Alaina and Mitch’s wedding was like none I had ever been to before. The Serbian traditions were a huge part of their day and I was very unfamiliar with many of the festivities. It was quite the cultural experience for me, but for the guests, it was a day-long celebration.

The wedding day included the Serbian “scoop”, an hour-long traditional Serbian-Orthodox marriage ceremony, a cocktail hour at The Vintage Room and a reception at Bent Willey’s in downtown Morgantown. It was a miserably hot day, but Alaina and Mitch’s family and friends didn’t let that stop them from having a good time and celebrating their marriage to the fullest!

I’ve never seen anyone wear a halter bridal gown like the one Alaina wore. I actually tried on a similar dress when I got married, but was afraid it was too fashion-forward for my event. Alaina pulled this style off wonderfully!

Alaina was a ball of energy the whole day!

And boy did she know how to work the camera!

It was finally time for the “scoop”! I had heard a few things about it, but was really unsure of what to expect. The “scoop” is a Serbian marriage tradition in which the groom must literally buy his bride’s hand in marriage and get approval from her mother. It was quite the production that included a limo, party bus, a Rolls Royce, flags, bottles of liquor, cold hard cash and a group of rambunctious guys…

The ring bearer led the group…

Approaching the doorway ready to buy his bride…

And the negotiations begin…

Liquor was offered as payment for the bride…

And after a few rounds of negotiating, the bride finally agreed and greeted her groom!

During the “scoop”, people walked around with bottles of liquor and just drank! Even the Crown Royal was passed around and finished throughout the festivities. One guy insisted that he take a picture of my holding one of the liquor bottles…

We took some time to take some fun and formal pictures during the scoop…

And the party continued! Singing, dancing and drinking!

The day turned a more serious leaf when it was time for the Serbian-Orthodox ceremony…

The priests allowed me to come up front for pictures of the important moments! What a nice surprise.

Alaina and Mitch’s one request was that we take some pictures in the middle of High Street in downtown Morgantown. Their driver stopped traffic for about 10 seconds and snapped this…

Then we played it safe and captured some pictures out of the line of traffic…

I had always heard about the famous Bent Willey’s, but never visited. From what I understand, this place is normally filled with youngsters breakin’ it down on the dance floor into the wee hours of the evening. I’m assuming it looks much different than it did for Alaina and Mitch’s wedding…

I love this first dance picture!

Whew! What a day! It was quite the adventure for me, but totally unique and a lot of fun. Alaina and Mitch, thanks for inviting me to be a part of such a special day and for being patient with me as I learned the many Serbian traditions. You guys certainly know how to put on a party!