Susie and Don’s wedding included a Greek Orthodox ceremony, their sons standing beside them, and a priest singing Johnny Cash at the reception. That last part was a surprise.
Mike and I photographed their ceremony at Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church and their reception at Wellshire Event Center in Denver. There was plenty of Greek dancing, a flower girl with her own interpretation of the job, and some excellent storm clouds for portraits. We had a lot to work with.
First, drinks and engagement photos in Denver
Before the wedding, I met up with Susie and Don for their complimentary engagement session. We started with drinks in RiNo, then headed to the Denver Botanic Gardens for photos.
This is one reason I include an engagement session in my wedding collections. You get to find out what being photographed by me is actually like before your wedding. We’ve already spent some time together, and you have a better idea of what to expect when I show up with a camera again.
Also, you get photos together that aren’t in your wedding clothes. Those are worth having, too.
A Greek Orthodox wedding at Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church
Susie and Don got ready with their children and close friends. Their kids had a big role in the ceremony: Don’s oldest son was his best man, and Susie’s son walked her down the aisle.
I love seeing how couples include their kids in a wedding. Having your son walk you down the aisle or stand beside you as your best man gives those photos a little extra weight.
Saint Catherine’s interior gave us plenty to photograph, too. I love a church with a balcony. The view of Susie walking down the aisle let me include the architecture and the people there to see her, all in one frame.
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.
Wedding reception at Wellshire Event Center
After the ceremony, everyone headed to 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. We took portraits around the venue, and Carissa Saylors of Bouquet and Bloom created the floral centerpieces you’ll see below.
Susie and Don were ridiculously cute together during their first dance. Please see the photographic evidence below.
DJ David Smith of Shindig handled the mix of Greek and American music. He’s one of my favorites to work with, and he did an excellent job with this crowd. There was a lot of dancing to photograph.
Aren’t these two cuties 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 and classy.
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.
The priest sang “Ring of Fire”
Susie introduced one of the priests from their church for a toast. It was also his name day, so they took the opportunity to celebrate him.
Then he sang Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” And he was good.
I don’t think I need to dress that up much. A priest took the microphone at their wedding reception and delivered an excellent Johnny Cash performance. The guests loved it. So did I.
Susie and Don also had a caricature artist drawing guests during the reception. If you’re looking for something your guests can do between conversations and trips to the dance floor, this is a pretty solid option. They get a drawing to take home, too.
Stormy wedding portraits at the Wellshire
Later in the evening, a thunderstorm moved in. Susie and Don were up for a few more portraits as it approached, and those dark skies gave us a very different backdrop from earlier in the day.
These ended up being some of my favorite photos from their wedding. Scroll down and you’ll see why.
Planning your Denver wedding?
If you’re planning a wedding at Wellshire Event Center, a Greek Orthodox ceremony, or a day with your own mix of traditions, I’d love to hear what you have in mind. Tell me what you’re looking forward to and who you want beside you.
Mike and I would love to photograph it. A surprise Johnny Cash performance is optional.
Hair and Makeup: @salon_moda_capelli_denver & @flourishavedaspaandsalon
Florist: @bouquetandbloom
