A wedding is a tradition in and of itself, but within a wedding there are many opportunities for a couple to connect to their history, heritage, family, and values. We're excited to introduce this new series, Wedding Traditions, where real brides and grooms share the traditions they included in their big day, and what the tradition means to them.

Credits: service of the crowning, greek wedding tradition

Credits: service of the crowning, greek wedding tradition

Photo: Christine Gosch
From the bride, Valerie: "James and I had a BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING. And, as most Greek weddings are, it was an Orthodox wedding. One of the most important parts of an Orthodox wedding is the Service of the Crowning, in which the bride and groom wear crowns called Stefana and are blessed. These Stefana are signs of glory and honor with which God crowns them during the sacrament of marriage. The crowns are joined by a ribbon which symbolizes the unity of the couple and the presence of Christ who blesses and joins the couple and establishes them as King and Queen of their home, which they are to rule with wisdom, justice, and integrity. Our crowns worn during our wedding were actually purchased by my husband's Nouna (godmother) in Greece and brought back and given to us as a gift! It is still one of the most precious and important pieces of our wedding that we will cherish forever."

Did you include any meaningful traditions in your wedding? Send us a pic and a paragraph at [email protected].