Darlene + Andy=L.O.V.E. & Marriage | A Thai/Korean Wedding

Darlene and Andy’s wedding was a beautiful combination of different cultures.  Their ceremony was sincere and traditional, complete with the exchange of vows, lighting of the unity candle, and kiss to seal the deal. Immediately following their procession, they moved to a room prepared in advance for a Thai customary Water Ceremony where family and guest blessed the couple.

It’s been over a year since my last trip to Thailand, and I’ve missed the people and rituals.  I was excited to learn from Steve Koo, whom I photographed the wedding with, that Andy was Thai.  Both sides were warm and welcoming, but once I said “Sawadee Kaa” (hello) and wai’d to his father, I suddenly felt like family.  For the rest of the night I heard “Chok dee” (good luck) and “Saib bai dee mai kap” (how are you?) from all directions. It was almost like I’d returned to that beloved place I’ve missed so much.”

Darlene beams while having her makeup done.

I love  the lace.

I love the glasses!  

Things were going so well…

And then…. The wedding party was nothing but sympathetic.

Darlene played a song for everyone while her Dad watches in the background.  

Darlene’s Doppleganger. Her mom gave her the socks  with a famous Koren starlight printed on them for a present.

Flowers for the Thai ceremony.

Receiving  a blessing.

The marriage of Jamie + Phil

I’m blown away when I pause and consider the privilege I’m given each wedding I document.  I fell in love with photojournalism while flipping through pages of National Geographic. Amongst articles featuring Inuits in Canada, or barracudas in the deep blue, famous photographers like Steve McCurry and Joel Satore presented pieces from across the World documenting special rights ceremonies. No matter what you call them, how they’re officiated, or what hemisphere they’re held, marriages are universal ceremonies between two people–a pinnacle point in their lifelong story, which I’m grateful to witness and document.

Phil and Jamie were quiet when I first met them. They were reserved, composed, and polite.  During their wedding they were moving.

Emotion filled the air; tissues touched corner’s of eyes and sniffles were muffled behind cupped hands.  From the people in the back row to the photographer crouching in the corner (me), I wager not a single person was left unmoved.

Thanks to Steve Koo for bringing me along as a second, and to Jame and Phil.What a beautiful ceremony.  Did I mention we had a blast at the reception?