Ukranian Wedding Need help
 

has anyone done a ukranina wedding before? How does it differ from North American Catholic or traditional weddings? How long is the ceremony?

Im doing one this summer but not sure how it goes?

I have done several Romanian weddings, and if the Europeans are all the same, then they are usually long weddings. It depends upon the denomination, too. Rarely are they short like American weddings. They like to have at least two pastors or more speak, and then there are "performances" (songs, poems, musicians - pianist solo, etc.) It all really depends upon the couple, really. Many of the "Americanized" couples are trying to get away from that long ceremony tradition and adopt the shorter ceremonies. Have you discussed this with the couple???

Ukranian Wedding
 

As far as they told me it is an hour long. I am not sure though of what are the parts that are essential to capture. (vows, exchange of rings, readings, kiss, or signing of registry)

I am not familiar with their traditions

Again, it depends upon what you discussed. They probably expect the long format, unless you showed them a demo of a short format and told them that is exactly what they will get in the end.

Just make sure to attend the rehearsal. Don't leave until you've got it down.

ask them if they are eastern orthodox or catholic? some orthodox churches are little dark and you may want to check that in advance. the rest will be pretty much the same-church, drinking, dances...

One of the most dramatic differences is the alter decorations.
Most (not all) Ukrainian churchs have a large, gold wall of "icons" spanning the alter. These are often very ellaborate, intricately detailed and have lots of glitter.

They can make for some amazing imagery ... and/or bring havoc for your exposure settings.

I'd recommend visiting the church before the rehearsal day just to see what's there and get a little bit of a jump start on your placement planning.

Good luck!