Our Kristen Marie Photography studio was so excited to photograph the Crowning Ceremony and Reception for Leslie and Marc.

The weekend before, the couple was married in a Christian wedding ceremony in Miami. This Crowning Ceremony honors the groom’s Egyptian heritage. The Crowning Ceremony in the Orthodox Tradition is an ancient rite filled with beautiful symbolism.

Crowning Ceremony: The King and Queen

We love the bright colors and ornate religious artwork in this Clearwater church. Combine that with all of the unique symbolism, and you have some incredible photos.

The bride and groom are draped in beautifully embroidered capes, trimmed in gold. They are royal and priestly garments as the couple are the King and Queen of their new church. They will share the spiritual responsibilities of leading their home.

Beyond that, you’ll also notice that Leslie is on Marc’s right side. This tradition references Psalms “At your right-hand side stands the Queen….”

bride and groom wearing gold capes are kneeling during an Orthodox Crowning Ceremony in Clearwater

Additionally, the couple is crowned with incredible golden crowns covered with colorful gems. The bride and groom are crowned for each other, as stated in Proverbs. “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband…” When they look at each other, seeing the crowned King and Queen, they pledge their loyalty to each other.

Bride being crowned during at Crowning Ceremony in Clearwater

Mind, Heart, and Actions

Another beautiful element of the ceremony was the anointing with oil. The couple is anointed on their forehead, upper chest, and wrists. This symbolizes the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives, purifying and strengthening their mind, heart, and actions.

bride is anointed with oil during a crowning ceremony in Clearwater

Every step of the Crowning Ceremony was so unique and interesting. We loved capturing all of the details of this incredible couple’s day.

Wedding Portraits

Capturing beautiful portraits of the newlyweds is always a big part of any wedding day. From the fantastic interior of the church to the picture-perfect weather, we had incredible backdrops for their wedding portrait.

bride kneeling before the altar after her Orthodox Crowning Ceremony in Clearwater

bride and groom posing for photos at St Mary and St Mina Coptic Orthodox Church in Clearwater

black and white photo of a bride an groom in front of a carved wooden door

bride and groom posing for photos in front of a vintage white rolls Royce in Clearwater

black and white photo of newlyweds inside of a Rolls Royce

bride and groom posing for wedding photos in front of a fountain

Safety Harbor Resort and Spa Reception

Later in the evening, the couple, along with family and friends, headed to the Safety Harbor Resort for a night filled with great food and lots of dancing.

Beginning with their first dance all the way through the cake cutting, their night was filled with touching moments. And, you can easily see how much in love Leslie and Marc are.

bride and groom during their first dance at the safety harbor resort and spa