Kay + Dan | Outdoor Filipino Wedding

Photographing Kay and Dan’s wedding was a true adventure! These two braved an hour long deluge just before their ceremony, and when the rain finally cleared, Kay met Dan at the alter on a horse drawn carriage. Despite the earlier weather, Kay and Dan opted for an outdoor ceremony at the groom’s family property on Odyssey Farms. The ceremony was full of beautiful filipino traditions. There was a veiling of the bride a groom, a connecting cord placed around both of their shoulders, and a locking of the gate which symbolized the newlywed’s bond. Not to mention, the lovely words of wisdom that their guests had a chance to share. The beautiful veil you see was lovingly made by the mother of the groom. Oh and then there was the gigantic pig that came walking by in the middle of their nuptials just as Kay had hoped. Kay and Dan exchanged rings and a kiss per Christian tradition before officially being declared husband and wife. After the ceremony, I rode off in the carriage with the newlyweds for some beautiful sunset portraits. Josh and I almost always photograph our weddings together, but he was out of town attending our best friend’s bachelor party in New Orleans, so I had this gorgeous couple all to myself. Kay was giggly with bliss every time I mentioned their new last name and we got some fabulous portraits out there in the field. Both Kay’s dress and Dan’s barong (shirt) were custom made for them in the Philippines. The garments and all of their detailed embroidery were made completely of pineapple fiber. I just love all the attention to detail both Kay and Dan’s families had in planning this wedding! Before returning to the reception, Kay and Dan hopped in a canoe for a sunset float on a small pond located on the farm. I have been working so hard at gettting one of my couples on a boat and I am just delighted that these two were willing to oblige me. Like I said, this wedding was an adventure. :) Once out of the boat, Kay and Dan joined their forty-something guests under the tent for an open air reception. The rain from earlier cooled the air to a comfortable temperature (even for August in North Carolina). Guests dined on delicious homemade filipino cuisine and enjoyed the elegant wedding fruitcake the mother of the bride baked and decorated herself. Kay and Dan’s family created all of the decorations themselves as well, using glass terrariums, burlap, wooden stumps, and beautiful mosses. The bride’s brother even took the time to fold every single guest’s napkin into an origami Lilly. Now that’s love! Once everyone had a few drinks and some good food, it was time for the real fun to begin: Tinikling. Tinikling is a traditional dance done in the Philippines using bamboo poles. I like to think of it as a tropical version of double dutch jumprope. Dan and Kay started out showing off their choreographed dance before opening the lawn up to any willing participants. Nearly everyone gave it a try (including myself) and I will tell you, it isn’t easy! We all had some good laughs watching the tinikling before the party wrapped up and it was time to go. Kay and Dan, thank you for showing me a great time and welcoming me to be a part of this beautiful and intimate event. May the rest of your lives be as much of an adventure as your wedding day! ~ Shelley Hartman, Raleigh-based outdoor wedding photographer.