Harro East Ballroom Reception & Greek and Russian Orthodox Ceremony - Rochester, NY - Mia & Pete

Feb 2

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Mia & Pete's wedding day combined elements of Greek and Russian Orthodox wedding traditions - and It. Was. Glorious. I loved the meaning and significance wrapped into nearly everything the couple had planned, and it was obvious that Mia and Pete were wonderfully aware of the importance of their day.

Mia started by getting ready with her family at an AirBNB just around the corner from the church. It was a good thing they rented a house - it had to hold 11(!) bridesmaids, 8 flower girls, and various parents, hair and makeup people, and more!

The ceremony was held in a traditional Greek Orthodox church, and featured standing room only, head coverings, and prayers in Russian, Greek, and English. A few of the priests and deacons involved were family members of the couple, and Mia's parents sang in the choir - it was a personal service from start to finish.

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After an epic rice toss after the ceremony, we headed out to High Falls for wedding party and couples' pictures. We even stopped by Java's so Mia and Pete could grab a coffee before the reception, and they danced outside the Eastman Theater waiting for their limo.

The reception at the Harro East Ballroom was a perfect choice for their wedding. They had nearly 300 guests, and there are few locations in Rochester that can comfortably seat that many guests. Harro East took it in stride! One of my many favorite moments of the day was the cultural Greek and Russian dances that happened throughout the reception. The Russian reception dancing tradition features ever more extravagant displays of grace and athleticism, and I loved every minute of it.