And they sealed it with a…..handshake?

I absolutely love Orthodox weddings and it was a great pleasure to return to Saint Paul’s Orthodox church in Las Vegas.  Harry and Diane are such a lively and vibrant couple that you can’t help but immediately love them.  When my co-shooter Sarah and I met with them a few days before their ceremony, they told us the story of their first date, which ended not with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, but a nice firm handshake; the kind that says “it was excellent doing business with you – we simply must enjoy a cup of tea on the morrow!” 

While meeting with them, we had a look at their photo album, which chronicled their relationship together and some of the shots they’ve taken over the years had us in stitches!  Such a warm and vibrant couple, we immediately felt right at home with them and when they told us that they were planning to end the ceremony not with a kiss, but a firm handshake, Sarah and I were almost in tears with laughter!  In case you’re wondering, they also shared a firm kiss as well

My favorite part of an orthodox ceremony is the crowns.  Greek and Russian orthodox ceremonies have slight differences, one the main differences being that Greek Orthodox ceremonies typically have lightweight wreaths, whereas Russian Orthodox ceremonies have beautifully intricate crowns.  The best man and maid of honor hold these crowns over the heads of the bride and groom for 17 full minutes and the expressions that are exchanged during this quarter hour are always and without exception, absolutely priceless!  I had the biggest smile in the world on my face when, at the beginning, Harry winked at his best man as if to say “arms getting tired yet?”

Humor is the key to a long and happy marriage and Harry and Diane are a couple that will easily stand the test of time!