Please RSVP online by April 26, 2026

The Russian Orthodox wedding is a beautiful, ancient, and highly symbolic religious ceremony focused on joining the couple in the eyes of God. Here are the key elements guests can expect to see and their meaning: Wedding Icons: The bride and groom arrive at the Church separately. The groom arrives first, accompanied by an Icon of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The bride enters the Church accompanied by an Icon of the Mother of God, the Holy Virgin Mary. These icons are carried into the Church for the service. Afterwards, they are placed in the home of the couple. The Betrothal / The Rings: The ceremony begins with the betrothal service, where the priest blesses the couple and places rings on their right-hand ring fingers. The rings are be exchanged three times by the sponsor to symbolize the Holy Trinity and the entwining of the couple's lives. Candle Lighting: The couple is given lit candles to hold throughout the service, symbolizing the light of Christ in their new life together and their willingness to receive God's blessings. The Crowning: This is the centerpiece of the ceremony. The priest places crowns on the couple's heads, declaring them the "king and queen" of their new household. The crowns, joined by a ribbon, symbolize the glory and honor with which God blesses them, and the union itself. Joining of Hands: The priest joins the couple's right hands with a bridal cloth, symbolizing their "oneness in mind and heart" and the spiritual tie that unites them into one flesh. Their hands remain joined for the rest of the service. The Common Cup: Following scripture readings, the couple shares sips of wine (three times each) from a single cup. This reminds them that from this moment forward they will share everything in life, doubling their joys and dividing their sorrows. The Procession: The priest then leads the couple (with hands still joined) around the ceremonial table three times on which the Gospel. This joyful walk represents their first steps as a married couple, a lifelong journey led by the Church and centered on Christ. The Blessing: At the conclusion of the procession, the priest blesses the bride and groom and the ceremony is complete. Mnogaya Leta, which wishes Many Years, is sung to the newly married couple.

No Vows: Unlike many Western ceremonies, the couple does not typically exchange spoken vows. Their presence and participation in the sacrament are considered their consent and commitment. Duration: 45 minutes to an hour. Standing: Guests (and the couple) stand for the service. Some benches and chairs available for guests as needed.

We kindly ask that any applause be held until greeting the couple outside the Church after the ceremony.

1. GORKA! As soon as the couple steps outside the Church, and throughout the reception, you will hear "gorka" being called out until the couple kisses. "Gorka" literally means "bitter" in Russian. For the moment to become sweet again, the couple must kiss to alleviate the "bitterness." 2. Bread and Salt - At the beginning of the reception, the parents greet the newlywed couple with bread and salt as a symbol of welcome and hospitality. They wish the couple love, health, prosperity, and a long life together. 3. Charochka - During the reception, the newlywed couple is approached with two shots of vodka on a silver tray. The crowd sings a "charochka" in honor of the couple until they drink to the last drop. The parents of the bride and groom may also be approached with the charochka.

We are registered with: 1. Amazon - Anastasia Welsh & James Carroll 2. Sur La Table - Anastasia & James' Wedding 3. Pottery Barn - Anastasia Welsh 4. Williams Sonoma - Anastasia Welsh ***Kindly note, this website only supports our Amazon and Sur La Table registries. Please see the link to our Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma registries at the bottom of the Wedding Registry tab of this website.

In order to meet guest number restrictions, we are only able to extend our invitation to the children in the wedding party. Enjoy the night off!

Due to venue capacity, we are only able to accommodate those named on the invitation.

Following the wedding reception at the Post, guests are welcome to join in for after party drinks at Mr. Ds Restaurant & Lounge at the Desmond Hotel.