Meet Dan and Fani.  We had an engagement session last winter downtown in Pittsburgh's Market Square and PPG Place (where Dan proposed) and I knew they were going to be so much fun!  Dan and I always talk hockey, and he was at the opening of a new hockey store the morning of his wedding, hah.  Fani and her family are from Crete, Greece and they had many friends and family members travel in to Pittsburgh for the nuptials.

There are so many Greeks traditions I learned about.  Before Fani's father put her shoes on her, she wrote the names of the unmarried women on the bottom of one of the shoes.  The name most worn off at the end of the night would be the next to find their partner!  (Fani even included my name in the mix, hahah!)  Honey and nuts were fed to the newlyweds at the beginning of the reception by the brides mother, it symbolizes having a sweet life together.  Music was played by family friends and Fani's Uncle as the guests danced the night away!  Money was also thrown to show appreciation for the musicians.  The bride dance called the Horos tis Nifis takes place at the reception, the bride starts dancing and everyone gets a chance to dance with her holding the handkerchief in her right hand. Everyone takes turns during this throughout the night.  Some of the other Cretan dances were the Sirtos, Sousta, Malebiziotis and Pentozali.  Both Fani and Dan's families were on the dance floor the entire night!  This bridal party was also a blast and so much fun to take photos of.

I am so happy to get their preview up before they head off to Greece for their honeymoon tomorrow!! Congrats again Dan and Fani, thank you for being so amazing :) Safe travels!!

 The Mothers of the Groom and Bride :) One of my favorite from that night!!

This was the third wedding where I had friend and fellow photographer Ryan Zarichnak helping out.  (He will be launching his website/blog soon so I will be sure to post his information when that is available!)  He is a great person to work with and I could not have shot this wedding myself!  Thank you Ry!!!!  At the end of the night as we were saying our goodbyes, the brides father pulled me into the crowd to learn some Greek dancing.  Ryan got this open mouthed laughing shot of me as I tried to pick up the moves. You can see the groom Dan in the bottom left trying to capture the action as well, hahaha.  Thanks again Ryan :)

Wedding Gown: David Bridal
Rings: Esken Jewelers
Flowers: Dee's Florals
Videographer: Brandon Keenan of KVT Productions (He was great to work with!!)
Church: All Saints Greek Orthodox Church
Reception: Hilton Garden Inn South Pointe