Dallas Orthodox Wedding Photography, St. Seraphim Cathedral
Russian Orthodox Wedding at St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral in Dallas, Texas
A Sacred Ceremony
What an honor it was to photograph the Rite of Holy Matrimony at St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral in Dallas, Tx. The Russian Orthodox Church of America ceremony was decorated with ancient tradition and sacred readings. The Wedding at Cana when Jesus performed his first miracle was the focus of the wedding. If you look closely, you can find the mural of the miracle. Orthodox weddings are characterized by rituals and blessings that start at the entrance of the Nave and conclude at the altar. The guests stand in a circle facing the middle of the nave. Ornate paintings and icons filled the space from floor to ceiling creating a spectacle to behold for the mind and soul.
The Rite of Holy Matrimony in the Orthodox Church
Betrothal The ceremony started with the Betrothal in which the father gives his daughter to the groom and is followed by the blessing and exchanging of the rings. The rings are placed on the third finger of the right hand.
Candles and Hand Holding After the rings were exchanged, the couple received candles. The burning flames represent the couple’s openness to receive God’s blessings. Next they joined hands as a symbol of their unity, while the priest recited a prayer.
The Crowning The crowning was a centerpiece of the ceremony. These crowns symbolize the crowns received in heaven, the Christian crown of martyrdom, the couple’s status of King and Queen of their household. The crowns are joined by a white ribbon.
The Common Cup Following the crowning, the Lord’s Prayer and scripture were recited. The bride and groom drank from a blessed cup of wine. The wine symbolizes the first miracle performed by Jesus at the Wedding at Cana where he turned water into wine. The couple drank from the cup three times.
The Dance of Isaiah Led by a priest, the couple walked around the table three times. This ritual symbolizes the couples first walk as husband and wife under the eyes of God.
Final Blessing Now at the foot of the altar, the couple received their final blessing and kissed the cross.
Greeting All of the guests processed to the couple to greet them.
Wedding Portraits
A few weeks before their wedding ceremony, we met in Highland Park to photograph the couple in their wedding attire. They wanted special portraits taken before their big day! Elegant Davis Park was a perfect location for their ornate wedding attire.
Jennifer specializes in photographing religious church weddings and intimate ceremonies. View information about wedding photography.
Wedding photography serving Dallas, Ft. Worth, Flower Mound, Southlake, Colleyville, Coppell, Grapevine, Argyle, Roanoke, Trophy Club, and more!
