The wedding is a sacred union between a man and a woman who commit themselves to love one another until they are living no longer. Traditions from the Soviet Union have carried into the time of “free” Russia in the mandatory civil service at a government wedding house called, “Zax.” There is no message/sermon, just well wishes of love and happiness and commitment. This is the only service that a Russian couple needs to have, but Christians will also be married in a Church as a witness to all friends, family and other guests. Plus they will not kiss until this church ceremony, with a pastor, has been performed. When my sister-in-law, Katya married Oleg this summer, this was my first experience at a Zax and so I thought I would show some pictures of it.
