St. elijah antiochian orthodox christian church: Oklahoma City, Ok

The Alnemris

Ghaith and Crystal's wedding was full of traditions, cultural music, an orthodox ceremony, TWO reception entrances, a sword cake cutting, and an unwavering dance floor. The day began in Crystal's family home where she got ready for her day. Ghaith's family arrived at their home where they were greeted by the men of Crystal's family. There was a ceremonial showering of jewelry by Crystal's family and there was a 'giving-away of the bride to her new family'. Crystal and her father loaded into a limo and drove to the church where they were greeted by the family and Ghaith waited outside the church to receive his bride. There was music and dancing and so much celebrating. After the ceremony, we took a few bride/groom portraits in the church courtyard and then they had their first entrance into the reception, and the dance floor was never empty. Dinner was served (which was incredible food) and then they had their second reception entrance with a confetti popping. They cut their cake with a sword, which was so fun and unique. They had a first dance with each other, a father-daughter dance, and a mother-son dance. Then, they continued to dance the night away. It was a wedding of so much celebration from start to finish and you could tell how much they valued family and their culture in their wedding traditions.