GABI & MIKE

If you have never been to a Polish wedding before, the next time you get a save-the-date for one I urge you to block out that weekend on the calendar and reschedule anything you may have already had going on. If you don’t plan on going to one any time soon, I urge you to make lots more Polish friends. Some of my best wedding memories have been at traditional Polish weddings and Gabi and Mike’s did not disappoint. Actually, it could very well be the most energetic, tradition-rich and funniest wedding I’ve ever been to!!

Gabi and Mike went back and forth on the idea of hosting their wedding in New Jersey or Poland. Gabi was keen on the idea of a celebration at the site of their roots, but Mike was convinced that a wedding in America was the way to go. With a few compromises on both side, as any successful relationship requires, the wedding was set for the most magical Saturday in 2018 … 8-18-18. (Not to mention that it didn’t rain, which was actually an incredible feat for this year).

Journeying was the inspiration for Gabi’s wedding theme. This thread wove through the traditions enacted throughout the day, the adventures she and Mike had taken to other cities around the world, the close bonds they have forged with friends and family and, most importantly, celebrating the deep roots they have created together through the ups and downs of an almost decade long relationship. The wedding day began like any other – details, prep, portraits. There was a traditional Polish band playing tunes in the background at Mike’s house, setting the scene for the morning, full of joy and spontaneous dancing. Before the first look there is a tradition called the Brama, meaning The Gate. Friends and family gathered to play card games and drink outside of Gabi’s house and Mike had to convince them with bribes (mainly of vodka and flowers) to let him pass, so he could get to Gabi. Once he passed this test, he was met by Gabi’s mother who played tricks on him claiming that Gabi wasn’t there and he should choose another bride. He was undeterred. Then came a rare quiet moment, alone, where Gabi and Mike had their first look. Mike’s sequence of emotions is priceless; you just have to see the pictures for the full effect.

The first look was followed by the Blogoslawienstwo, or The Blessing, where Gabi and Mike’s parents each prayed over them and their marriage. The emotion throughout the day was so apparent and so incredibly beautiful. It’s so important to me to get to know my couple’s along their planning journey and as I do I am able to see and understand so many more things that happen and the meaning that each of those moments hold. Like a glance from Gabi’s mom across the room as she holds back tears watching her baby take on the world with a man that is going to support her through the good and the hard times; or the hug between Gabi and her brother that says, “our hard work and perseverance has paid off, we can rest and take comfort in love now;” or the way Gabi and Mike look at each other, the miles of a long journey already travelled together that has given them adventure, joy, triumph, grief, heartache, humility and now a complete gift of themselves to the other.

The vows they offered to one another were weighted with courage, trust, hope and faithfulness. There is truly nothing more beautiful than that. They celebrated this commitment to each other in the most Polish-American way possible, blending rituals from every corner of their lives. Beginning with the Przywitane where Gabi unexpectedly threw back the vodka shot (Mike got the water), which means the matriarch rules, followed by speeches, a prayer and a six course dinner!! I would have to say, however, the games and dancing towards midnight were outrageously funny and you really just had to be there! I’ve included a lot more reception photos than usual because it was such a significant (8 HOURS) part of the day! So make sure you scroll to the bottom for those pictures and try to think of the last wedding you were at that looks like that much fun. Enjoy!