Nine couples got married on the seventh day of the All-Russian Wedding Festival at the RUSSIA EXPO

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The First All-Russian Wedding Festival continues at the RUSSIA EXPO. On May 18, the seventh day of the festival program, nine couples from the North-West Federal District of Russia - from the Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Leningrad, Murmansk, Novgorod and Pskov regions, as well as from the Republics of Komi and Karelia and the city of St. Petersburg - got married on the Main Street Stage of the RUSSIA EXPO.

The traditional procession within the Festival started from the Main Arch of the VDNH and proceeded to the Main Street Stage of the Exposition accompanied by a Gypsy ensemble, animators and regional creative groups.

The theatrical performance "Wedding Festivities" ended with a solemn marriage registration. In addition, on the Main Stage of the Exposition, the newlyweds were traditionally handed over the symbolic flame of the All-Russian Family Hearth "Heart of RUSSIA EXPO", which was lit at the Exposition on January 23 during the launch ceremony of the Year of the Family with the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Andrei and Sofia from the Novgorod region were happy to take part in the first All-Russian Wedding Festival, and in order to fully represent their small homeland, the newlyweds chose regional folk costumes for the ceremony.

"We were inspired by Russian culture, Russian spirit. In fact, we also considered traditional wedding costumes, but when we saw these, we immediately fell in love and realized that they were the best," Andrei said. "I always support and love such events, it is a unique experience and unforgettable impressions," Sofia added.

Matvey and Natalia, newlyweds from the Arkhangelsk region, also arrived in Moscow in traditional costumes, embodying the beauty of their native region.

"Our outfits were created by Arkhangelsk designer Anna Zlotko. We liked them very much: gorgeous fabric, pleasant colors, beautiful ornament inspired by our Russian North. That's why we came to our wedding in such clothes. And, of course, it was so interesting, exciting, grand and unusual to get married at this Festival. We are very fond of adventures, and this chance we had is just something unreal," Natalia shared her impressions. 

The procession of newlyweds and the marriage ceremony ended with the performance of artists and creative groups of the North-West Federal District. Artists from the Republics of Karelia and Komi, the Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Pskov, Leningrad and Murmansk regions, as well as the Nenets Autonomous Area and St. Petersburg brought a festive mood to the guests and protagonists of the celebration.

The First All-Russian Wedding Festival is held at the RUSSIA EXPO in partnership with the Moscow Government. On May 12, the opening day of the Festival, VDNH hosted the largest simultaneous marriage ceremony with the participation of 151 couples. The festival program will last until May 19. The guests and participants will enjoy thematic days dedicated to the stages and traditions of wedding ceremonies in different regions of Russia.