There is something to be said about a classic, traditional wedding korovai. Its beauty lies in its simplicity – it is edited to include only a few highly symbolic elements such as braids, doves and periwinkle. A braid around the korovai symbolizes eternity, everlasting life, heavenly bodies such as the Sun and the Moon, as well as a tight-knit family. Birds are a symbol of happiness and joy, and, in pagan times, were believed to be messengers between humans on earth and gods in the heavens. A pair of doves at the top of the korovai represents the happy couple: a dove chooses its mate and remains faithful to that mate for life. Periwinkle, an evergreen plant, is a symbol of everlasting love.
Every season, I get many requests for simple, traditional korovayi, and I can see the appeal: their pared-down aesthetic meshes nicely with a modern, minimalist taste. At the same time, by virtue of being traditional, a simple korovai satisfies the elusive quest for authenticity that so many couples crave and that no wedding cake can provide.
I will continue to post photos of these simple wedding korovayi to inspire you to include one in your wedding traditions no matter your wedding style or your taste.
Modernyj Korovai 
Good morning! Just wanted to say that I love your Korovais. I too bake Korovai but not as a business. I took over baking Korovai from my mom after she had passed. I am in search of trying a different bread recipe. A friend of mine wants one but very light colored. Do you have one that you can share? Am I possibly doing something wrong? I never baked paskas or Korovai when my mom was alive. I just improvised looking at her so called “recipe” she had written down. Thank you! Hanya Korol
Hello Hanya! Thank you so much for your kind words. I am also not a “business”: I just started making korovayi since my own wedding to keep the tradition alive. It’s more of a hobby than anything else 🙂 and the blog also provides me with an opportunity to practice my photography skills. I have excellent success with Savella Stechishin’s kolach recipe in her Traditional Ukrainian Cookery book. Unfortunately I cannot share the recipe on my blog because it is copyrighted material. You are free to send me a message by filling out the contact form to do discuss further (it goes to my email). Best, Luda
I too am keeping on the tradition as there is nobody in my area making them. Many are for close friends as gifts. I will send you a message through Facebook Messenger. Thank you!!