If there was ever a couple to define the term "sweethearts" Marisa and Eddie would be it. Not only were they each other's sweethearts from grade school (in which they dated on and off until college), they were sweethearts to work with! Marisa was super organized and on top of the details, which I loved! Not only were Marisa and Eddie great to work with, but so were their families! It truly was one of those weddings that united two cultures, two traditions, two families and two people.
Marisa's heritage is Mexican and Hungarian. Eddie's heritage is Italian and Greek. This was "My Big Fat Mexican-Hungarian-Italian-Greek Wedding"! The service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral was packed with their closest friends and family. I am so impressed how many people came out to witness their vows. {Usually people skip ahead to the party}. During the service Father Ari welcomed Marisa's Mexican heritage as they not only performed the Greek Crowning Ceremony, but the Mexican Lasso Ceremony. The wedding crowns (stefana) are signs of the glory and honour with which God crowns the bride and groom during the sacrament. The crowns are joined by a ribbon which symbolizes unity, and the presence of Christ who blesses and joins the couple and establishes them as the king and queen of their home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice and integrity. The priest takes the two crowns and blesses the bride and the groom, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then places the crowns on them. The koumbaro or koumbara then steps behind the bride and the groom and interchanges the crowns three times as a witness to the sealing of the union.
The Lasso, which also affirms their union and commitment, was handmade and presented by the bride's cousin from California.
And at the end of the service, the groom's father presented the thirteen coins to the groom to give to his bride. The thirteen coins are a symbol of the groom's unquestionable trust and confidence placed in her as his beloved wife and gives the responsibility of all of his material to her. The acceptance on her part assures him back of her total love and dedication in looking after him, his possessions and her unconditional love.
I have to thank Father Ari and Pres at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral for allowing Marisa and Eddie to use biodegradable confetti! Guests had fun with it, as did Marisa and Eddie. Check out these great shots!!!
At the reception Marisa and Eddie continued with some touches to signify their heritage. We hung hand-cut paper banderas over the dance floor. They were gorgeous and very intricate! Marisa and Eddie surprised their guest with an authentic Mariachi band to serenade guests during dinner. They were fabulous!
Guests sipped on sangria and enjoyed Greek pastries.
Decorative Sound did an awesome job mixing traditional Greek and Salsa music with modern music. Guests had so much fun - I have not seen a dance floor that packed all night in a LONG time!!! The party was going strong until the very end.
Thank you Mary Wyar Photography for these awesome pictures!!! Check out Mary's blog and facebook page. If you share these photos, please do not crop her logo.
Ceremony: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Reception: Heatherdowns Country Club
Florist: Glendale Flowers & Gifts
Table Linens and Chair Covers: I Do Chair Covers
Mariachi Band: Mariachi Nuevo Zapopen
Wedding Cake: Cakes by Stephanie
Rentals: Special Events Rental
Catering: Catering by Scott
Bride's Dress: Casablanca
Bridesmaids Dresses: Waters Wtoo Collection
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