Locations: Chicago
If you’re searching for a photographer who understands Serbian Orthodox Wedding traditions then you’re in the right place. To see Orthodox Christening photography go HERE.
If you’re on a phone, turn it sideways for best view from here on out.
PREPARATIONS
Before all the craziness of Skup begins, about 2 hours before guests arrive, I start at the family home as hair and makeup are nearing completion. I’m focused on family connections, the friends gathered to stand up beside you, the preparations and the details, and your special requests. “I want a picture with my cat”.
This is a little hack we use. We carve out some time for portraits before you’re sweating. Parent and sibling photos are before Skup!
SKUP
Skup alone is its own event with horns honking, friends pouring out into the yard and driveway, Rakija flowing freely from heirloom carved flasks, kolos, flags flying, iconic live music. My team and I cover everything – the greetings, kolo, and games.
I especially love how multigenerational the Serbian-American weddings are with young and old together in one space.
I heard a Serbian expression recently, “100 villages, 100 traditions”. This was the first time I’d seen this exact one tradition and I’ve seen a lot of bread related traditions over the course of 600 weddings I’ve photographed.
ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CEREMONY
I love how the whole joy filled morning builds up to this solemn and deeply meaningful Christian Orthodox Wedding Ceremony. Incense, choral music, candle light gleam off the icons.
I want to capture some gorgeous details of the site as well as the guests arriving, socializing, and taking in the icons.
As the ceremony opens I’ll move through the space reverently, observant from scene to scene as the centuries old rituals are performed. The blessing of the rings, the hand fasting, the crowning, circling – all so meaningful to document. One of my clients told me that my photos captured “the grace and meaning of the sacrament itself”. Above Left: My client’s crowns were a set her grandparents had worn.
It’s an all quiet respite before the kiss, more hugs, flying coins, kids scrambling for coins, and then even more kolo!
PORTRAITS
At some point either before the ceremony or after, I create elegant, elevated, timeless, and fun portraits with our couple. Couples have praised us for giving great directions, working within the tight timeframes of the Serbian wedding traditions, and being a calm presence in the chaos.
WEDDING RECEPTION
Finally the evening’s reception begins and we cover all the fanfare, toasts, cake cutting, special dances and more. I’m focusing on community in the space, vignettes of friends and family enjoying the night, and more. We really want you to remember the feeling of being there and the support of your community.
If you think we might be a good fit for your wedding (or christening) then INQUIRE NOW!
My Serbian couples tell me they picked me because I actually know what a Skup is, I know kolo dancing isn’t optional, and I know to have my camera ready when the coins start flying. That kind of trust means everything.
More than once a bride’s mom has told me she felt like I was one of the guests, not just the guy with the camera. I’d love to serve your family next.
Weddings – Engagements – Proposals – Christenings
