Traditional Ukrainian Wedding in Alberta
We’re going to switch things up a little bit and share a wedding that’s jam packed with tradition. I thought it might be nice to literally witness the steps of a Ukrainian wedding ceremony through the camera lens of my friend Jasser of JAG Photography . The church is absolutely breathtaking. Enjoy Thea & Bohdan’s charming wedding…
We met initially at another friend’s wedding 3 years back. I was with a date (our relationship was coming to an end,) and knowing this, I was not the kindest person and was already “checking out new options”. I was introduced to Bohdan, (my husband) and we danced the rest of the evening, (to the point of scolding by my mother since I was neglecting my date.) We exchanged numbers, the rest was history.
Seeing as we are both Ukrainian, our wedding was packed with tradition. We wore periwinkle wreaths as part of our wedding ceremony, we wear our wedding bands on the right hand, we participate in a blessing from our parents BEFORE the ceremony, therefore we walk in together at church and officially agree to the marriage (exchange rings, ) in the first 5 minutes at the entrance of the church.
What was your wedding inspiration?
I was inspired by jewel tones, in particular royal blue and deep red. I love the contrast that creates. I was also very much into French garden party glamour. Blue and white porcelain-esque Westwood vases, with full, lush english garden roses, and red ranunculas was a must. We set these on blue tablecloths.
At the reception, we did not have a wedding cake ( not part of our tradition, ) and instead at a wedding “bread” baked with many symbolic details such as little doves (out of bread) adorning the bread to symbolize love, fertility and the holy spirit.
What was your favorite moment from your wedding day?
My favorite moment from the wedding day would have to have been our first dance. We chose to have the dance as the very first thing in our formal program (which began in part before dinner.) We were introduced as MR. and MRS. and then began our dance. We started with a romantic slow dance to a song by a popular Ukrainian band (equivalent to maybe Sting mixed with U2,) at the end of the song, we transitioned into The Beatles ” When I saw her standing there” (since we met dancing and LOVE to dance together.) This surprised people and was really fun. It was unexpected, upbeat, and set the party mood for the rest of the evening.
Do you have any advice for other brides-to-be?
Don’t hold your breath, planning a wedding is a marathon and truly tests your relationship-if you make it through the planning, you’re meant to be. Take time for yourselves and “date nights” throughout the whole process, don’t lose what made your relationship intimate and fun. Remember your family also feels and essentially is “getting married” with you, so respect and support their opinions, they’ve probably planned it mentally longer than you have. Reception: the party is a party, so PARTY, it only happens once, you blink-its over, literally! Try not to cry and laugh hysterically when the night is over and its time to take off “the dress” and call it a night, your husband won’t know what to do but tell you “don’t worry honey, you can wear it again on our anniversary when your washing the dishes…”
Photography: JAG Photography
Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG 2010/11 winter line
Stationery: Michaels pre-packaged invitations. Bride changed the ribbon from cream to blue and gold shear ribbons, inked them in blue (not the suggested black) and hand-carved a plate of my floral motif (all over my wedding stuff) and printed each card individually.
Sweets and Cake: Hand made sweets/torts made by relatives, the hall, traditional ukrainian KOROVAY (baked bread, with braided dough, mini doves, and periwinkle.) baked by a colleague.
Centrepieces: Hand painted vases to have the appearance of Wedgwood vases.
Bouquet: Marlow and Richards – Red english roses and red ranunculus, with minimal green ribbon to appear “just picked”
Hair: Salon Front (Marie Dann, now working out of Glamour Box Hair Studio and Blowdry Bar)
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