Natalya and Michael Wedding | St. Vladimir Parma Wedding

It is always exciting to see how couples (and their friends and family) share cultures on their wedding day! The day that Michael married Natalya this summer, he experienced the real struggle of a Ukrainian groom on his wedding day. First, he had to drink one too many shots of Absolut vodka a little bit to early in the morning. He then had to barter—giving up all the money in his wallet and a bag full of cash—just to see his beaming bride (of course, Natalya’s family offered up a “fake” bride first). The whole family proceeded to gather inside the home of Natalya’s parents, where both sets of parents, godparents, and all close relatives gave their blessing to the soon-to-be married couple.

The ceremony at Pokrova Ukrainian Catholic Church in Parma was beautiful—the bright sanctuary and angelic ring of eastern chant inspiring a joyful atmosphere.

As you will see from our bridal party photo at Tremont’s Cleveland sign, Michael and Natalya’s bridal party was fun and incredibly enthusiastic. Despite the constant joke-cracking and beer-drinking, this ensemble of friends was well-organized. We were able to capture so many angles of the incredibly gorgeous Severance Hall and hurry off to the cozy banquet hall at St. Vladimir Church in the heart of Ukrainian Village for the reception.

Everything went off without a hitch—the hall was majestically draped in glittering gold linens, tea lights sparkled, the band of Ukrainian musicians filled the hall with dancing and energy, and the best man and maid of honor speeches were some of the best we’ve heard. At one point, the groom had to go buy back his bride, but by that point, he was quite versed in the Ukrainian traditions.

Congratulations to Michael and Natalya! We wish you a lifetime of love, bliss, and success with your greatest dreams!

Love,

Yevhen and Julie