Ruby and Angelos — Cypriot Wedding, Nicosia

A truly Cypriot wedding in two parts

The preparations

Angelos, the groom, got ready in Nicosia. His best man (koumbaro) gave him the last shave in the presence of his family and friends, then dressed the groom in a shirt, waistcoat, tie and suit while musicians sang and played. Friends and family then wrapped the red scarf around the groom's waist as a symbol of his fertility. Angelos and his family and companions made their way to the bride's house, and all departed for the church.

Ruby got ready with her parents at their house on the day of the wedding. When she was in her dress and about ready to leave for the ceremony, musicians played and sang. The bride's parents, chief bridesmaid (koumbara) and close friends wrapped a red scarf around her waist and head to symbolise her virginity.

The wedding

Before entering the church, the bride's parents gave her away to Angelos, who was waiting with her bouquet. They walked up the aisle together, their parents joining and standing with them throughout the ceremony.

During the ceremony the priest gave the couple ceremonial bread (prosfora) to eat and red Cypriot wine (koumandaria) to drink, symbolising the wedding at Cana in Galilee, where Christ blessed the marriage and converted water into wine. The bride's chief attendant placed a ceremonial headband (stefana) on Ruby's head, and Angelos's best man placed one on the groom. During the Orthodox service, the priest said prayers over the newlyweds and their stefana, wishing them all of God's blessings.

While wearing the stefana, Ruby and Angelos exchanged wedding rings three times before placing them on the fourth finger of each other's right hand, recognising that God's right hand is the hand that blesses. The couple then performed the Dance of Isaiah, with the priest leading them three times around the table holding the Gospel and the Cross. The best man and chief bridesmaid walked behind the couple, holding the stefanas in place. The priest blessed the couple, removed the stefana and asked God to grant them a long, happy life together. Finally, he separated the couple's joined hands, showing them that only God can separate them from one another.

Ruby and Angelos were now officially married.

After the church

Ruby tossed her bouquet and one lucky lady caught it. We captured the guests and took some lovely pictures of the married couple — so many family and friends. Cypriot weddings are all about the family and the village.

The party

One thing the Cypriots know how to do perfectly is a party. Words cannot do justice to how much fun and laughter there was this day — dancing, drinking, fun. We stayed into the small hours with our couple and enjoyed the evening as much as they and all their friends and family did.

Part Two — the family dinner

The day after the wedding, Ruby and Angelos had an amazing dinner at their parents' house. A lovely occasion full of warmth and love.