Macedonian Traditions
Today I photographed a Macedonian Orthodox wedding. The family was traditional and followed the customs from the old country. Since my approach is candid and I have a photojournalist style, I’m focussing today the candid images that captured these traditions.
At the grooms house in the morning, there is a party atmosphere with a live band greeting guests as they arrive and Michael & his family dancing with them in the driveway before entering where plenty of food & alcohol was waiting as part of the celebration.
It was a community effort in preparing bread, with plenty of salt & lolly bears. The stick used to mix the dough had a couple of rings on it. Although the mum & daughter pictured in aprons were preparing it, the boy had to hold the stick that mixed it.
The final product with Michael & Blaga’s initials before taken to be baked.
Not just a Macedonian tradition, the groom is shaved in preparation for his wedding.
Bread is broken and shared with the meal at lunch.
Just before the groom leaves the house, a glass of water is kicked over outside the front door.
At the church, when the bride arrives she gives the koumbaro a towel and ties a ribbon on his arm.
Towards the end of the service, Blaga & Michael are wrapped in a shoal. I find this is quite a romantic image they way they’re wrapped, holding hands & focusing on the priests words.
During The Dance of Isaiah, chocolates, money and rice are thrown over the procession onto the brides dress tail.
