Every wedding and video shoot has its own unique challenges and forces us to learn and re-adapt. Today’s post and lesson, CHANGE IS THE SPICE OF LIFE!
Shooting weddings of different traditions and cultures is always fun. Something it's challenging to find inspiration with shooting the same types of ceremonies weekend after weekend. This week I have been blessed so far to have 2 entirely unique events to cover (Thurs/Friday) and and looking forward to even more excitement tomorrow and Sunday.
Thursday evening we attending a Sagai, at a couple's residence in Sammamish. It was my understanding that this is part of the "engagement processing" in the wedding tradition of Indian couples. It was difficult to cover not knowing exactly all the intricacies involved in the symbols and blessings used, but it was a very eye-opening experience regardless. Being allowed into the couple's home, in their backyard surrounded by family and friends as they went through the ceremony was a very meaningful experience for both Dorothy and myself.
Today I was honored enough to attend and cover a wedding of 2 native Kenyans and got to experience all that their culture has to offer. Whether it was the elder women of the family escorting the bride from her residence to the church and finally the reception with songs and cheers (something I know will really "pop" on the final video) or the extended portion where the mother/father of the bride/groom addressed all the wedding guests and gave stories of the importance of marriage and more importantly faith, it was certainly a first for me and something that I will feel better prepared if I ever encounter another similar ceremony in the future.
Tomorrow is a Cambodian family (from what I understand) with a Khmer ceremony taking place at the family's home. The funny thing about this is that the bride although part of that culture/family isn't entirely sure all that goes along with such a tradition (mostly going off on instructions from her father and other elders) so I'm sure all the events of tomorrow will be a great surprise to both of us! All I know is that she has penciled in at least 3 outfit changes tomorrow (traditional, western, and cosplay!) so I have to imagine it's going to be a one-of-a-kind celebration.
To round out the weekend Sunday finishes up the Indian couple from Thursday evening with a early morning Indian ceremony with family and friends in Kirkland. That leaves enough time in the afternoon/evening to book a more traditional wedding at a winery in Woodinville so I think it's fair to say this weekend will check all sorts of boxes in making me a more well-rounded and worldly wedding videographer.