Reverence and Tradition - Warren and Alisha

(This photograph was both Jason and the Bride's favorite--I think that's a good sign!)

I have been inspired and uplifted in some small way by each and every wedding and each and every couple we have photographed. I simply can't participate in such an important event in people's lives without recognizing the sacred and special moments. But this is one that I will never forget.
Warren and Alisha were married on April 20th, a beautiful sunny day (with scattered showers, of course) here in Seattle, and they followed the Taiwanese wedding traditions that Alisha's family has followed for, I'm sure, centuries. I arrived at their home early that morning, totally unaware of what I was about to photograph, and completely unprepared for the cultral lesson I was about to receive. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I loved seeing the whole process unfold, and I loved watching the joy each particiapant found in it.

Alisha got ready upstairs in her room in her parent's home. Her sister and cousins and aunts and friends were all there, helping her do her make up and get her dress on, like most girls do. But they also helped her put on all the traditional gold jewelry that she needed.

Warren arrived to bring Alisha her dress, along with six gifts for she and her family--another part of the traditions they honored. Then, once she was ready, atop the stairs she and her attendants called down questions to Warren, who waited for his bride at the bottom of the steps and did his best to answer the questions. This was explained to me briefly, and my understanding was that it is kind of like the final test to be sure the groom is qualified to marry his bride. It was fun to be a the bottom of the stairs to see Warren's delight and struggle, as well as the amusement of all the family and friends gathered to witness the whole scene--especially when he had to sing a song, changing all the words to "I love you."

This next picture is some of the aunts and other women waiting in the kitchen and peering down the hall to hear the interactions in the hallway. I wish it was a better indication of how many people were really in there--this was truly a whole family affair!

After Warren answered all the questions to the bride's family's satisfaction, Alisha's father walked her down the stairs to present he to her groom. Warren then gave Alisha her bouquet, and they entered into another room where they bowed to their ancestors, grandparents, and parents.

This was very cool to watch. It was reverent and respectful. There was a moment of tears and emotion as the bride knelt and then stood before her parents with her future husband at her side. They remained formal and composed, and yet it felt so personal and sincere.



After the bowing, Alisha and Warren prayed in the Holy Room, which upon request we did not photograph--but it was very cool, none the less.
When Warren and Alisha left, he guided her to the car followed by the family members, and Alisha threw a traditional Taiwanese fan out of the window as they traveled to the wedding ceremony. I am sure there are many more traditions, small and less obvious to an onlooker like me, but these are only a few of the ones that I learned about that day.

Here are some of my favorite shots from the rest of the day...

Walking through Pioneer Square after a few photos, the wedding party did their best to stay warm on their way to The Court in the Square--a very fun venue for their wedding!

The ceremony was partially in English, and partially in Chinese. Warren, who doesn't speak Chinese, repeated his vows in Chinese, which made everyone smile, laugh, and also respect him for completing such a task for his bride!
I really love these pictures because of how Jason took them. He was standing behind a long, white veil of fabric that was draped behind the bride and groom during the ceremony. It adds a very different feel to the photographs, and such an element of photojournalism. That is one thing I think we are getting better at as photographers--using our surroundings to help tell the story.

And finally, we wanted to do something cool with the reflection pool there, as well as a creative ring shot--so this is what we came up with.