Becoming a Godparent in the Greek Orthodox Church | Christine Constantine Photography

BECOMING A GODPARENT IN THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Becoming a Godparent in the Greek Orthodox Church is both an honour AND a responsibility. The Godparent (or nounos for a godfather, nouná for a godmother) plays a crucial role in the child’s religious life. Firstly the Godparent is responsible for providing the priest with the items he will use during the baptism ceremony. These include the cross, the Christening gown/Christening outfit, the olive oil/soap, baptismal sheet and towel, and the lambada (Christening candle).

Christening Gowns/Outfits

Traditionally white/cream in colour, Christening dresses and outfits are the first outfit the baby will be dressed in following their baptism. There are a variety of shops and retailers that sell such outfits and they often come with the cutest matching shoes!

Christening Candle (Lambada) and Cross

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Check out my guide to London-based Greek Orthodox Christening suppliers for all your Christening needs..

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What happens during the Christening?

The priests generally guide you bu there are various steps to the Christening service. These are:

1. Renouncing Satan and Declaring Faith – The Godparent stands at the entrance of the church with the baby and recites the Creed (Symbol of Faith) on behalf of the child.

2. Anointing with Oil – The Godparent rubs the baby with the scented, blessed olive oil.

3. Holding the Child During Baptism – The priest immerses the child three times in the baptismal font, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.

4. Clothing the Child in White – After the baptism, the Godparent dresses the child in white, symbolizing purity and new life.

5. Receiving Holy Communion – The newly baptized child receives their first Holy Communion, often assisted by the Godparent.

Following all of this the child is passed back to the parents, and traditionally the parents must give thanks and kiss the Godparent’s hand.

Moving forward from the actual baptism, the Godparents are responsible for overseeing the newly baptized child’s spiritual growth and development. This includes making sure he/she attends church, learns about the scripture and Greek Orthodoxy, and participates in sacraments such as Holy Communion on a regular basis.

Lily and Tom's Engagement Party | Botanica Hall | Clapham Junction

The Arding & Hobbs building in Clapham Junction has undergone a significant refurbishment in the last three years, revitalizing its historic architecture while introducing modern amenities. Originally established in 1910 as one of South London's first purpose-built department stores, the building has been transformed into an incredible mixed-use space, combining retail, leisure, and contemporary workspaces. On the ground floor you will find Botanica Hall, which as its name suggests, is decorated with botanical plant-themes, alongside exposed brickwork and general industrial chic touches.

Botanica Hall is also known for its in-house distillery and such makes it the perfect venue for your cocktail party. As a Clapham-based event photographer Lily and Tom approached me to shoot their engagement party and hired The Olive Bar in Botanica Hall, and area that can comfortably house 80 guests and comes with its own bar and bartender.

Lily and Tom’s Engagement Party Photography in Botanica Hall

Botanica Hall also has its own wood-fired pizza oven - which make a great and inexpensive way to feed your guests.

Relaxed Elegance: A Wedding at The Rosendale Pub, Dulwich

The Rosendale is a historic Victorian coaching inn located on Rosendale Road in Dulwich, South London. Now operating as a public house, restaurant and wedding venue, it offers a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. Perfect for those couples looking for a relaxed, yet elegant, wedding. And of course it perfectly complements your wedding photography!

The Rosendale Pub Wedding Photography

Wedding Photography at The Rosendale

The Rosendale offers two stylish private room - The West Room and The East Room (perfect for intimate weddings) along with various outdoor spaces. As a wedding photographer I absolutely love capturing wedding details that complement beautifully The Rosendale pub’s interior architecture.

The West Room

This wedding was shot in The West Room of The Rosendale. Check out this beautiful space. You can even hang a picture of your choosing at the front of the room. This couple opted for their initials, and coloured in the wedding’s main colour palette. The room comfortable seats 100 guests. 150 for a standing only function.

Group Wedding Photography at The Rosendale

So what to do after your wedding at The Rosendale? While your room is changed and dressed for your evening party, guests can mingle and enjoy a drink in one of The Rosendale’s outdoor areas..

The Winter Garden

Transformed for the winter season, the Winter Garden is elegant space. It’s heated and dressed with twinkling white lights, cosy cushions and furry blankets. An ideal spot for you and your guests while your room is being changed into your wedding reception..

Party time at The Rosendale

The Ultimate Venue for Cricket Lovers: Weddings at Lord’s

Choosing Lord's Cricket Ground for your wedding party is THE BEST idea if you or your partner are cricket fans and/or appreciate elegant, historic venues. Here’s why you should consider it..

1. IT’S THE HOME OF CRICKET!

Lord’s is known as the “Home of Cricket” and is one of the most prestigious sports venues in the world. Hosting your wedding here adds elements of grandeur and uniqueness that few other venues can offer.

2. Stunning Event Spaces

Lord’s offers multiple stunning spaces for weddings, including:

• The Long Room – A historic and elegant dining hall. Fronting the Pavilion, the Long Room is a world-famous sight at Lord's, offering uninterrupted views of the hallowed turf.

• The Pavilion – Traditional and sophisticated with a rich history.

• The Thomas Lord Suite – A modern space perfect for a lavish reception.

• The Roof Terrace – Offers panoramic views of the ground, ideal for summer weddings.

3. Exclusive & Private Experience

Since Lord’s is not a conventional wedding venue, it offers exclusivity, ensuring that your wedding STANDS OUT.

4. Amazing Photography Opportunities

The stunning architecture, the legendary cricket pitch, and iconic interiors provide breathtaking backdrops for your wedding photos. Photography by Christine Constantine Photography.

5. Exceptional Catering & Hospitality

Lord’s has a top-tier catering team, offering bespoke menus with fine dining options. Their service is renowned for its quality, ensuring your guests have a delightful experience.

6. Convenient Central London Location

Located in St John’s Wood, Lord’s is easily accessible for guests traveling from both within London and internationally.

 

7. Unique Entertainment Options

You can incorporate cricket-themed elements, such as a friendly match on the pitch, cricket-themed décor, or even guest appearances from cricket legends!

8. Tailored Wedding Packages

The Lord’s events team can create a customized wedding experience, accommodating different cultural traditions and personal preferences.

Final Verdict

If you want a venue that is historic, unique, elegant, and world-renowned, Lord’s Cricket Ground is an excellent choice for your wedding party!

Looking for a photographer for your wedding at Lords?

Brockwell Hall Wedding Photography: Natural, Candid and Elegant

Brockwell Hall, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion established in 1813, is set to reopen in Spring 2025 as a premier wedding and event venue following a significant £7.7 million restoration. This extensive refurbishment, supported by Lambeth Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has restored the hall to its original splendour.

Brockwell Hall actually predates the surrounding park by almost 80 years. It is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate up to 200 guests. Hire starts from £1300. As a local wedding photographer I can’t wait to start shooting weddings here!

Surrounding Brockwell Park..

Plenty of areas surrounding Brockwell Hall for your couples shoot..

CAN’T WAIT TO START SHOOTING HERE!!

If you’re (like me) a HUGE fan of nature in your wedding photography, Brockwell Hall is THE South London venue for you. Imagine the stunning backdrop to your wedding photography whatever the time of year. And it is literally on your doorstep. No jumping in a cab to get to your photoshoot spot, no leaving your guests for over an hour, couples photoshoots can take 10 -30 minutes depending on how many image you’d like. And then just pop back in for your celebrations! Perfect. Can’t wait to start shooting in this historic and elegant venue, with everything you need in one place.

**WATCH THIS SPACE!!**

Aes Ambelis Winery: A Unique Wedding Reception Venue in Cyprus

Shooting wedding receptions in Aes Ambelis winery is a bit of a dream. Having shot a few when I lived in Cyprus it was incredible to return in the Spring of 2024 to shoot Francesca and Nicholas’ wedding party. With sweeping views of the surrounding hills and a vineyard to boot - Aes Ambelis is a popular choice for stylish couples who love a magical outdoor setting coupled with a fantastic selection of wines. An awesome and truly unique venue for your wedding photography.

Aes Ambelis is located approx 28km south of capital Nicosia and rests on the slopes of Kalo Chorio Orinis.

The entrance to Aes Ambelis Winery is lined with Cypress trees and the vineyard so you dont have far to go for your couples shoot. Moments away, closer to the actual winery, there is a large open space that can comfortably seat several hundred guests, plus a stage area for your DJ/live musicians and dancefloor.

Aes Ambelis Wedding Photography

If you’re planning an wedding at this magical venue and would like to know more about me and my photography packages get in touch!