My 'Big Fat Greek Family!


This is over 17 years ago when I got married to my soul mate and my best friend, Libby. I love the Greek Cypriot family lifestyle and traditions which is why we had TWO weddings...Greek and English to include all our friends and family. Note my labouring of the word 'FAMILY', I asked my little brother to be my best man, because he along with the rest of my relatives and heritage means so much to me (but don't tell him that please I have a reputation).


This year was my brother's turn and when he asked me to be HIS best man, despite our mutual family values...it was still a surprise to me if I'm honest! Yet, I was truly honoured and privileged and excited to do this for him. This meant a lot to me and all I wanted to do was the best job I could at all the usual Bestman 'stuff'.


When it came to his wedding day, it was and it wasn't difficult for me to leave my camera behind. But I did, granted not too far behind. Any opportunity I had in taking a picture I could well I did, but with best man procedures always came as a top priority and making my little brother's day go as smoothly as possible.


On shooting a wedding I can take anything between 1500-3000 photos, but for this day I only took about 150, and looking back I was surprised at how I even managed that with all events that my brother and his beautiful new wife had organised into a day spanning little over twelve hours! Despite the time constraints I faced in taking these images. Something I hear so often is 'quality not quantity and I can still feel the emotion of the day when I look at these memories.


My 'Big Fat Greek Family' is getting even bigger! I can't wait to capture the memories to come.


A traditional Greek Cypriot wedding is a festive and joyous celebration that combines rich cultural traditions with modern elements. Here are some key aspects of a traditional Greek Cypriot wedding:

  1. Engagement: Before the wedding, there is usually an engagement period where the couple announces their intention to marry. Traditionally, the groom's family presents gifts to the bride's family as a symbol of their commitment.
  2. Pre-wedding traditions: On the day of the wedding, there are several pre-wedding rituals. The "Stolisma" is a gathering where the bride's female relatives help her get dressed in her wedding gown. The groom and his male relatives gather at his house and perform the "Shaving of the Groom," where the best man shaves the groom to symbolize his transition into married life.
  3. Wedding ceremony: Greek Cypriot weddings often take place in a church, where the couple exchanges their vows and receives blessings from the priest. The ceremony incorporates traditional religious rituals, including the crowning of the couple with wreaths known as "Stefana" and the sharing of a common cup of wine.
  4. "Dance of Isaiah": After the ceremony, the newlyweds exit the church, and the guests throw rice and flowers at them. The couple then participates in the "Dance of Isaiah," where they walk around the altar three times, symbolizing their first steps as a married couple.
  5. Reception: The wedding reception is a lively and festive affair. It typically includes a grand entrance of the couple, accompanied by traditional music and dancing. Greek Cypriot weddings are known for their energetic and joyful dancing, with guests joining in traditional circle dances like the "kalamatianos" and the "sirtaki."
  6. Traditional customs: Throughout the reception, various customs and traditions are observed. The "Money Dance" involves guests pinning money onto the bride and groom's attire as a gesture of good luck and prosperity. The couple also performs the "Breaking of Plates," where they smash plates on the dance floor to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
  7. Food and drink: Greek Cypriot weddings are renowned for their delicious and abundant food. Traditional dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, halloumi cheese, and baklava are often served. Guests enjoy a variety of mezes (appetizers) and feasting throughout the celebration. Ouzo, a traditional Greek Cypriot alcoholic drink, is often enjoyed by the guests.
  8. Traditional attire: The bride typically wears a white wedding gown, while the groom wears a formal suit. However, it is also common to incorporate traditional elements into the attire. The bride may wear a white embroidered veil and a crown, and the groom may wear a traditional black suit known as a "vraka."

These are just some of the highlights of a traditional Greek Cypriot wedding. The celebrations are characterized by their warmth, hospitality, and the emphasis on family, community, and cultural traditions.