We're extending an open invitation for wedding guests to attend either of the two engagement parties that are being thrown by Robert and Sana's parents. If you're unable to attend, no worries! We wanted to plan time for our families and friends to get to know each other before the actual wedding day, so attendance is purely optional. No gifts are required as we're excited to see as many of our loved ones before the big day!
Yes! We are providing a shuttle to transport guests from the hotel, to the church, to the reception, and back to the hotel. If you don't anticipate using these services, please let us know! There are parking lots at both the church and the reception venue, so if you're looking to drive, you should be able to find parking.
Wear your Sunday best (or semi formal attire, whichever makes more sense to you). Examples here: https://withjoy.com/blog/semi-formal-wedding-attire/. Please also be mindful that the ceremony takes place in a church, so no shorts, sneakers, bare shoulders, or highly revealing clothing.
To our family and friends who are not familiar with the sacrament of marriage in the Orthodox Church, we have provided a brief account of what you will experience during the ceremony. Our priest, Father Jarrod Russell, will also be describing what is happening during the ceremony so you can follow along. In the Orthodox tradition, the wedding ceremony is actually two services in one: The Service of Betrothal and the Service of Crowning. Both services are filled with images and references from the Old and New Testaments. In addition to praying to God for the couple to be married for a blessed life together, these references offer role models of married couples, aid in our understanding of the symbols, and teach about the meaning of married life. The Service of Betrothal In this service, Sana and Robert exchange rings as a sign of their voluntary pledge to enter into marriage and to live together in faith, harmony, truth, and love. The Service of Crowning The crowning service begins immediately following the betrothal service and is longer and more complex. The ceremony includes lighting candles, the joining of hands, the crowning of Robert and Sana, readings from the Gospels, a sermon by the priest, the partaking of blessed wine from a common cup, and a procession. The most distinct act is that of placing crowns on the heads of the couple. A notable aspect of the Orthodox marriage is that the bride and groom do not exchange vows; instead it is their presence before Christ through the priest and the congregation that signifies their desire to be joined and to accept the Lord into their new home.
Yes, absolutely! We would be more than happy to answer questions, however, we ask that you refrain from asking us questions on the actual wedding day so we can focus on making memories. Our priest will also be in attendance at the reception, so you may also ask him respectful questions if you'd like.