Janet Butler
If there’s every any doubt that love and joy are universal languages, it can be put to rest with one look at these festive and fun images from a Moscow wedding, by the Italian firm Ostinelli Cristiano Photographers. The old song may say “Happy the bride the sun shines on,” but this party’s going full tilt on a day that’s anything but sunny; photographed by night against the lights of the city, the bride is shrouded in a lovely romantic mist. That mist becomes rain on a gray wedding day, but it doesn’t dampen the couple’s spirits for this outdoor ceremony. With umbrellas aloft, the maids are still resplendent in Grecian-style gowns, and the bride is bewitching in white lace. The groom gets in the spirit of things in black tie, even as his jacket gets its share of raindrops.
Pastel pink, lavender, mauve, and purple are the colors of the day; maids’ bouquets are blush pink roses, eucalyptus, and beautiful, showy peonies, and garlands grace an arbor where the couple say their vows. Guests sit cheerfully under umbrellas to cheer them on; then the party adjourns to a courtyard where, fortunately, there’s a spacious canopy to cover the proceedings. Dining amid flower-bedecked tables, the guests enjoy mugging for the camera while toasting the happy pair, while the parents and older relatives impart sentimental wishes. Everyone loves a tastes from the ornate tower-shaped wedding cake, and dancing is a treat for all ages. And, as the day winds down, chances are no one cares about a little rain; they’re enjoying the bride and groom who brought their own sunshine!
