Father Mark was a big part of Sylvia + Joseph’s relationships from the very beginning. They’ve told me that if it wasn’t for him, they might have never met. Therefore it was as important to them to have him be a part of their wedding ceremony as it was for him. He flew back from his trip to Egypt the day of their wedding to make sure he can be a part of it. It turns out he brought back more than his presence. He introduced the vow exchange, a completely new custom to the Coptic Orthodox wedding ceremony, making Sylvia and Joseph the first couple in the United States to exchange their vows in front of their friends and family during their Coptic Orthodox Wedding Ceremony at the St Mary Coptic Orthodox Church in East Brunswick.

The vow exchange was followed by adorning them with princely vestments, the exchange of their rings, anointing them with Holy Oil and the Crowning ceremony. The entire ceremony, made extra special by the vow exchange, is an amazing experience.

They celebrated their marriage shortly thereafter at the Valley Regency, of New Jersey’s Upper Montclair.

To see more of their wedding photos, please click here.

Photography: Charming Images

Dress: Eve of Milady

Makeup: Monica Ann

Ceremony: St Mary Coptic Orthodox Church

Reception: Valley Regency