divina+nick

HEEEEERE IT IS! Nick and Divina’s wedding… a big ol’ Northwest Indiana Greek wedding! I’m telling you… you haven’t fully lived the life until you’ve attended a Greek wedding. More cultural traditions than any other wedding we’ve seen! Though Divina’s family isn’t Greek (she’s part Latina)… the two got married at a Greek Orthodox church and many of the Greek traditions took place throughout the day.

Sidenote: Their reception actually had two different DJ’s… one who specialized in Greek music and the other who played Spanish music… it was very cool! This is the first time we’ve seen this tradition. The morning of the wedding the groom’s family and wedding party help dress him and shave him while the women in the family sing traditional Greek songs. While I don’t think Nick had any intention of being shaved that morning… his uncle on the other hand had different ideas! 😉 …meanwhile… 😉See the ladies singing by the window? 🙂We met Nick and Divina and her parents seven years ago at Linda and Chris’ wedding. Divina was one of her bridesmaids and Nick was Divina’s hilarious boyfriend. At the reception I remember laughing with their table… a lot! I remember feeling like they were like my family… fun, loud, hilarious…

On the left is Divina’s mom who I lovingly referred to as “momma” all day. On the right, it’s Rosie… Divina’s godmother. 🙂 Want to know where our “assigned table” was at the reception? WITH THEM! Can you believe it?! I’m still so blown away by that! They 100% let us into their family that day with open arms. You guys really are one in a million.

Ohhhh Mike…. your images from this day were winning at life! In wedding world, usually the bridal perfume is exclusively to be worn by the bride (it’s her “scent”)… right after momma sprayed Divina with her Michael Kors perfume, then a quick spritz on herself… she looked at me and said, “Michael Kors?” asking if I wanted to wear it. Wellllll…. don’t mind if I do! (that was definitely a first!) The bridesmaids walked in soon after and she asked again… “Michael Kors anyone? Michael Kors? MMM! IT’S SO GOOOOOOD!” It was so funny to me (maybe you had to be there)! I’m not doing any of that story any justice but I thought it was quite telling of how laid back, loving, and inviting the whole family was. I think I even said to her something like, “Wow! So sweet of you. Usually bride’s are funny about that…” To which she says, “Oh no no no… it’s just too good not to share!”

Sidenote: now any time I put on any perfume I say to Mike… “Michael Kors anyone? IT’S SO GOOOOOOD!” Kissing the icons.
On the left, Nick’s niece decided she was done sitting still and was on her way up to join her Uncle on the altar. On the right… Nick’s dad (her grandpa), swooping in. 😀 PHEW… nice save dad! “The Betrothal Service consists of blessing the rings over the heads of the bride and groom. Then they are exchanged three times by their Koumbaros or best man.” –source

My view. Mike’s view. 🙂This was the second time we’ve photographed a wedding at this church and I was still impressed with it’s beauty. MARRIED!It always impresses me when Mike is able to avoid me in his images. You can’t see me but I’m standing directly in front of the bride and groom. 🙂Things were running quite behind by the time we got to portrait time… the sun was quickly setting. Sooooo…. yeahhhh… I turned into a bit of a crazy woman… a redhead on a mission if you will…. 😉Her entire bouquet was made of family heirloom broaches. Luckily Divina has biceps of steel because, as beautiful as it was, was very heavy!Ohhhh youuuuu grooooomsmennnnn… 😉I love how happy you two make each other. Not the largest wedding party we’ve ever photographed… but certainly not the smallest! 😀Image on the right… that’s one of my favorites ❗Divina, you were a gorgeous bride. Absolutely gorgeous!DOLLLLLARRR BILLLLLS!And finally… our favorite part… The Zeibekiko! This is a dance “usually performed by one person at a time with absolutely no choreography. In other words, you’re free to make it your own, which is basically why it never gets old! Originality during a Zeibekiko ranges from dancing around a glass of wine during a song, to getting on a table and having onlookers raise it (and you) to the air.” -source When Nick’s uncle got up to dance the crowd got so hype! Click here to see an example video.

The man in blue was outside as the started but could hear the song playing inside… he rushed in to join. 🙂 Mike’s favorite ❓

Nailed it! 😉Such a fun wedding 🙂

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Merrillville, Ind.

wedding coordinator • Mercy Turner
hair • His & Hers Salon
makeup • A Modern Face, Anjelica Santillan
florist • How Sweet It Is Events, Linda Walker
ceremony • Saint Constantine & Helen
reception venue • Hellenic Cultural Center
dj • DJ Angel & DJ Manolis

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their songs

introductions
kids • “Don’t Stop The Party” – Pit Bull
wedding party • “Feel So Good” – Calvin Harris
first dance • “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Ingrid Michaelson
brother/god-father/bride • “True Colors” – Eva Cassidy
mother/son • “Because You Love Me” – Celine Dion
cake cutting • “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
last dance • Zeibekiko (Greek Dance)

[br]What was the most memorable moment of your day?

Nick: Saying “I Do” and the moment when Divina was walking down the aisle.

Divina: The tribute to my father – the favors we provided our guests were Stroke Awareness wristbands in memory of my father who passed away a couple of years ago. It was definitely a bittersweet moment, but I know he was there by our side.

[br] Any advice for future bride/grooms?

Nick: Nick – Hire Bobbi & Mike as photographers!

Divina: Enjoy the day, and each and every moment as it goes by so quickly. Enjoy your family and friends who stand by your side, and relish in all moments leading up to that day. Years from now, we will look back to this moment in our lives with a feeling of love, and being loved.

[br]Funniest memory from your wedding day?

Nick: Bobbi and the church care taker… those who were there will understand ;). P.S. Don’t mess with a redhead! For the record, I was so nice to that guy! In the end though, I strangely found peace in knowing that he was mean to everyone… not just me. It seems he didn’t just have a vendetta against loud photographers with big smiles. PHEW!

Divina: During our bridal parties speeches, i’d have to say Jason Schrieber (our Koumbari) gave not only the funniest speech but also one of the sweetest i’ve heard – Xeno!

[br]If you could do it all over, would you change anything?

Nick: be able to push a pause button a few times throughout the day – it went by so fast.

Divina: i’m with Nick on that one, it was absolutely perfect – I wouldn’t change a thing… other than having super hero powers to slow down time.

[br]Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Bora Bora

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Heeeeere we arrrrre! Mike’s not in it because he was taking the photo. Womp womp wommmmmp…

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Much love friends!

~bobbi+mike ❗ + ❓

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PS. Click here to see a photo of Nick and Divina that we took in 2006. WHOA! [br] [br]