Summer 2023 has been quite an eventful season for me, and I’ve been off the radar for a bit, but it’s all for a good reason! I’ve had some amazing things happening, and I can’t wait to share a glimpse of my summer adventures with you.

In August, our family celebrated a beautiful union in Charlevoix, Michigan – the wedding of my niece, Lea, and her new husband, John. The wedding was a blend of cultures, with a picturesque church ceremony in Traverse City. It was a heartwarming event that brought both families together to celebrate the blessing of marriage and the unity of our families.

As a family with Greek heritage, we hold dear our customs and traditions, striving to preserve and pass them down through generations. To add a unique twist, Lea also has Persian roots, so we decided to incorporate some of their beautiful traditions into the mix. I must admit that John’s family might have been a bit apprehensive at first, but by the end of the weekend, we all felt a little Greek-Persian, LOL!

One of our cherished Greek traditions is the Kouloura, a delightful custom that we continue to uphold. This tradition typically takes place the week of the wedding and involves both sides of the family. We gather to watch the creation of a beautiful bread called Kouloura, which is decorated by young, unmarried women. It’s a heartwarming sight as the couple watches and the women sing songs, throwing a little flour on them to symbolize growing old together. Once the bread is ready, the celebration continues. Watch the video here: https://fb.watch/nPWjSmsTet/?mibextid=j8LeHn

The Kouloura bread, once prepared, is saved and brought to the wedding to share with everyone. It’s a symbolic gift to the groom’s family, signifying the unity of our two families. While I’m sure this tradition has evolved over time, this is how it was passed down to us, and it’s a tradition we treasure.

Here, you can find pictures from our time at the Kouloura ceremony and the wedding. And if you’re interested in starting this tradition in your family, we’ve even included the recipe below.

Keep an eye out for next year because my son and future daughter-in-law will be hosting their own “big fat Kouloura party.” I can’t wait to share that with you all.

Lastly, a heartfelt congratulations to Lea and John Brady! May God bless you both with a long and happy life together.

Recipe: Kouloura

• 7 pounds of Five Roses flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 packages of yeast
• 1/2 cup of sugar

Instructions:

1. Sift the flour into a bowl.
2. Dissolve yeast with warm water and a bit of sugar.
3. Once the yeast starts to rise, add it to the flour and add some warm water to begin kneading the bread. You may need to add more water to achieve a firm yet soft dough. Reserve some dough for decorating the top of the bread.
4. Grease a round stainless steel pan and place the dough in it. Begin decorating.

With this recipe and a dash of tradition, you can bring a taste of Greek heritage to your own family gatherings. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate love, unity, and the richness of cultures. 🇬🇷🇮🇷💕