Greek culture is a celebration of the beauty of life. Just one look at the Greek Islands and it’s no wonder Greeks have so much OPA! From the sparkle of the sea to the brilliance of the bougainvillea, to the sheer decadence of the cuisine; it seems that everything in Greek culture is teeming with beauty and joy. This celebration of life is perhaps most apparent therefore in special events like weddings. For a Greek couple "the wedding ceremony itself remains pristinely Greek Orthodox, unchanged for centuries. It incorporates human joy with the joy of heaven when two people are united in holy matrimony." And as author Marilyn Rouvelas describes in her book A Guide to Greek Traditions and Customs In America, the wedding crowns or Stefana are the focal point of the ceremony. The two crowns, connected by a ribbon are worn by both the Bride and Groom during the ceremony, exchanged by the Koumbaros three times atop their heads while a prayer is said for god's blessing, solidifying the union with joy from the heavens.
Whether you are Greek or not incorporating a piece of this gratitude for beauty and life into your nuptials is sure to make your wedding sparkle and shine like no other, almost as much as Maria-Tina’s jewelry. And luckily for you we've got a lot of that too. Maria-Tina has been outfitting Orthodox and non-traditional bridal parties for years with jewelry, rings, and traditional Greek Stefana or wedding crowns for the bride and groom. With two styles to choose from and endless opportunities to collaborate with Maria-Tina on custom pieces there’s no reason your wedding shouldn't be fantastic. Check out Maria-Tina’s latest Stefana below and visit our website for Maria-Tina’s Wedding Collection.
Greek Orthodox Wedding “Stefana” Crowns
- "Grapevine" design featured
- Hand hammered and shaped
- Includes custom handmade storage pouch
- Can be ordered in sterling silver, 24k gold vermeil, solid gold - price upon request if not listed
- Request custom designs with gems, pearls to match your wedding dress - price upon request
- Available in Brass, 24 karat gold-dipped brass, and Sterling Silver.
- ***Each piece is hand made by Maria-Tina please allow time for creation
Brass $350, 24 karat gold-dipped brass $700 , Sterling Silver $895
Copper Leaf Stefana
- wedding crown or wreath
- Copper
- Hand hammered and sculpted
- Rich red garnet stones
- also available in sterling, vermeil, and gold upon request
- ***Each piece is hand made by Maria-Tina please allow time for creation
Preview of our Wedding Collection
OPA!
By Carolyn Neer
Executive Assistant Maria-Tina Minoan Jewelry