The Skup Svatova (pronounced scoop), is a Serbian tradition that includes a pre-ceremony celebration at the bride and groom’s homes, respectively. In our case, Marko and his groomsmen will be getting ready at his family home, while Caroline and her bridesmaids will be getting ready in the church hall. The groom's party will form a caravan that drives to the bride’s house (the church in this case) where the parties merge into one massive celebration that will eventually move into the ceremony.
These are our flag bearers. They lead the way for the bridal party and are celebratory of those that have come before us. We are proud of our heritage and family. Serbian flag: For Marko's family who originates from Serbia. We are proud to carry on these traditions. American flag: For Marko and Caroline as they are proud to be American born and raised. Chetnik flag: In remembrance of Marko's paternal grandfather who fought in the Chetnik army. Irish flag: In remembrance of Caroline's maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother who originated from Ireland.
Caroline's Uncle John! Domacin translates to host. If you are part of the Holt family, you know that Uncle John has always been the best storyteller (usually of mischief him and his siblings got into) and has doubled as the "prayer guy" before family meals. It was a no-brainer to have him fill this role for us on our special day. We are so lucky to have him helping out during the day. We love you Uncle John!
Kolo is a traditional, collective folk dance performed by dancers interlinked to form a chain, usually moving in a circle holding hands. It is performed to the accompaniment of music during private and public gatherings and plays an integrative social role, involving all members of the community (in this case all of you!). We want everyone to join in so here is a link to learn how to kolo! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdcACqkWwg4
Oce Nas in translation means "Our Father". You will hear this common Christian prayer sung throughout the ceremony and before dinner in Serbian.
Throughout the service, everything is done in threes in remembrance of the Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). The three-finger formation (with thumb, index, and middle finger brought together) used by those of Serbian-Orthodox faith represents the Holy Trinity, as well. You will see this as they cross themselves.
The rings are first blessed by the priest, who holds them in his right hand and makes the sign of the cross over the couple’s heads. The rings are then placed on the right hand, the hand with which promises and/or oaths are traditionally made and the hand which the presence of God is recognized through the sign of the Cross. The rings are then exchanged between the couple three times. You will notice that their right hands are tied together when the priest reads the prayer that beseeches God to "join these servants, unite them in one mind one flesh." The hands are kept joined throughout the service to symbolize the "oneness" of the couple.
The rite of the crowning is the apex of the wedding service. The crowns are representative of the glory and honor with which God crowns the couple during the sacrament. The Bride and Groom are crowned as queen and king of their own little kingdom, which they will rule with wisdom, justice, and integrity.
The couple will drink wine, representative of the blood of Jesus Christ, from a chalice to symbolize that they will be sharing the happiness and sorrows of life together. They do this three times. Then, the priest will lead the bride and groom three times around the table on their first steps as a married couple.
Role of the Kum: The role of the Kum is that of the witness, a spiritual advisor that helps to protect your marriage. The Kum enters into a family relationship with the couple, a role akin to that of a Godparent. Our Kum will eventually serve as a godparent to our children, God willing. We love you Kum Nik! Role of the Stari Svat: The second witness is called “stari svat” in Serbian; traditionally (as in the case with us), he is the groom’s maternal uncle. Nowadays, he is jokingly called a “marriage elder” or “old wise man” and is someone the couple can go to as a source of advise and knowledge. We love you Ujak Dragan and Ujna Snezi!
At the beginning of the reception, you will hear a song being played and see guests immediately rise from the chairs to join the bride and groom near the head table. We highly encourage all guests to join in this celebratory song! Svadba translates to "wedding" in English.
We will be incorporating a tradition that Caroline's parents even did at their wedding! It's called the dollar dance. Give a dollar (or however much you want) to the maid of honor and best man to share a dance with the bride or groom! This will allow us to share a special moment with most of our guests and the donation will go towards our honeymoon fund!
We may have a couple late-night surprises :)