The bride dressed in her grandfather’s house—a home he built after returning from the Second World War. Decades later, its rooms filled again with family, anticipation and the beautiful commotion of somebody preparing to begin a life of her own.

Then came the stolisma.

Family gathered around the bride with music, blessings and tradition. It was intimate, emotional and utterly alive—one of the most extraordinary wedding rituals I have ever had the privilege of witnessing.