A Greek Wedding Part 2 - The Ceremony

Inside the church was a vision of gold and light. The guests filled the tiny space to bursting. Many had to stand. They hushed as the choir began to sing. It didn’t matter that I didn’t understand a single word. It was beautiful.

The Bride and Groom were at the front, with the little bridesmaids behind. The priest sang his words. He placed a crown each on the heads of the betrothed couple, symbolising that they are King and Queen of their home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice and integrity. The Koumbara exchanges the crowns three times, following which the priest did the same. This sealed the joining of the couple as one.

Behind them, the littlest bridesmaid was playing with Helen’s train. Every so often, Helen’s friend got up and straightened it. The little bridesmaid thought this was a good game and ruffled it again.

The Bride and Groom’s right hands were joined, and the rings blessed and exchanged. They were placed on the right hands. The priest read a passage from the Bible, then poured wine into a single cup, from which the Bride and Groom took three sips each. Then it was time for them to take their first walk as husband and wife. The priest led them slowly three times around the table on which had stood the crowns, candles, rings and a cup of wine. It signified the promise of their marriage bond until they are parted by death. At the end of the ceremony the Bride, Groom, their parents and Koumbara stood at the church door while the guests lined up to individually congratulate them.

At the reception afterwards for the Bride and Groom to celebrate with their closest friends and relatives, the top table was decorated with the same flower display as had lined the walk into the church. Around the venue were lanterns and columns with flowers and candles. On each table was a vase of the same flowers. And at each place setting was a decorated ring of entwined branches, flowers and ribbon created by the Bride’s mother.

After the meal was the first dance. Helen and Jason nervously took to the floor. They needn’t have worried. It was beautiful. More couples joined them and the celebrations began.

Helen’s brother led the traditional Greek dancing. Sara joined in though she didn’t know what she was doing. But he was a good teacher and everyone followed his footwork closely.

The cake was cut. The Bride and Groom each fed the other one a mouthful to the applause of the guests. The cake was shared with them and the dancing continued.