Westin Poinsett Wedding Sneak Peak | Anne Cooper and Owen

Just a quick sneak peak from Anne Cooper and Owen's Wedding at the Westin Poinsett here in downtown Greenville, SC. Lots more to come!

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!

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 just south of Anderson, South Carolina

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!



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





In case you were wondering, yes Vanida looks beautiful in her traditional Lao wedding attire


The 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)





The 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






Eventually a price is set and the chains are retracted


The groom is then escorted to the bride where they sit in front of the paa khwan





The mor phon runs the ceremony





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












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






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



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!)






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


















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







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

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!




The day all started off at the Gazebo in Cleveland Park
























Vanida did an awesome job picking out the colors!



The guys were lookin good too!






Love this one!

















Click here for the photos of their Traditional Laotian Wedding Ceremony