Bride & Blossom Featured Bride Aerin Says “I Do” at Holy Trinity Cathedral

The Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is expressed through customs symbolizing the sacrament of marriage. Aerin and Steven chose one of New York’s most beautiful churches to exchange vows. This week, we take a look at how the couple blended modern details with tradition on their wedding day.

 

 

Part 3: Ceremony

“I loved having our ceremony in a church. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the church that we attend regularly and our priest married us. Everything felt very close and personal,” recalls Aerin.

Located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Holy Trinity Cathedral was the first Greek Orthodox Church to be established in New York City in 1891. The Romanesque Revival exterior opens up to a breathtaking space that evokes the look and feel of an exquisite box of jewels. The interior is adorned with Byzantine mosaics, stained glass imported from Italy, and a striking gilded dome over the altar.

 

 

While many couples are choosing to have their ceremony and reception at the same venue, the couple chose a more traditional setting to exchange vows. It was very important to Aerin and Steven that they get married in a sacred space surrounded by those they love most. Aerin remembers, “All of our immediate family members and close friends were involved in the processional. We now have the best memories from that day.”

 

 

Guests looked on as the bride’s father walked her down the aisle. As the couple took their place at the altar, Aerin’s beautiful Pronovias gown came into full view. With its crystal embellishments and luxe white fabric, her gown looked stunning against the church’s rich decoration.

 

 

 

The Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is filled with symbols that represent the important elements of marriage. The ritual lighting of candles and crowning of the bride and groom bared particular significance at this wedding. The couple used family treasures to honor their loving bond. “The Stephana (crowns) that we wore on our wedding day are Steven’s parents’ Stephana from when they were married over 38 years ago” Aerin says. “Our Lambades (candles) were the same candles that Steven’s grandparents used at their wedding over 58 years ago!”

 

 

 

Aerin’s classic white and greenery theme was the perfect, subtle accent in such a magnificent ceremony venue. Lining the aisle, pew flowers were arranged in lush clusters of white peonies, and garden and Tibet roses with olive branch greens. Evoking a romantic, natural feel, stunning altar arrangements featured white hydrangea, garden and Tibet roses, peonies complemented by lemon leaf, Italian ruscus, and olive branch greenery.

 

 

 

The beautiful, heartfelt ceremony ended with guests rejoicing as the couple took their first walk together as husband and wife. Coming next week in Part 4: Reception Décor, Tablescape, & Vintage Accents, Aerin talks about the final chapter in her wedding story.

Couple’s Vendor List

Venue: 26 Bridge
Photographer: Susan Shek Photography
Videographer: WellSpun Weddings
Bride’s Dress: Pronovias
Bride’s Shoes: Adrianna Papell
Groom’s Tux: J.Crew
Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations
Hair & Makeup: Beautini by Brittany Lo
Caterer: Real Food Catering (Yen Ngo)
Dessert Bar: Magnolia Bakery
Lighting: Universal Light & Sound
Music: Beat Train Productions
Day of Coordinator: Exquisite Affairs Productions