Don and Susie’s wedding was a celebration like no other – full of love, laughter, tradition, and just the right amount of unexpected fun. From their gorgeous Greek Orthodox ceremony at Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church in Denver to the lively reception at the Wellshire Event Center, their big day was a beautiful fusion of culture, family, and personal touches that made for an unforgettable experience. As a wedding photographer, it’s always an honor to capture such vibrant moments, and this one was no exception. Here’s a closer look at Don and Susie’s wedding, along with some interesting facts about Greek Orthodox weddings, their unique reception, and the unforgettable moments my husband Mike and I captured.
Before the wedding Susie and Don took advantage of the complimentary engagement session I include in my wedding collections. We started with some drink in RINO in Denver. Then we went by the Denver Botanic Gardens for some epic portraits.
Don and Susie’s wedding day started with an air of excitement and anticipation as they prepared for their ceremony with the people they love the most – their children and close friends. Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, with its stunning architectural features and serene ambiance, was the perfect setting for this special day. The church’s beautiful interior made for a breathtaking backdrop, and you could feel the warmth of their family and community as everyone came together to celebrate this significant moment.
In a Greek Orthodox wedding, the presence of family is incredibly important, and this was evident as Don and Susie shared these intimate moments with their children, making it clear that their union was not just a marriage, but the coming together of two families. The children played a big role in the day’s events, with Don’s oldest son as his best man and Susie’s son walking her down the aisle.
I absolutely love the opportunity for creative shots that big churchs give. For example this shot from the balcony of Susie walking down the aisle.
Plus, check out the gorgeous interior of Saint Catherine’s.
Who doesn’t love a flower girl that doesn’t quite do her assignment “right”?
The wedding ceremony was nothing short of breathtaking. Greek Orthodox weddings are known for their rich symbolism and deeply rooted traditions. At its core, the ceremony represents the couple’s commitment to each other and to God, with a strong focus on family and community. Don and Susie’s ceremony was a perfect reflection of this, featuring timeless rituals and a spiritual connection that made the entire experience feel deeply personal and sacred.
One of the most significant parts of a Greek Orthodox wedding is the role of the koumbara, a position held by a close friend or family member who has an important responsibility in the ceremony. The koumbara is the person who sponsors the couple, traditionally offering their support and guidance in marriage. During the ceremony, the koumbara plays a pivotal role in the sacrament by helping to exchange the wedding rings, holding the crowns over the couple’s heads, and offering prayers for their life together. This symbolic act of crowning represents the couple’s spiritual leadership and is a powerful moment in the wedding, signifying the couple’s new life as a married pair.
After the ceremony, the celebration continued at the Wellshire Event Center, a historic venue located in Denver on a beautiful golf course. This gorgeous, old building provided the perfect blend of classic charm and modern elegance for their reception. The Wellshire’s rich history dates back to 1926, when it was originally built as a mansion before becoming a popular venue for weddings and events. The venue’s timeless beauty, combined with its picturesque setting, made it an ideal location for Don and Susie’s reception.
Aren’t they just the coolest?
Carissa Saylors of Bouquet and Bloom created such beautiful center pieces for them.
Don and Susie’s first dance mirrored them perfectly: adorable.
Don and Susie’s reception was a lively affair, full of joy, laughter, and plenty of Greek music and dancing. The couple’s love for tradition was on full display as they and their guests danced the night away to Greek tunes, with everyone joining in the fun. It’s always a blast to capture these kinds of moments, where everyone is so fully immersed in the joy of the occasion.
DJ David Smith of Shindig is one of my favaorites and killed it playing the mix of Greek and American music at this wedding.
One moment, in particular, stood out and left a lasting impression on everyone – the priest’s surprise performance during the reception.
Susie introduced one of the priests from their church to give a toast. The priest’s name day, which is considered even more important than a birthday in the Greek Orthodox Church, had fallen on the same day as the wedding, and the couple decided to honor this special occasion. The name day celebration is a deeply significant tradition in the Orthodox faith, where individuals celebrate the feast day of the saint they were named after.
His toast quickly turned into a full-fledged performance as the priest, with all the charisma of a seasoned performer, took the microphone and belted out a spot-on rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” The guests were absolutely delighted – some even in disbelief – as the priest’s voice filled the room, with everyone cheering him on. It was such an unexpected, but totally fitting moment that brought even more fun to the already lively reception.
One of the most unique touches of Don and Susie’s reception was the inclusion of a caricature artist. As guests enjoyed the festivities, they were treated to a fun and interactive experience, with each guest leaving with a personalized caricature to remember the day. This was a great way to bring some light-hearted fun to the celebration, while also giving guests a unique keepsake that captured the fun spirit of the event.
As the reception continued, a thunderstorm rolled in, adding an unexpected twist to the evening. But, like everything else about this wedding, it was an opportunity to capture something truly unique. Don and Susie, fearless as ever, were up for a few portraits outside as the storm approached. The darkening skies, with flashes of lightning in the background, created a dramatic and cinematic effect that made for some of the most epic wedding portraits I’ve ever taken.
Hair and Makeup: @salon_moda_capelli_denver & @flourishavedaspaandsalon
Florist: @bouquetandbloom
