What do you get when you combine 2 large families with roots from Greece and Macedonia in Australia?
A BIG FAT GREEK MASO AUSSIE WEDDING!
For those who have followed our trip and blog, many of you know that we like to crash weddings, but this time, we were actually invited!!!
My aunt Patsy and Uncle Sam’s daughter, Maria and her husband Nick Zurcas, are hoteliers in Shepparton and visited us in Toronto last year for a conference. We mentioned to them about our trip and luckily we were able to time it right and be in Australia for their daughter Samantha’s wedding!!!
Nothing is better than a family wedding and we had a blast being involved in all the fun!
The partying started a week before hand as Maria and Nick hosted the Kolak (a pre-wedding party at the bride’s house). They had a big white tent covering their backyard which was perfect to host the group of well-wishers.
The fun started with the groom Bobby and his Koumbara (best man) bringing Samantha her wedding shoes. She had to try them on to see if they fit…otherwise she might not make it to the wedding! To make her shoes more comfortable, the Koumbara had to line them with some paper padding ($$$). Samantha of course, had to make sure the padding was colourful and thick enough to make her feet comfortable! Luckily…the shoes were perfect for Samantha to wear and Bobby knew she could walk down the aisle on their wedding day!
The next round of negotiations were for Samantha’s “Glory Boxes”, (which we know as the Hope Chest). Again the Koumbara had to wheel and deal to buy them and it was lots of fun to see him empty his wallet!!
The final tradition was the making of the bread. Nicole and Josh (single female and male), made the bread and a coin was inserted. Whoever found the coin would have great luck and love…and it all starts with receiving some $$ for being the winner! The nice part was the flower girl Isabella won!!!
Finally, Samantha and Bobby’s wedding day arrived and Maria and Nick’s side of the family gathered at their hotel for breakfast and some more traditional events. Samantha look absolutely stunning and the bridesmaid’s all looked spectacular! Of course the grandparents and parents of the bride looked amazing too!!
The wedding was a at a small Macedonian Orthodox Church, (we couldn’t believe that this church was smaller than ours!) It was a lovely ceremony and the happy couple looked fabulous. We are very happy for them and wish them many wonderful years!
Once the church service was over…it was time for the party! The reception was held at the Crown Plaza – an upscale hotel and casino that was just superb!
We had a great time and partied it up with our relatives. We danced, ate, and just enjoyed ourselves immensely! After being 10 months on the road, nothing is better than a family wedding to really have a great time!!
Of course, our group was one of the last to leave…that’s just how we roll:)
Just hoping the next weddings aren’t 15 years from now….hint hint cousins…you know who I’m talking to!
Comments
8 responses to “An Aussie Riddle”
Now THAT was a party!!!! Holy doodle! Were all those ‘traditions’ Greek/ Macedonian or was there some Aussie mixed in?
Everyone looked amazing…. Which brings me to my logistics question: did you guys carry your fancy dress clothes along all these past 10 months( esp Oliver’s suit)? Or did you have them sent to Australia? Just wondering….
Hi Herta,
Good question about the traditions…most of them were the same and we enjoyed them all…we did see some new ideas which were lots of fun and ones we will share with our relatives so we can add to our Canadian weddings!
As for the logistics….Oliver had some suits made while in Thailand, so he carried them in our packs from there. The girls had their dresses made in Hoi An, Viet Nam by some tailors. I had a simple dress that I have carried all year – but it was fine. I usually dress up for weddings in sparkly attire, but this time, it was just easier. After the wedding, we shipped all of the wedding clothes home so it has lightened our load! It was funny though..after not wearing high heels all year, it was difficult to dance in 3 inch heels…I will have to retrain my feet when I return!
Cheers,
Kat:)
Hi Kat,
WOW! I love tradition and all the amazing fun that goes with it! The Bride and Groom look stunning, and Samantha’s dress is so elegant! Everyone looked fantastic! That is certainly a beautiful hall, and I loved the energy of the dancers! Special thanks to Maria and Nick for all their kindness and generosity! Thanks for sharing with the wonderful commentary and the beautiful photos! Love Mom
Hi Mom,
It was a wonderful wedding…simply beautiful! And it was great to spend our time with family!
Cheers,
Kat:)
You can now do a book about wedding from all over the continents 🙂 We miss you lots. You look so fantastic. Lots of hugs.
Hi Iniyal,
I think there will be a book…just not sure what what it will be about…so many different things to write about!
I miss you too – I hope you are keeping well!
Cheers,
Kat:)
Hi, Katina, our congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple. Your detailed description of the festivities and the beautiful photos brought back wonderful memories. You all looked great, and we enjoyed seeing Mikhaila’s and Zoe’s all dressed up (where is the Canada Hoody? 🙂 Great shot of the “Last ones to leave”. Thanks for sharing this special event. Lots of Hugs and Love
Hi Oma,
The Canadian hoodies are still surviving…but we thought we would put them away for the night!
It was a great night…a super way to party with family!
Cheers,
Kat:)