Cambodian cultural wedding ceremony
One of the best part of my jobs is having the opportunity to photograph events I would not normally be a part of. Whether its a sorority rush, a sunrise bike race, or a cultural ceremony, my camera is my backstage pass to a world of celebrations and events.
On Saturday I was able to document a Cambodian wedding, which was truly unlike any other wedding I have ever been a part of. I have photographed Indian, Chinese, Jewish, and a lot of very interesting wedding ceremonies, but this one was truly unique. Monica & her bridesmaids started preparing for the wedding day with hair and makeup starting at 4am. Then the wedding officially started at 9am with the Groom’s Processional where the groom & all the guest enter the home after a formal greeting at the door. Then a multitude of ceremonies followed including a blessing from the parents, a hair-cutting ceremony, a sword & knot-tying, singing by monks, and other interesting Cambodian celebrations. Also, between every main event Monica changed outfits (and usually the bridesmaids and a couple of times the groom too). The bride’s five (yes, 5!) outfits consisted of elaborate beautiful fabrics, complete with jeweled crowns & lots of gold jewelry.The very next day Monica & Tom held a traditional American ceremony at The Mile High Station (those pictures to follow). Since not everyone could be invited to the smaller Cambodian ceremonies, I put together a slide-show of some of the best pictures to display at the American wedding. Click the link below to see these pictures….many more to follow.