Friday, January 20, 2017

The most beautiful, colorful wedding I've ever photographed (traditional Nepali)

When I photograph weddings, I usually have a really good idea of what's going on and what will happen next. (I'd better - that's the job, right?) This wedding was full of surprises for me, and so absolutely beautiful and different and interesting that I have a million pictures to post.

Nepali weddings take place on auspicious days and time. This ceremony, at the bride's parents' home, started bright and early - in fact when I got there the monk had already been chanting for some time.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

While the bride got ready,
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

The groom was seated downstairs.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

The bride's entrance - beautiful.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Everything about the ceremony was really interesting to me, but since it wasn't in English, I didn't understand a great deal of it. One thing that was different is that the guests weren't necessarily watching the whole time, and it is a lengthy ceremony. People moved around and came and went while the monk chanted.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

From the research I've done, there are lots of different traditions for Nepalese weddings, and which you choose to incorporate just depends on your background and beliefs.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

The rings were blessed and exchanged.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Exchanging flower garlands is an important part of the ceremony.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

They are officially married, and they change seats and get settled.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

I think this is my favorite picture from the whole weekend.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Next, their family and friends gave them blessings and gifts.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Then we all went outside and took a million different combinations of portraits of family and friends. I won't post too many of them, but they are so bright and colorful!
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

I loved the flags on the balcony.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

After this it was time for lunch. The bride's parents own the Namaste restaurants in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, and the food was amazing!
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

The reception was the next evening, and it was another amazing event for me! I have just one or two pictures to share. (Ha.) The bride had yet another gorgeous gown.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

They started off with delicious appetizers.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

The beautiful colors and enthusiasm of the guests were so striking!
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Dinner was both beautiful and delicious.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Again, if this looks good to you like it does to me, check out the Namaste restaurants!
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

The next treat was a dance performance by several guests. I was texting my husband between pictures about how cool these were!
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Then cutting the cake. I have completely fallen in love with red as a wedding color!
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

And the evening finished up with a great mix of dancing.
Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

Professional wedding portrait Albuquerque

I think this might be my longest blog post ever. The whole experience was so unusual and wonderful for me that I guess I wanted to share as much of the story as I could.

I only photograph a few weddings each year. I know there is more than one of schools of thought when it comes to hiring a wedding photographer - some people prefer to hire someone that does this every weekend, and I totally get that. However, I can tell you that that wouldn't work for me - by limiting the number of weddings I do, it stays fresh and fun for me, and I'm able to give you the best possible photography and customer service.

If you're interested in talking to me about your wedding photography, give me a call and we can talk about your date and what your photography needs and wishes are. I prefer to meet with my wedding clients in person before we sign a contract, to make sure that I'll be a good fit for your needs. You can see my prices and more information about my wedding packages here, or give me a call and I'd love to answer any questions that you might have.