It was the 23d of August, 2019, when I made a trip, at the beautiful Karpathos island. Not my first time there, and surely not my last I hope.
Had to shoot for a wedding at the 24th.. It seems time has stopped somehow on the island, on an era, somewhere in the past.
There, the music of Lira and Tsampouna accompanies the sounds of wind and sea, along with the traditional mantinades of its inhabitants.
Our couple, Nikos & Stella, both originated from Karpathos island but living in Athens, had a wish, to get married to the place where their ancestors walked. It’s the place where they met and fell in love instantly.
The village of Lefkos is where the Groom will prepare himself for the church, and a small festivity, in a traditional manner, will take place, few hours before he departs to the church.
The local musicians have arrived, and prepare themselves for the occasion.
Colorful flags, heritage of the family, part of an old tradition, decorate the exterior, to let the villagers know that there is joy in the house, and traditional dishes and sweets are being prepared for the guests.
The groom is dressed by his parents and family. Emotions start to draw on their faces.. It’s their oldest son…
The feast has already started, and everyone is heading to the table.
Old tunes accompany each guest’s verse, wish to the family. Other verses bring to the table happy moments, other memorize the ones who are not among the guests. Tears are welcome on the Karpathian table, no matter if they are of joy or sorrow. Emotions are mixed…
Like an ancient ritual, each verse rotates with another, the guests along with the family of the groom and the groom prepare themselves to head to the church. Some are firing with guns, just to announce the harmonious event across the island. And the music never stops..
The Groom is ready as well for his new life…
In the bride’s house, at Pigadia, the head town of Karpathos island, things could not be different.
Another feast with music, drinks and food is being held there as well. Everyone is overwhelmed by emotions of joy. The day permits it after all. The remembrance of those who are not present manifests itself through the Mantinades. It’s the tradition…
Heading to the east of the island, at the beautiful settlement of Mertonas, and its homonym church, Panagia Mertonitissa, we face a stunning view.
Surrounded by stiff high cliffs and pine trees, facing the blue of the Karpathian sea, someone would say, it is a proper place for such a ceremony.
Accompanied by the sounds of the lyra and Tsampouna, the Groom waits for the Bride.
Music announces her arrival as well, and when the two bands meet, they exchange mantinades to each other.
Both, parents and the couple are full of emotions, as they exchange wishes. The couple, full of joy, starts to walk towards the temple, as the music reaches to its peak. Then the ceremony begins.
Moving to the beautiful village of Aperi, capital of the island in the past , for the reception to take place, at the yard of the head church of the village.
Traditional dances and music mix with modern ones at the end, since the couple is young after all.
A side note, is that tourists stood by, as they were passing, just to have a look, and at the end they joined the party. It was a joyful night for everyone, who celebrated the union of the couple.
Lastly, the next day.
We all head to the traditional village of Olymbos, or Elymbos as the locals use to call it, at the north part of the island, for a photo session with the newly wed couple. The village is facing the west, and we all know it’s going to be a great time while shooting. The sunset from the village is a must see…
Make sure to check the couple’s wedding album, as well. Tell me what you think.
I dedicate this work to my beloved cousins, Stella and Nikos, and wish them a long life of happiness and prosperity. Stella, I wish our fathers are watching together from above while smiling…