In Cuban culture, the white lily is associated with the Virgin Mary, embodying the ideals of divine blessing. By incorporating the white lily into their wedding, couples often honor these values, seeking spiritual and cultural harmony as they embark on their married life.

The bride's bouquet often includes white lilies as a focal point. This tradition underscores the lily's association with new beginnings, aligning with the bride's symbolic transition into married life.

The groom typically wears a single white lily in his lapel as a boutonniere. This reflects his connection to the bride, symbolizing unity and shared commitment. The lily serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder of the bond they are about to formalize, as well as the ideals of devotion and fidelity in their marriage.

The tradition of "stealing the bride" (known as "кражба на булката" or "kradzhba na bulkata) is a playful and lighthearted custom in Bulgarian weddings, typically occurring just before the ceremony. The bride is "stolen" by a group of friends or family members, The groom must find her and then "negotiate" or "buy back" his bride by offering small gifts or paying a ransom, which is usually in the form of drinks, money, or favors to those who have taken her. This playful exchange is meant to show that the groom is willing to make an effort and do whatever it takes to win her over. It can also be seen as a fun way of testing the groom’s commitment and willingness to fight for his bride.

The tradition is often accompanied by jokes, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie among the wedding party. It highlights the joy and celebration surrounding the wedding, and the "stealing" is always done in good spirits. The bride is typically returned safely to the groom, and the ceremony proceeds as planned.

Due to space limitations, this will be a more intimate event primarily attended by family. We wish we could include everyone, but we appreciate your understanding!

The church ceremony is a profound and symbolic ritual steeped in tradition. Here’s what you can expect:

The Setting:

The ceremony takes place in a Bulgarian Orthodox church, surrounded by ornate frescoes, icons of saints, and flickering candles. These elements symbolize the divine presence and the sanctity of marriage.

Standing During the Ceremony:

Unlike many Western traditions where guests are seated, it is common for attendees to stand throughout the Bulgarian religious wedding ceremony. This practice emphasizes the reverence and solemnity of the occasion.

Language:

The service is conducted entirely in Bulgarian and follows ancient liturgical rites.

Crowning Ceremony (Venchanie):

The bride and groom wear crowns or wreaths (symbolizing their union as king and queen of their new family). The priest blesses and exchanges the crowns three times, reflecting the Holy Trinity and the sacred bond of marriage.

The crowns are then placed on the couple’s heads, signifying their shared responsibility and divine blessing.

Exchange of Rings:

The priest exchanges the wedding rings three times before placing them on the couple’s right hands, symbolizing the strength and authority of their union.

The threefold exchange also represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, a recurring theme in Orthodox rituals.

The Dance of Isaiah:

The priest leads the bride and groom in a ceremonial procession around the altar three times, representing the couple's first steps together in faith and unity.

This walk, accompanied by hymns, is a joyful and sacred moment, symbolizing their eternal journey together.

Role of the Witnesses (Kum and Kuma):

A central element of Bulgarian weddings is the selection of witnesses, often referred to as the kum (male witness) and kuma (female witness). Traditionally, they are a married couple, close friends, or family members who the bride and groom respect.

The kum and kuma stand beside the couple during the ceremony, assist with the exchange of crowns and rings, and hold lit candles, symbolizing the light of faith and hope for the couple’s new life together.

They also act as mentors, offering guidance and blessings throughout the marriage.

The Common Cup:

The couple shares a sip of wine from a single cup, representing their shared joys and sorrows in the journey of life.

Kicking the Water Pitcher:

At Bulgarian wedding receptions, the bride and groom often kick a water pitcher. This act symbolizes the couple leaving behind their single lives and embracing their new life together, moving forward with determination and love. It’s a playful gesture that represents the start of their shared journey in marriage.

Breaking the Glass:

At some point during Bulgarian weddings, a glass or ceramic object is broken, often by the couple or a guest. This symbolizes the fragility of life and marriage, emphasizing that relationships must be handled with care. The louder the glass breaks, the more auspicious it is believed to be, signaling a future of happiness and longevity for the couple.

The Bread-Breaking Tradition:

A special bread called pogacha is baked and decorated for the couple.

The bride and groom hold opposite ends of the bread and pull it apart. Whoever ends up with the larger piece is said to wear the pants in the marriage, symbolizing who will be the decision-maker in their household.

This playful tradition brings laughter and sets the tone for the evening’s festivities.

The Honey and Salt Ritual:

The bride’s mother and the groom’s mother break off pieces of bread, dip them in honey and salt, and serve them to the bride and groom.

The honey symbolizes sweetness and prosperity, while the salt reminds everyone of life’s occasional hardships, ensuring a balance of experiences in the couple’s journey.

Shouting “Gorchivo!”

Throughout the reception, you may hear shouts of “gorchivo,” which prompt a kiss from the bride and groom. The tradition of saying gorchivo at Bulgarian weddings is a symbolic acknowledgment of life's dual nature. The word gorchivo translates to bitter, and it is said by guests during the reception, often after breaking the wedding bread (pogacha).

This acknowledges the challenges and hardships that come with marriage while celebrating the sweetness of love. By saying gorchivo, guests prepare the couple for the ups and downs ahead and remind them that they will face both joy and difficulty together. The couple often kisses after someone says “gorchivo,” to “make it sweet” again.

The Horo Dance:

The horo is a traditional Bulgarian circle dance, performed to lively folk music. Guests hold hands and move in a synchronized rhythm, symbolizing unity and the joining of families. The horo dance has been a part of Bulgarian celebrations for over 1,000 years, and its circular movement is believed to ward off bad energy and bring blessings to the couple.

The bride and groom lead the dance, often joined by close family members. This is one of the most spirited parts of the celebration!

Here is a video of step-by-step instructions for the basic horo step that is most commonly danced at weddings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-w64qy76Cg

This tutorial is in bulgarian but may be easier for visual learners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdPiEkmSuF8&list=PLrQrIw4Zzd1KKo2ctbtBK-rAx-4f2ITgG