Culturally this wedding was a little different than most weddings I shoot - because of a somewhat unpredictable nature surrounding the ceremony type I was on call for a couple of hours. I had my gear ready and was dressed to leave for about an hour before I received the text to head to the venue. Luckily I only schedule one wedding per day so this was not at all a problem for me. I also happen to live relatively near to the venue so coming over quickly was also not a problem.
I found the couple in the basement working on finishing touches when I arrived.
Things were still not quite ready to begin so we had some time to touch base about changes in the schedule.
The bride and groom seemed to not know the exact details of the ceremony proceedings so there was an attitude of chaotic excitement in the air. I was told that the groom would be doing some sort of little parade outside so to stick close to him before the ceremony.
We eventually made our way outside where family gathered and waited.
Some impromptu group photos took place.
And then the parade began.
The two men in front were chanting quite loudly and everyone was very joyful.
We made our way to the door on the opposite end of the building where two women held a chain across the doorway and many others lined the entire entrance.
As the groom approached the excitement mounted and the entrance became incredibly congested.
I did my best to capture what was going on but I ended up behind the groom which made it more difficult.
When it was time for him to enter the venue I nearly lost him in the crowd!
But was able to catch up as soon as we were inside.
The ceremony was slated to be long and involve many small activities.
I was excited that I had permission to basically go anywhere I wanted, as near or far to the couple as I liked.
Hands were a prominent feature in this ceremony and they just happen to be a favorite photographic subject of mine.
Nearly the entire length of the ceremony I was surrounded by friends and family members who were also taking photographs to the event.
Over time more and more guests began to arrive and get a seat with a good view of the ceremony.
I'm sure their arms were beginning to ache by this point.
Their wrists were then tied together.
They shared a hard boiled egg and were given these bowls before their family and friends tied additional strings to their wrists as they gave them blessings and wishes for their future.
The line was long and they each had to hold up one hand the entire time. After a while it was evident that it was quite straining to do so!
Eventually the long time of family and friends came to an end and everyone involved in the ceremony placed their hands on the center piece.
It was now time for the bride and groom to give something back to their immediate family.
As soon as the ceremony finished, after handing out gifts to their family members, nearly everyone headed outside for a large group photo.
It was tough to find a large enough shady area but we made the best of the space on the side of the venue. I climbed up onto my step stool and had to hold a tree brand just out of the frame. But we did it. :)
We then spent a few more minutes getting smaller group family shots.
And a few of the couple in their first change of clothes. They would be donning two more outfits throughout the night.
After everyone made it back inside it was time to eat. I quickly enjoyed the delicious buffet and was awaiting the arrival of the bride and groom in their second outfit so we could do more portraits.
After waiting for quite a long time and photographing details within the venue I found the couple still getting ready in the basement.
The day's schedule was a little bit off so they were attempting to get ready and eat their meal at the same time. I was worried they hadn't a chance to eat and was happy to see they had food.. but still felt bad that they weren't eating upstairs.
As they were working on the finals steps of preparation I went upstairs to prepare for their grand entrance as a married couple.
They entered and took their seats where they were photographed by nearly every guest present.
After this they were welcomed to the front of the room along with all of their family, who was named one by one.
After the large group gathering it was time for their first, traditional, dance.
I have to say, this is a wonderful dance to photograph. :)
After the bride and groom finished their family was asked to come dance as well.
The lovely couple and I then popped outside for a couple of formal shots before they went inside to change into their American wedding clothes. I was impressed that we were able to capture such lovely shots in near darkness, the sun had already set by this point.
Their pup had a very very long day.
After a speedy change we set things up for a first look outside. By this time it was obviously completely dark outside.
The cake was prepared for cutting while the family was dancing again.
Their favorite engagement photos were included in all of the center pieces on the tables.
After a long busy day it was finally time to enjoy some cake!
I included this photo to make a bit of a point - it's unfortunate but it happens often that guests obstruct the paid photographer's view, often for their own photographs. I haven't yet had many important moments ruined by this but I know it happens often. This is the worst I have yet experienced - after I snapped this shot which included someone's head, the couple was already done feeding each other cake.
The groom's brother spoke to the crowd.
And champagne was opened for toasts!
The couple then had their first American dance in their wonderful outfits.
And afterwards there were many more speeches and many more toasts.
I left while their guests were enjoying the dance floor and nibbling on delicious cake. Despite the tricky schedule this wedding was lovely and was such a pleasure to photograph.
I will be seeing the bride and groom again soon as we were unable to take portraits outdoors in their American outfits due to the schedule delay. I agreed to leave the wedding an hour early in exchange for a bride and groom session at a later date - I thought the idea sounded wonderful. :)
Congratulations Tracy and Sam!!
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