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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Speaking at the Upstate Photo School

Just a quick heads up if your local to Greenville, SC. I've been given the awesome privilege to speak on Wedding Photography at the Upstate Photo School here in Downtown Greenville. I'll be speaking this Thursday evening (yes, the 28th!) starting at 6:30pm. It's free and open to anyone so if you can't find anything better to do on a Thursday night feel free to just show up!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Good Morning

Every once in awhile you find a sunrise that is worth getting up early for. Although I got up at 4:45am on Saturday to get this shot, it was DEFINITELY worth it. A beautiful start to a beautiful day.


Sunrise over Beulah Center South CarolinaSunrise over Beulah Center just south of Anderson, South Carolina

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Traditional Laos Wedding Photos | Vanida and Rick's Laotian Ceremony

I love every once in awhile when a wedding comes along that gently nudges me (pushes me wildly) out of my comfort zone. Vanida and Rick's traditional Lao wedding did just that. I've never been to an Asian style wedding, much less a Laos wedding. I knew photographing it would be a bit of a challenge and I must admit, I read quite a few articles and interviewed Vanida for a good hour on what all would take place. Even with all that, I was shocked by the pure joy and colorful celebration that takes place during a laotian wedding ceremony. From the playful entry to the tying of the knot, it was a sight to behold.

With a quick but intimate traditional American ceremony in the morning, my blood was racing for the laotian ceremony later. With lots of dancing, exotic traditional Laos food, a few shots of Hennessy, and some rockin' traditional Laos music, I do have to say, it was an awesome (AWESOME) night. Even though I had been there over 13 hours I left exhilarated.

I know the photos will tell this all much better, so if you've read this far you definitely deserve to stretch out your scroll wheel finger and enjoy the beautiful celebration of Vanida and Rick's Laotian wedding!


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos
The BEAUTIFUL paa khwan - The arrangements made up of flowers and white strings to be blessed during the ceremony


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding PhotosIn case you were wondering, yes Vanida looks beautiful in her traditional Lao wedding attire


Cleveland Park Wedding PhotosThe ceremony is traditionally held at the bride's home and starts with the groom's family singing songs on the way to the brides house (hae keuy)


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding PhotosThe sou khor - The Bride Price negotiation is a playful tradition in which the bride and grooms families negotiate on a price for the right to enter the bride's home and marry her


Laos Wedding Entry Photos - sou khor


Laos Wedding Entry Photos - sou khor
Eventually a price is set and the chains are retracted


Laos Wedding Entry Photos - sou khorThe groom is then escorted to the bride where they sit in front of the paa khwan


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding PhotosThe mor phon runs the ceremony


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding PhotosThe family members all tie strings around the bride and groom's wrists (this is where tying the knot comes from)


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding Photos
Part of the somma in which the bride and groom give gifts and ask forgiveness from the parents and elders


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Traditional Wedding Photos
If I had to describe traditional Lao food I'd say its similar to Thai but has its own unique twist to it


Laos Drinking Wedding Photos
Another tradition is for the Bride and Groom to go around to every table and give shots of liquor to all the guests in exchange for money (I NEED to do this at my wedding!)


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding Photos
The traditional Lao dance is very unique and involves a lot of hand movement


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding Photos
I had to get in for a quick photo with Vanida!


Laos Wedding Photos


Laos Wedding Photos


Thanks again for having me!! Click here for photos of their earlier American ceremony at cleveland park!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Cleveland Park Spartanburg Wedding | Vanida and Rick American Ceremony

I have to say, I've been looking forward to this wedding for a long time. Rick and Vanida held their wedding at the beautiful Cleveland Park in Spartanburg, SC. Not only did have a beautiful American wedding ceremony, they also had a traditional Lao ceremony later in the day.

The weather in Spartanburg was absolutely perfect. Low humidity, beautiful blue skies, and a gentle breeze. Perfect day for a wedding!

Vanida and Rick have such an awesome and unique love for each other and it was a pleasure to be apart of their wedding day. Just check out some of these photos!



Cleveland Park Wedding Photos
The day all started off at the Gazebo in Cleveland Park


Lao wedding flower photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos
Vanida did an awesome job picking out the colors!


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos
The guys were lookin good too!


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos
Love this one!


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Cleveland Park Wedding Photos


Click here for the photos of their Traditional Laotian Wedding Ceremony