Details to Know About Our Ceremony and Reception
Ceremony: The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption
We will be tying the knot at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption in the heart of Hydra, right behind the Roloi cafe on the limani (the port). There is also an ecclesiastical museum located within for those interested.
Our ceremony will begin at 6:30 pm. Please note that there is no seating and you will be standing for the 45-minute ceremony. Wear comfy shoes!
A traditional Greek Orthodox wedding is rich in symbolism and follows a series of rituals that have been practiced for centuries. Here's a description of the key elements of the ceremony:
- The Betrothal Service: This is the beginning of the wedding ceremony. The priest blesses the wedding rings and then places them on the couple's right-hand fingers. The Koumbaro or Koumbara, the couple's sponsor, then exchanges the rings three times between the couple's fingers, symbolizing that the weaknesses of one are compensated by the other and vice versa.
- The Lighting of the Candles: The couple is handed candles, which they hold throughout the ceremony. These candles symbolize the couple's spiritual willingness to receive God's blessings.
- The Joining of Hands: The priest joins the couple's right hands, symbolizing their union. The joined hands represent the couple's unity and the joining of their lives.
- The Crowning Ceremony: One of the most visually striking elements of a Greek wedding is the crowning. The priest places crowns, or "stefana", connected by a ribbon on the couple's heads. These crowns symbolize the glory and honor with which God crowns them during the sacrament. The Koumbaro or Koumbara then exchanges the crowns three times between the couple's heads, symbolizing the couple's eternal bond.
- The Common Cup: The priest offers wine to the couple from a single cup, the "common cup," representing the sharing of joys and sorrows. Drinking from the common cup signifies that from that point onward, they will share everything in life, joy as well as sorrow, and bear one another's burdens.
- The Ceremonial Walk: The priest leads the couple, still wearing their stefana, in a circle around the altar three times. This ritual dance, called the "Dance of Isaiah," symbolizes the couple’s first steps as a married couple, led by the Church. The Koumbaro or Koumbara follows closely behind, holding the stefana in place.
- The Removal of the Crowns: The priest removes the crowns and separates the couple's joined hands, reminding them that only God can break the union they have just entered into.
- The Final Blessing: The ceremony concludes with the priest blessing the couple and offering congratulations. The couple and guests then usually proceed to a reception to continue the celebration.
Throughout the ceremony, there's a focus on the sanctity of marriage, the importance of mutual respect, the need for God's guidance, and the significance of community and family support. The rituals are deeply symbolic and create a visually stunning and emotionally rich experience.
Reception: Enalion Beach Bar in Vlychos Village, Hydra
When we've sealed our vows with a kiss, don't worry about hiking to the next location - Enalion Beach Bar in Vlychos. We've got you covered! There will be water taxis waiting to whisk you away to the reception. You'll be riding in style as you're transported to the next chapter of our celebration. If you feel like walking or taking a donkey, go for it! It is a beautiful 30-minute walk along the coastline. From the church and facing the water, turn left and keep walking until you find the village of Vlychos.
Get ready to eat, drink, and dance!
At the end of the night, or in the early morning ;), you can opt to walk back to the main port or you can hop on a water taxi.
