients regarding any special traditional highlights that will happen at the party. Oh- most of my Greek clients like lots of family shots and elegant formals of the couple.
Well- I hope this helps and good luck on your shoot. There will be lots of activity so some of theses assignments ain’t that easy but they are lots of fun!
Ed
« Last Edit: October 17, 2007, 01:15:42 PM by Ed Shapiro »
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Ed Shapiro
The Hintonburg Studio
Suite 201 78 Hinton Avenue North
Ottawa, Ontario CANADA K1Y 0Z8
613-792-4837 Email:
edshapiro@rogers.com
