Assumption Greek Orthodox Wedding

Sunday, October 29th, 2023

Kevin and Katerina had a Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony followed by a reception at Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township.

We have been looking forward to Kevin and Katerina’s wedding ever since their engagement session. Becky and I had so much fun spending the afternoon with them in Traverse City, photographing them in the elements, and warming up with a glass of wine at a local vineyard after their shoot. It felt like old times, when we got to know and even befriend couples prior to their wedding. I miss those times to be honest. It makes photographing the wedding that much more special. We aren’t just looking to take beautiful photos at that point, we are invested in the couple, the families, the love.

When their wedding day finally arrived, it was like seeing old friends. I don’t know why, but I remember being a little nervous as we unpacked our gear at Katerina’s house. All it took was seeing Katerina and the warmth of her smile to know that it was going to be a magical day. Katerina got ready at her parents house with the help of her mom. Once ready, she shared a first look with her dad before being escorted outside, where family was ready to celebrate. One of the things I love about more cultural weddings is all of the traditions that go along with them. Kevin and Katerina’s had no shortage of them.

As Katerina arrived for her Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony, Kevin was already there, putting the finishing touches on for the day.

Once guests took their seats, it was time for their Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony. The space is beautiful and so welcoming for a wedding.

A bride walks down the aisle with her dad at an Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

A wedding party stands at the altar of a Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

Jesus iconography at the altar of Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

A bride and groom walk around the altar of their Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

A bride and groom kiss at the altar of their Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

A bride hugs her mother-in-law during her Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

In one of the many touching moments of the day, the priest had known Katerina since her childhood. The ceremony was personalized, referencing in all the ways she has grown, matured, and will be a wonderful wife for Kevin. It also included a few jokes at her expense, but everyone had a good laugh.

A bride and groom laugh at the altar during their Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

A bride and groom kiss down the center aisle during their Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

After their Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony, Kevin and Katerina were showered with rice as they exited the church. My favorite was Kevin’s look of relief at the end of the gauntlet.

Rice is thrown on a bride and groom during a grand exit from their Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan during a grand exit.

A bride and groom kiss outside of their Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan during a grand exit.

A groom smiles after rice is thrown on him during the ceremony exit from his Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

A family formal at the altar of an Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Claire Shores, Michigan.

A family formal at the altar of an Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

The bride and groom pose at the altar of their Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding for a formal portrait.

The bride poses in the center aisle of an Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding.

The bride and groom pose in the center aisle of an Assumption Greek Orthodox wedding.

After their ceremony, we headed downtown for some photos. Our first stop was the Detroit Institute of Art, followed by the Detroit Public Library. With each stop, it was easy to create fun, loving, and lasting photos of Kevin and Katerina.

Bridesmaids wearing emerald green dresses cozy up and smile by Brian Weitzel Photography.

A bride and groom pose in front of the arches at the DIA on John R Rd. in Detroit, MI.

A bride is kissed on the forehead from behind on her wedding day at the DIA in Detroit.

A bride looks over her shoulder as she walks upstairs at the DIA on her wedding day.

A bride and groom sit on steps in downtown Detroit on their wedding day.

A bride and groom pose on steps in downtown Detroit on their wedding day.

Groom hugs the bride from behind at the Detroit Public Library on their wedding day.

A bride and groom pose on steps of the Detroit Public Library on Woodward on their wedding day.

A bride and groom walk down the steps of the Detroit Public Library on Woodward.

A bride and groom walk across the front lawn of the Detroit Public Library on Woodward.

As the sun began to set, we headed to their reception at the beautiful Palazzo Grande. It decor was elegant and impeccable; truly breathtaking. Kevin and Katerina entered and immediately shared a first dance before toasts and dinner.