I am so excited to share this amazing wedding day. Martha and Tomas were married an a gorgeous day last September after the heat wave broke. I can officially say that this was my very first Eritrean wedding of my career! I love experiencing new wedding customs. First let’s start with what was my first question for Martha and Tomas…where exactly is Eritrea? Turns out Eritrea is a country located in the Horn of Africa along the Red Sea. Many Eritreans practice Christianity, but I was still surprised when I found out that Martha and Tomas were to be married in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox church in the Central West End. As it turns out, the Greek Orthodox church is the closest to their Christian Orthodox beliefs. No complaints here…St. Nicholas is beautiful! One of my favorite moments was when all of the women in the family danced around the bride as she prepared to leave her parent’s house. The second part of the wedding weekend included a traditional Eritrean Coffee Ceremony and more traditional wedding attire. And the family cooked all of the yummy Eritrean food! It reminded me very much of Ethiopian cuisine. Which I love. Of course I managed to get a few yummy bites both evenings…mmmm. :) Enjoy the photos!

Martha – you are beautiful.  I am so incredibly jealous of that head of hair!

The women of the family dancing around Martha as she prepares to head to the church.  I believe I am standing on a kitchen table.

Meet Tomas. Not only handsome, but also soft spoken and kind with a generous smile.  Nice catch Martha!

Too cute.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church speaks for itself…

During the ceremony the couple does not speak, and there are no wedding vows.  They are technically married when they take their first steps together as husband and wife, shown here.

Married!

Pretty portraits in the park!

Gorgeous bouquets by my good friend Lisa at Belli Fiori.

I’m not sure what happened here, but I think I lost control of the wedding party.  I am unsure of what exactly is going on with the fruit from the Soulard Farmers Market.  Are those lemon earrings?  I’m not even going to go there with the cucumber…or is that a summer squash?!

Pretty cake from the Cakery Bakery!

Wonderful toasts.

So I had a small panic attack when I got myself into the dancing mob.  I must confess, I have a wee little bit of claustrophobia.  This dense rotating dance mob was TIGHT, and once I got in I was concerned that I might never get out!  Turns out I did escape, and the photos were completely worth it.

The next evening consisted of the traditional coffee ceremony.

And some incredible henna artwork.

Prince and princess!  I totally thought Martha looked like the princess of Zamunda and totally cracked up when her maid of honor told her the exact same thing.  (80’s movie reference for you young peeps out there!)

Thank you both so much for entrusting me with your wedding photos.  I am humbled and honored to have been a part of such a special weekend.  With love, Liz

VENDOR LOVE

Hair & makeup : Seasons Salon

Dress : Clarice’s Bridal

Bridesmaids’ dress : Bella Bridesmaids

Cake : The Cakery Bakery

Church : St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Reception : Two Hearts Banquet Center

Florist : Belli Flori

Decor : Parties and Props

Linens : Sitting Pretty

Food : Family made

Singer : Loul Fessahaye

Henna : St. Louis Henna