I’m still not over how gorgeous Zoey and Toby’s wedding was! From the moment I walked into Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Austin, I knew this was going to be a really special wedding. Zoey had a clear vision of mixing traditional ceremony with soft, elegant glam, and she absolutely nailed it.

Bridal Portraits Before the Wedding

I always offer my brides the option to do their bridal portraits before their big day, so it was great that she was able to fit it into her schedule. We took the beautiful pictures at Life at Colovista for this session and they turned out so stunning! I loved getting to venture around the venue taking pictures in every spot we could from the spiral staircase to the marbel fireplace it was the perfect place for bridal portraits.

Getting bridal portraits out of the way beforehand allowed Zoey to focus on being present on her wedding morning without having to even think about her bridal photos. Instead, she was able to spend time with her bridesmaids and family before the gorgeous ceremony. I always recommend this to my couples, especially for Greek Orthodox weddings, where the ceremony itself is so meaningful and can be quite long. You want to be able to soak in every moment of your day rather than rushing through a photo timeline.

The bridal session gave us time to capture all those dreamy, editorial shots in a relaxed setting. Zoey looked stunning in her dress from Impression Bridal, and we got to take our time creating images that felt both elegant and timeless, all while she had the opportunity to see her bridal hair and makeup come to life in her final bridal look.

A Special First Touch Moment

The morning of their wedding started with such a beautiful and intimate moment. Before the ceremony, Zoey and Toby had a “first touch” where they were prayed over together while keeping the tradition of saving the “first look” for when Zoey walked down the aisle. This was such a meaningful way to start their wedding day, combining the anticipation of seeing each other with a moment of spiritual connection.

The Beauty of a Greek Orthodox Wedding Ceremony

A Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is truly something special. The traditions and rituals that are part of every Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony are rich with symbolism and meaning, creating such a powerful atmosphere to be in.

Zoey and Toby’s ceremony at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church was absolutely beautiful. The church provided such a stunning backdrop, and watching them participate in the traditional rituals was incredibly moving and unique. Every element of their wedding service told a story about marriage, faith, and commitment.

What Makes a Greek Orthodox Wedding Unique

The Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is typically longer than other Christian ceremonies, but every moment serves a purpose and creates special moments of connection. Having a talented planner like Brandon Koop coordinate the day ensures that all these special Greek Orthodox wedding traditions flow seamlessly.

Capturing the Essence of Their Greek Orthodox Wedding

For Zoey and Toby’s traditional wedding, I focused on capturing both the grand ceremonial moments and the candid exchanges between the couple throughout the ceremony and reception. The way Toby looked at Zoey during the ceremony, the way they held hands, and the joy on their families’ faces are the moments that tell the real story of their wedding day.

Planning Your Greek Orthodox Wedding in Austin

If you’re planning a Greek Orthodox wedding in Austin, Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church is such a beautiful space to have your special day. The architecture and atmosphere create the perfect setting for these meaningful ceremonies. Austin also offers so many gorgeous locations for pre-wedding portraits, like Life at Colovista, where we captured Zoey’s bridals.

One of my best tips for couples planning a Greek Orthodox wedding is to embrace the traditions while still making the day feel uniquely yours. Zoey and Toby did this perfectly by honoring all the traditional elements of the wedding ceremony while infusing their own style and personality into every other aspect of the day. If you are looking for a photographer to capture your big day, please reach out! I would love be a part of your celebration!

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Photo: @bayreedphoto | Planner: @brandon_koop6 | Video: @lane_nolan | Dress: @impressionbridalstores | Hair: @mphairdesign_ | Bridals Location: @lifeatcolovista