Capturing Christenings at the Greek Church of St Peter and St Paul in Bristol
There’s something deeply special about photographing a Greek Orthodox Christening — the timeless rituals, emotional moments, and joyful celebration all unfold in a setting rich with history and tradition. One of the most stunning locations for this in Bristol is the Greek Church of St Peter and St Paul.
⛪ The Church: A Stunning Backdrop
Tucked away on Lower Ashley Road, the church’s architecture is a dream for any photographer:
Warm, ambient lighting 🌞
Ornate details and religious icons 🖼️
Soft-toned walls and rich colours that create stunning contrast for white baptismal gowns
As a photographer, it's an honour to document these once-in-a-lifetime memories in such a beautiful and sacred place. 💒✨
🕊️ A Ceremony Full of Emotion and Meaning
Greek Orthodox christenings are incredibly visual events — full of symbolic rituals, expressive emotions, and candid family moments. From the anointing with holy oil to the immersion in the baptismal font, each step of the ceremony tells a powerful story through imagery. 📷
You can learn more about the service on a blog post I wrote: Nine Steps to Greek Christening
At St Peter and St Paul’s, these traditions come to life in an atmosphere of reverence, warmth, and celebration.
Every corner of this church offers an opportunity for meaningful, artistic shots — whether it’s the priest blessing the child, the quiet prayers of the Godparents, or the smiles exchanged between generations.
📷 My Approach to Christening Photography
As your photographer, I focus on:
Documentary-style storytelling — capturing the ceremony as it naturally unfolds
Candid family interactions — hugs, laughter, tears of joy
Creative portraiture — beautiful, timeless shots of your baby, Godparents, and guests
Discreet presence — respecting the sacredness of the service while getting the perfect angles
I’ll work closely with your family to understand the flow of the day, coordinate with the priest, and make sure no moment is missed.
💷 How Much Do I Charge?
My Christening Photography Package is priced at £595. This includes full coverage of the ceremony and family pictures, plus around 200 high-resolution, professionally edited digital images delivered via file transfer. 📁✨
No hidden fees — just beautiful, timeless memories captured with care. 💙
🎉 After the Ceremony
Many families choose to celebrate with a reception, either in the church hall or a nearby venue in Bristol. These relaxed gatherings are a fantastic time to capture candid group shots, detailed photos of the decor and cake, and the energy of the celebration. Whether you’d like me to pop in for just an hour, or capture the whole afternoon or evening reception - get in touch for a quote!
💌 Ready to Book Your Christening Photography?
If you’re planning a Greek Orthodox christening at St Peter and St Paul’s in Bristol, I’d love to help you preserve every special moment. Let’s create a collection of images that will last a lifetime — full of love, heritage, and joy.
📅 Now booking 2025 christenings and beyond
📍 Location: Greek Orthodox Church of St Peter & St Paul, Bristol
📞 Contact me today to check availability and pricing
A Beautiful Christening Venue in Wimbledon: Why Cannizaro House is the Perfect Spot for Your Baby’s Special Day
Why Cannizaro House in Wimbledon is the dream spot for your baby’s Christening
Cannizaro House (or Hotel Du Vin as it is now called) has that rare mix of being quietly beautiful and genuinely welcoming. It’s set in Cannizaro Park next to Wimbledon Common and is surrounded by gardens and trees. It just feels peaceful from the moment you arrive. It’s not flashy — just lovely in a really effortless way.
🌸 The gardens
If you’re looking for a Christening venue in Wimbledon with beautiful outdoor space, this is it. Cannizaro House is wrapped in 34 acres of stunning gardens, with everything from rose beds to Italian-style landscaping and even a sunken garden that feels like a hidden fairytale spot.
It’s perfect for incorporating a gentle, nature-inspired theme into your baby’s celebration. You could go for soft floral touches on your invites, decorate with wildflowers, or have a dessert table that ties into the garden colours.
Plus, the gardens are ideal for photos — natural backdrops, dappled light, and plenty of space for little ones to run around.
✨ Indoors, it’s just as lovely
Inside, Cannizaro House has that perfect “relaxed elegance” feel. The private rooms are light-filled and full of character — especially the Orangery, which opens onto the garden and works beautifully for daytime celebrations. Whether you’re planning a small family gathering or a slightly bigger guest list, it’s all very calm and manageable. No big hotel chaos, just a lovely, welcoming atmosphere.
🥂 Food, drinks & DECOR that feel thoughtful
The venue team is brilliant at tailoring food and drink to suit your day. You can go classic with a sit-down meal or keep things more relaxed with canapés, grazing boards, or an afternoon tea vibe. They’re also really open to personal touches — so if there’s a specific cake you love or something sweet you want to include, they’ll make it happen.
Their wine list is great (it is a Hotel du Vin after all), but they’re equally good at creating mocktail menus or non-alcoholic options if that’s your thing.
🛌 Rooms for guests = major win
If you’ve got friends or family coming from out of town, or if anyone just wants to stay overnight, Cannizaro House has lovely rooms just upstairs. That takes a whole layer of stress out of the day — no rushing around planning where your guests are going to stay, just time to enjoy it properly. And who needs extra stress when you have a baby to look after on top?
💛 Feels like a hidden gem
It’s close to Wimbledon Village, so guests can grab a coffee or have a wander on the common before or after the party. It’s easy to get to from central London, but once you’re there, it feels like you’re a million miles away from the noise. If you’re looking for a baby celebration venue with outdoor space, or something that blends elegance with comfort, Cannazaro House is a perfect choice.
Whether you're planning a small and intimate Christening or something a bit more of a statement, Cannizaro House offers a calm, beautiful setting that genuinely you and all your guests will just LOVE.
Becoming a Godparent in the Greek Orthodox Church | Christine Constantine Photography
BECOMING A GODPARENT IN THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
Becoming a Godparent in the Greek Orthodox Church is both an honour AND a responsibility. The Godparent (or nounos for a godfather, nouná for a godmother) plays a crucial role in the child’s religious life. Firstly the Godparent is responsible for providing the priest with the items he will use during the baptism ceremony. These include the cross, the Christening gown/Christening outfit, the olive oil/soap, baptismal sheet and towel, and the lambada (Christening candle).
Christening Gowns/Outfits
Traditionally white/cream in colour, Christening dresses and outfits are the first outfit the baby will be dressed in following their baptism. There are a variety of shops and retailers that sell such outfits and they often come with the cutest matching shoes!
Christening Candle (Lambada) and Cross
Check out my guide to London-based Greek Orthodox Christening suppliers for all your Christening needs!
What happens during the Christening?
The priests generally guide you bu there are various steps to the Christening service. These are:
Renouncing Satan and Declaring Faith – The Godparent stands at the entrance of the church with the baby and recites the Creed (Symbol of Faith) on behalf of the child.
Anointing with Oil – The Godparent rubs the baby with the scented, blessed olive oil.
Holding the Child During Baptism – The priest immerses the child three times in the baptismal font, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.
Clothing the Child in White – After the baptism, the Godparent dresses the child in white, symbolizing purity and new life.
Receiving Holy Communion – The newly baptized child receives their first Holy Communion, often assisted by the Godparent.
Following all of this the child is passed back to the parents, and traditionally the parents must give thanks and kiss the Godparent’s hand.
Moving forward from the actual baptism, the Godparents are responsible for overseeing the newly baptized child’s spiritual growth and development. This includes making sure he/she attends church, learns about the scripture and Greek Orthodoxy, and participates in sacraments such as Holy Communion on a regular basis.
A Sacred Celebration: Christenings at Hagia Sofia Cathedral
I absolutely adore shooting Christenings at Hagia Sofia Cathedral. Hagia Sofia Cathedral or Saint Sofia Greek Church as it is also referred to, is located on Moscow Road in London’s Bayswater, not far from Bayswater Tube Station. Hagia Sofia Cathedral is the latest building of several that have serviced the spiritual needs of London’s Greek community since the late 17th century (the original church being located on today’s Greek street in Soho). Its present site on Moscow road began work in June 1877, with the first liturgy being held two years later upon completion. If you’ve never been, I definitely suggest a visit.
Hagia Sofia Christening Photography
As a London-based Christening Photographer I’ve been blessed with several visits to the church. And I’m in awe every single time I step foot inside. Here is a selection of photography of my last Christening at Hagia Sofia Greek Cathedral (Ayia Sofia Greek Church)..
Hagia Sofia Cathedral really has to be seen to be believed. Its iconography is encased in oak and dark green marble from the Greek island of Tinos adorns its walls. But for me the most breathtaking is the mosaic work in the dome and on the floor, in the traditional Byzantium style. Further mosaics have been commisioned over the years and in 1896 a large three-dimensional silver cross covered in ruby lamps was erected.
There are so many beautiful areas of Hagia Sofia that without doubt, add an extra layer of beauty and spiritual significance to your Baby’s Christening Day.
You can see more of my Christening Photography HERE
Christening Photography at The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Barbara, Saint Phanourius, and Paul the Apostle in Southend-on-Sea.
Nestled in the heart of Southend-on-Sea, The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Barbara, Saint Phanourius, and Paul the Apostle serves the local Greek and Orthodox Christian community with devotion and love. Known for its beautiful liturgy and welcoming atmosphere, the church is an ideal place for families looking to conduct a baptism according to the sacred traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith.
Why Choose the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Barbara, Saint Phanourius & Paul the Apostle for Your Baby’s Baptism?
Located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Deep-rooted in Greek Orthodox tradition
Family-friendly and inclusive church
Bilingual services (Greek and English)
Experienced priest offering full support
A peaceful and sacred space for your special day
Whether you’re continuing a cherished family tradition or exploring Orthodox Christianity for the first time, this Southend church warmly welcomes you. Celebrate your baby’s baptism in a place where faith, culture, and community come together.
Begin your child’s spiritual life with love and tradition at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Barbara, Saint Phanourius, and Paul the Apostle in Southend-on-Sea.
All images taken by Christine Constantine Photography
Holy Cross and St Michael's Greek Church Christening Photography
The Holy Cross and St Michael’s Greek Church or The Greek Orthodox Church of The Holy Cross & Archangel Michael to give it its full name, is situated on the Golders Green Green road in North London. Popular with the Greek community of North London it holds many Orthodox religious services such as weddings, Christenings and funerals. As a Greek Christening Photographer it is always a joy to shoot here.
Christening Photography at The Holy Cross and St Michael’s Greek Church
More Christening Photography..
SEE MORE CHRISTENINGS HERE
