ETHIOPIAN WEDDING CELEBRATION
Photographing an Ethiopian wedding reception & portraits was an incredible experience filled with vibrant colors, emotional moments, and cultural richness. Here are some of the key moments and details I captured that will tell a full story of the day:
Family Portraits: Family plays a central role in Ethiopian weddings. I capture both posed & candid shots with the bride & groom’s parents, grandparents, and extended family, emphasizing generational connections & shared joy they all have.
Kidan and Telosh:
Are intimate, family-centered pre-wedding moments.
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Ethiopian attire is richly detailed, the bride’s “habesha kemis” with its embroidery, along with jewelry and accessories are adorned. The groom, wears his “kurtah” or “shamma.” These pieces are often symbolic that highlight intricate elements and showcase cultural identity.​​ ​
The bridal party make a spectacular entrance to the pounding rhythm of the the “kebero” drum, the amplified voice of the singer backed up by a full live band.
Ethiopian dance, especially “eskista,” has distinctive shoulder and body movements. Capturing the rhythm and energy of the traditional dancing is a demanding task.
A beautiful close up of the bride adorned in Ethiopian attire, richly detailed “habesha kemis” with its embroidery, along with jewelry and accessories.
The “gursha” tradition, where family members feed the bride and groom and the bride and groom feed each other is especially important in their tradition and symbolizes love and nurturing.
