A big thanks to everyone who helped this event come together so beautifully:
Morning preparations & Reception: Hyatt Regency Bellevue
Ceremony: Fr. Dean Kouldukis at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption
Dress, tiara: Demetrios
Men’s attire: Men’s Warehouse
Photography: Voir Photography
A quick shout-out to Voir Photography:

Vlad did an amazing job, as always, with Isaac & Natalya’s photos. You can find many more beautiful images on the Voir Photography Blog.

Alex is always trying to come up with new ideas to present wedding films in a new way. Months ago, he had the idea to contrast a little girl dreaming of her wedding with a beautiful bride celebrating her day. We just had to find the perfect bride. When Nataliya emailed to say that she was engaged, I knew we had the right girl. She loved the idea and she quickly realized that her dressmaker’s daughter would be the perfect little actress. When we showed up to film, we had no idea how gorgeous it would turn out–the room of dresses was the perfect detail! And of course our favorite Seattle wedding magazine, Seattle Met Bride & Groom, had to make a cameo!

Nataliya and Roman complement each other perfectly and it was such a pleasure to spend this cool October day with them. They got ready at the Bellevue Hyatt Regency and its gorgeous lobby was the perfect setting for their “first look.” It is so wonderful when brides meet their groom before the ceremony. This private moment allows the couple to spend a few minutes together and share a few words. The first glimpse of your beloved in full wedding regalia is such an intimate moment — it is wonderful to have a few moments to allow it to sink in!

Congratulations to Roman & Nataliya! It was so wonderful to be a part of your day!!

As with the Russian Orthodox ceremony, their reception was filled with many wonderful traditions! Again, many were familiar and appeared–in some version–at Alex and my wedding. I’m sharing some of the most special here

Daniela really brought together so many wonderful details!!

First the parents of the bride and groom met the couple with bread and wine at the door to the reception–then the bride and groom greeted their guests!

Later, they broke the traditional wedding bread together. They say that the person with the larger piece will be the head of the household . . . but they ended up with equal pieces! (Who do you think got the bigger piece at Alex and my wedding?!)

Such lovely dancing: first dance and traditional dances!

Finally, at the end of the evening, there are a series of traditions that show the transition of the bride from, well, bride to wife. In Moldovan weddings, the groom is seated on a chair and given a very fluffy pillow. The bride sits on his lap and then they are tied to the chair. The bride’s veil is then removed and she is given a scarf and apron. Gifts are then presented to the happy couple!

There were so many more events during the evening–amazing food, yummy cake, gypsy dancing and on and on and on! Here are just a few more photos take throughout the evening!

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Greg and Daniela!! Thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your day

Reception: Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club
Photography and Cinematography: Zinchuk Studios | Bellevue Wedding Cinematography + Photography

As this week is OUR FOURTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, we thought it appropriate to share this beautiful wedding with you. It will come in two parts: I. Morning preparations and Ceremony and then II. Photo session in the park and Reception.

Enjoy!

In many Slavic cultures, the groom must first “buy” his bride in order to show that he will provide for her long into the future. Daniela’s brother Denis was the family representative and was a tough bargainer. But for him, it wasn’t about money–it was about love (although a little cash helped!)

In a Russian Orthodox ceremony, when the couple first enters the church, their rings are placed halfway down their fingers. Their witnesses exchange the rings three times before finally placing them on the ring finger of the right hand. They then move forward to the altar to become Husband and Wife, one whole.

This kind of family photo is every photographer’s dream. Gorgeous location, happy family, and a little bit of unexpected comedy to lighten the scene. This neighborhood dog came bounding in from the side–ball in tow–in hopes of finding a friend to play with!

Find Part II Here!
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Morning preparations & first glance: Hyatt Regency, Bellevue
Hair & Make-up:  Many Faces by Maryanna
Ceremony: St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Seattle
Photography and Cinematography: Zinchuk Studios | Bellevue Wedding Cinematography + Photography

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to shoot Chris & Jodie’s love story.  We were recommended to them by friends, and as fellow Montanans (from Helena), Jodie and I found we have a ton in common.  Chris is the perfect partner for Jodie–together they are so silly and fun.  We had the best time with them–walking the beach in formal wear, hitting up Bellevue at sunset, and slack-lining (the real name for their tightrope-walking antics).  Their story is as unique as they are–enjoy!

I’m just about done editing the last of the hundreds of photos we took, so check back soon for those