Locations: Schererville, St George Serbian Orthodox Church
Nina and Pero’s wedding and reception were held at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville, IN. At St. George’s you’ll a vibrant and proud community of Serbian-Americans. We had previously captured several friend’s and family member’s weddings and so this was like a homecoming for us!
We started the day with bridal prep at the bride’s family home.
After capturing details, documentary, and a handful of portraits at the Bride’s home we commuted to the church for the Skup (a pre-ceremony party that is integral to the Serbian wedding experience)! The Skup marks the initial gathering of the two families. It’s a prelude to the grand celebration, a moment when the couple’s loved ones come together to officially kick off the wedding festivities.
One of the most visually captivating moments during the Skup was the traditional dance known as the kolo. The rhythmic movements of family members and friends created a mesmerizing spectacle, and my camera clicked away, freezing these moments in time. The kolo dance represents the circle of life and the interconnectedness of the couple with their families and community.
As a photojournalist, my goal is to capture not just the images but the emotions, the cultural nuances, and the timeless beauty that make each Serbian-American wedding unique. Documenting the Skup and the ensuing ceremony allowed me create a visual narrative that speaks to the soulful union of two individuals and the rich tapestry of their shared heritage.
In the end, it’s the moments shared, the laughter exchanged, and the cultural threads woven together that make Serbian-American weddings a celebration of love that transcends borders and generations.
The Skup may have set the stage, but the heart of the Serbian-American wedding lies in the solemn and sacred ceremony within the hallowed walls of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Documenting this part of the celebration bears witness to the profound spiritual connection that binds the couple and their families to the community at large.
Photo: @wescraftograph
The ceremony, marked by timeless rituals and rich symbolism, begins with the betrothal, a moment where the couple officially agrees to enter into the sacrament of marriage. The priest, adorned in ornate vestments, presides over the ceremony, guiding the couple through prayers and blessings. The scent of burning incense fills the air, creating an atmosphere that is both serene and mystical.
One of the most poignant moments during the Serbian Orthodox ceremony is the exchange of wedding crowns. 
The crowns along with the fastened hands symbolize the unity and the creation of a new kingdom—the couple’s shared life. As the priest places the crowns on the heads of the bride and groom, I captured the emotion in their eyes, a blend of joy, reverence, and the weight of the commitment they were making to each other.
Throughout the ceremony, the chanting of prayers and hymns, the rhythmic movements of the priest, and the exchange of vows steeped in tradition created a spiritual and visual symphony. My lens captured not just the moments but the emotions etched on the faces of the couple and their families—profound joy, quiet reflection, and the promise of enduring love.
The Serbian Orthodox ceremony is a testament to the resilience of tradition and the enduring power of love. As a photojournalist, it was an honor to document these sacred moments, preserving the visual narrative of a union blessed by tradition and consecrated by the timeless rituals of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
St George has a vast banquet facility adjacent which is extremely convenient for the couple’s celebrating there. After dinner and toasts there is more kolo dancing and sometimes even American music is piped in with the Serbian band takes a breather.
It’s always our distinct honor to be invited into the Serbian-American community to richly capture the love and traditions on display. Get in touch soon to check with us about your wedding date!
