Greek Weddings

Over the years, thanks to Father Jon, I've done a lot of Greek weddings.  I remember my first one at the Greek Orthodox Church on Tokay in Modesto.  I had no clue what I was in for.  However I must have looked like a four year old walking into Toy's R Us for the first time.  I remembered first seeing all the icons and paintings on the wall and ceiling.  My breath was taken.  I just stood there staring and taking in all the beauty.

Off the alter came a priest.  A big priest.  Now I was never raised in a religious home but my father being a Lt. Col in the Air Force always impressed upon my two brothers and me that you show respect for the title and rank.  The priest walked up to me extended his hand, his very large hand and introduced himself and welcomed me to the church.  I've found over the years that people in positions of responsibility generally will have a conversation with you to be civil but then grow tired of any questions, not Father Jon.  He took me on tour of the church as if I were the first one to have ever seen the artistry.  I commented that I very much enjoyed the chants playing in the background and he explained their meaning in a way that even a lay person like me could understand.

When our tour was ended, he gave me his rules on where my crew could and could not be and then left.  I felt at home.  I wanted to be Greek.  This was great.  A beautiful church, great music and a really cool priest...and it smelled sooooo good in there!  At the end of the wedding as I was packing up and preparing to leave, Father Jon approached me outside and handed me a CD of the chants I had commented on.  I still listen to that CD all these years later.  I mentioned to Father Jon, I think I want to be Greek, after all my father raised me to enjoy Ouzo.  He told me I already had one foot in the door.

To this day, I still get excited when a client hires me to shoot their wedding at the Greek Church.  The Greek community is tight, they all know each other, look out for each other and give 110% of themselves to support the church and the members.  When I'm standing up on the alter (yes this is one of the very few churches that allow a videographer up close) and I scan the audience with my camera, I see a dozen people I know, several of my former brides and grooms and of course the Priest that has a commanding presence by just standing in front of you and saying nothing.  I've come to respect the title, the rank and the man that runs that church.

My last wedding at the church was for Niki and Jason McCoy.  A wonderful couple who made the day very easy and relaxed.  I can't recall how many times these two asked me if I had something to eat, did I need some water, as if they were there working for me.  It was very obvious that they put a lot of work into planning this wedding.  Niki even gave a quick Greek dance lesson right after the rehearsal, so that her bridal party would fit right in.  So take a look at the recap below.  I think when you're done you will see what I feel each time I videotape a Greek wedding.  Looking forward to the next!

Click here to see Niki & Jasons video