Musicians at Greek Weddings | Christine Constantine Photography

As a Cyprus wedding photographer for many years and now a London wedding photographer, I have always enjoyed the custom of having musicians present at a Greek wedding. When I arrive at a Groom’s Stolisma and prepare to shoot - the musicians arrive shortly afterwards and take their place next to the Groom’s chair - where he will be shaved and dressed by the best man according to tradition. Myself, the vidoegrapher and the guests are all ready and waiting for the music to start and the groom to enter the room and take his seat. The groom’s family stand behind his chair and the guests, who are mainly relatives of the groom and his family, gather around to watch the ceremony and be ready to participate.

All images taken by Christine Constantine Photography.

The musicians start playing the introduction of the main wedding song and the groom enters the room and takes his seat next to the musicians. The ceremony starts. The groom is dressed in a white vest. The ceremony starts when the musicians perform the main wedding song . The singer performs some verses of the wedding song and then the best man prepares the clothes for the shaving which is the first custom, starting the ceremony. All the customs are performed with the accompaniment of the violinist or the lutenist, who give instructions through the lyrics of the song.

The musicians always start performing the wedding song with these lyrics: “Oran kalin tzi ora agathin, tzi oran evloimenin, touti douleia p’ akepsamen, na vgei stereomeni”. The main wedding song starts with this greeting to the new couple and the poetic content is one of its most important features. The instrumental music is secondary to this. The lyrics sung are those of the wedding song, which will stimulate the guests and the couple to experience a variety of feelings. The wedding song has many couplets and refrains with different lyrics, which are repeated several times until all the customs are performed.

Some couples also opt for their wedding musicians to lead the procession to the church. as was the tradition in years gone by when many couples lived within walking distance of the church.

All images taken by Christine Constantine Photography.

Top Ten Greek Wedding and Christening Suppliers in London

You know in this blog I wanted to give a bit of a shout out to some of the Greek wedding suppliers I’ve met and worked with along my journey as a London wedding photographer. From cake-makers to dressmakers; from florists to fireworks. These people are the creators, the orchestrators of your wedding or event. They put their individual skills together for one moment in time and create a unique experience for your special day. All details are correct as of March 2022 and I plan to keep it updated with the latest news/photos and info on more suppliers I have the pleasure of meeting along the way.

All images below are taken by: Christine Constantine Photography.

A female documentary-style photographer and popular individual in the Greek and Cypriot community of London, Christine has also shot Weddings and Christenings not only in her hometown of London but also in Cyprus. She has over ten years experience of being a Greek Christening photographer, as well as a christening photographer of other faiths. She is kind, discreet and respectful; priding herself in shooting only the most natural, unobtrusive photography of your baby’s special day.

"We were highly impressed with Christine’s work, she managed to get all the shots we wanted for our daughter’s special day! Would highly recommend Christine for any special event. Thank you for capturing some great memories for our daughters Christening !

sophia panayi

She captured the mood, energy and love pouring out to our son, beautifully. She took the lead on capturing multiple types of pictures, both candid and posed, as well as all the important documenting style Christening pictures.
She also consulted us on the day with what/who else we wanted to capture.
She was subtle, friendly and encouraging. Will definitely be booking her for future events”

photis papachristou

“We had Christine as our wedding photographer and it was the best choice for us! She delivered exactly what we wanted. More natural photos and a photographer that would follow the wedding flow and not stage it. I would recommend her without hesitation!!’

Eleni Zissimou

Jamboree Carts | @jamboreecarts

I met the lovely Despina at a baby girl’s Christening last summer. I was immediately wowed by her decorative carts - the colour palette of the balloons and flowers - the layout - just the whole incredible design! I couldn’t stop taking pictures of it! The cart served the obligatory candy table, and all the colours perfectly matched! Stunning work.

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Sophie K Cakes | @sophiekcakes

I’ve also been pretty wowed by the talented Sophie from @sophiekcakes, who really does make the most BEAUTIFUL Christening cakes with incredible detail. Check these out!

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Bambino Couture | @bambinocoutureltd

I’ve photographed a few Christenings from the well-known and well-loved Maria from Bambino Couture (@bambinocoutureltd) who has made a name for herself as one of the main go-to suppliers when it comes to Christening gowns and outfits. She also does flower girl outfits and page boy outfits for wedding. Check out some of her designs here..

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Alexandria Couture | @alexandria.couture.uk

Alexandria Couture (@alexandria.couture.uk) is another well-known Christening outfit designer and is also a one-stop shop for all things Christening - lambadas, bombonieres, Christening gifts, Stefana for weddings etc. She has it all covered!

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Sofia Couture Baby Boutique | @sofiacouturebabyboutique

Maria from @sofiacouturebabyboutique is another incredible Christening supplier with a popular following in North London and beyond. Established in 2011 she has a 15.5 thousand followers on Instagram and also provides Boys’ & Girls’ Christening Wear & Accessories and personalised gifts. A one-stop shop based in N14, North London.

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Olivias Cakes | @olivias_cakes_london

Olivias Cakes (@olivias_cakes_london) are based on Silver Road, Edmonton, North London and cater for weddings, Christenings and birthday parties. Now a popular cafe also serving coffee and Cyprus sandwiches, owner Maria and her husband Theo have a growning reputation in the local area and beyond for preparing not just stunning creations, but vegan and gluten-free options too. I caught up with her when she was preparing for Easter. Check out the bunny cake! All cakes are made to order so get your order in FAST!

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Exciting Fireworks | @excitingfireworks

If you want you wedding or event to go off with a BANG you NEED the services of Exciting Fireworks!!

Nicos and his son Leon have been selling fireworks from their shop on Stroud Green Road in North London for over twenty years now. What these guys don’t know about fireworks and parties is not worth knowing!! They also provide indoor fireworks, smoke machines and smoke grenades for weddings and can tailor-make a display depending on your budget. Pop in today for a friendly chat and learn how you can add sparkles and magic to your special day!