St. Mary COC, Staten Island | Old Westbury Gardens | Jericho Terrace


Lidia & Bola’s Coptic Orthodox Wedding in NY


Lidia and Bola’s May wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition, elegance, and intentional storytelling—beginning with a Coptic Orthodox ceremony at St. Mary COC in Staten Island, NY, followed by portraits at Old Westbury Gardens, and ending with a vibrant reception at Jericho Terrace in Mineola, NY. With over a decade of experience photographing Coptic Orthodox weddings across New York and New Jersey, we understand the rhythm, symbolism, and lighting challenges that come with these ceremonies. Churches like St. Mary are rich in atmosphere but often feature soft, low lighting, making it essential to anticipate moments and capture them with precision—without disrupting the sanctity of the ceremony. The ceremony itself was filled with meaning, from sacred rituals to quiet, emotional exchanges that define Orthodox weddings. Our approach remained candid and documentary-focused, allowing each moment to unfold naturally while ensuring every key tradition was preserved with clarity and intention. Following the ceremony, we transitioned to Old Westbury Gardens in Long Island, where the setting provided a perfect contrast—open space, natural light, and a refined backdrop for editorial portraits. Lidia and Bola moved effortlessly through the space, allowing us to create clean, timeless images that complemented the richness of the earlier ceremony. The day concluded at Jericho Terrace, where the energy shifted into a lively and elegant reception. From grand entrances to a packed dance floor, the celebration reflected both culture and connection, bringing together family and friends in a meaningful way. Weddings like this highlight the importance of experience—especially when navigating Coptic Orthodox traditions and complex lighting environments. It’s not just about capturing images, but about understanding the flow of the day and preserving it with intention.

If you’re planning a Coptic Orthodox wedding in New York or New Jersey and are looking for a wedding photographer experienced in Orthodox ceremonies, we’d love to connect and hear more about your celebration.