Vera + Grigor / Sofia Wedding

A few months ago I received an email from Vera asking if I provided services in Sofia, BG. I remember reading it and having that feeling that I was going to be the one photographing that wedding! When I was in Bulgaria in May we did Skype and then we met in Paris ( where they live) My impression of Vera and Grisha was that they are beautiful, kind, sweet, charming, fun, excited and very much in love. I knew that the decision to cross the Atlantic in July for their wedding was the right one.

When the Big Day arrived it was nothing short of spectacular. It was heartwarming and intimate at the same time. All of their friends ( a big international bunch) and family was around them most of the time and were a huge part of their celebration.

One of the day’s events that I looking forward to was when Grisha arrived at Vera’s parents to ” Get his Bride” It is a tradition in Bulgarian weddings and this was my very first time photographing it. The purpose is to make the Groom work really hard and spend a lot of money so he shows the Bride and her family how much he wants her. Vera had her girlfriends on every floor to stop him. Grisha and his Best Man had to bribe them and bargain to pass through. When the bargaining was taking way too long they would just kiss the girls, lift them and move on. Vera’s dad was waiting at the front door. He would say “Are you looking for something?” to which Grisha response is ” I’ve come to get my Bride” , “Well then, let’s see how much she’s worth to you” . During this whole time  Vera is hiding in a room with her bridesmaids. They are pushing the door closed  while The Groom, his Best Man and friends are trying to push it open. A lot of pushing went on! And when they finally got in the bride’s shoe was missing so Grisha needs to find it and make sure it fits her by stuffing it with a few bills. While  all this is going on there is a band that follows the groom. They are playing Bulgarian Folklore music and the sound of the bagpipe and drum makes you want to dance until you pass out. The music and dancing was a big element in the day. Not sure how many Hora ( fast pace line dance) there were but when Vera was finally out they danced in the middle of the street blocking the traffic.

The other moment I truly enjoyed was the ride through the streets of Sofia with Vera and Grisha. It was a rare, quiet moment with just the two of them sitting in the back. Their happy faces, tenderness and affection for each other reminded me why I do what I do. Unscripted and sincere joy…

We had two ceremonies, Civil followed by a Religious one. They were both very emotional and touching. Orthodox churches in Bulgaria have a certain warmth. The smell of  wax from the constantly burning candles and golden light is enchanting. Sveta Nedelia is a landmark in Sofia and  to see it filled with Vera and Grisha’s  loved ones was beautiful. When Vera walked in led by the Best Man she looked like a queen.

And then there was time to party.  And party they did. Started with a big horo outside and then moved in. A night to remember. There was laughter, there were some tears of joy, some awesome dance moves and just about everyone was on that dance floor dancing the night away.

I left after 13 plus hours of being with Vera and Grisha and everyone else. My feet were killing me but my heart was full and I was smiling. This was special. They made it spacial. Big hearts filled with love not only for each other but for all the people around them.

Vera and Grisha, keep on Kissing, Loving and Dancing forever, like you did on that day! All my love to you, Stela