While exploring Echmiadzin, Ross and I stumbled across a wedding ceremony that was taking place in an ancient Armenian Church called the Church of St. Kayane. Typically this church is open for tourists but today somebody didn't put up a sign (in english) saying it was closed for a marriage ceremony. I was a little uneasy about it but Ross wanted to see more. I protested, but he convinced me to join him since I was curious myself. However, it was a little wrong to do it, especially since it was a little hypocritical for both of us to enter the church. Either way, we got to see part of an interesting Wedding service where, under the cross an extremely young couple (no older then 18) got married. It was a beautiful service, and the church with all of its history and natural beauty made it a perfect place to have a wedding. However it is interesting to note that Armenian weddings go through similar traditions not only with other Christian sects but also Islam. It makes me wonder who was influencing whom. The beauty here was in details of the church and also the artwork. Professor Robert Langdon would be in heaven here perhaps since there is so much symbolism in the paintings. I am curious though how much of this tradition has changed over the years, because this service was heavy on tradition where as many American weddings aren't so much anymore. That might be attributed to our diversity and lack of historical culture as compared to Armenia, yet it still interests and puzzles me.
Either way, Ross and I started to then debate over the bridal party. I wanted the tall, dark and pretty one, he wanted the one with blonde highlights...
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