Helen + Samuel

Her Big Day Team
Aug 5, 2015
3 min read

Title: Traditional Eritrean-Orthodox Wedding

Location: Seattle, WA.

Wedding Date: June 1 & 2, 2013

Venue: Seattle Police Athletic Association Pavilion

Number of Guests: 750

Culture Represented: Eritrea

Description: I tried to go for a classy elegant look. I used white fresh flowers as the centerpieces and and chandelier like candleholders. Colors used for the wedding were Pantone Turquoise, Silver and white. Tell us about your traditional Eritrean-Orthodox wedding. What makes it different from other Eritrean weddings: I absolutely loved having an Traditional Eritrean Orthodox wedding. There are some differences between Eritrean -Orthodox weddings and Eritrean weddings.Before the bride and groom enter the Church, two deacons enter holding Kerni Haresh (horns). The horns signify that the bride has stayed pure and the horns are there to protect her. It is only used for a deacon's wedding. It is required that both wear all white for the wedding day. During the ceremony, the bride walks down the isle with her husband while holding Large crosses that are usually used by priests and deacons during Holy Liturgy. Two of the Holy Sacraments must be done- The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and the Sacrament of the Holy Communion. After the ceremony the bride and groom are not allowed to stay after and greet their guest, but instead must rest and eat before the reception.

For the reception, most deacons do not have guayla (dancing/party), but for our family and guests' purposes we decided to have a reception with half gauyla and the other half Mezmur (spiritual music).

We entered the hall with priests and deacons singing wedding related mezmur, which was very unique and different from your ordinary wedding. The Bride and Groom are not allowed to dance on Saturday because they have taken Holy Communion. They are allowed to sit down and enjoy the guyla.

The most memorable part of your wedding: I would have to say the most memorable part of the wedding was our grand entrance. Family and Friends enter first with the traditional Eritrean chants, holding swords, shields, and palms. The then bridal party, Church choir, deacons, and priests enter with a mezmur dedicated to the bride and groom. Family and friends awaited for us to enter in a soul- train like format with palms and sparklers.

What makes your wedding unique: The most unique part of the wedding was blending our Eritrean tradition with the Eritrean Orthodox (Tewhado) culture. I love our Eritrean Culture because it is so rich and colorful but when you praise God at the same time, the feeling is truly heavenly.

What was the most difficult part about planning your wedding: Clothing for the wedding party, and family members was very difficult. My Bridesmaids dress took a while to choose a dress that looked good on all of them. After several BM meetings we found a classy and modest dress. For the Mother’s/Sister’s/Aunt’s Zurias we ordered from Ethiopia. Long Story short, Everything we ordered came out to be totally off expect for the Sunday dress for the mothers. Even though the came out wrong everyone looked stunning!!

What was the easiest part about planning your wedding: The easiest part of planning the wedding was choosing the venues for the Ceremony, Reception and park.