On Saturday, it was finally time for Krystal and Ratana’s wedding – it felt like years since we met up for their engagement session! They had a traditional Catholic church service at St Theresa’s Church in Federal Way, followed by an evening of Cambodian-style partying at Ocean City restaurant in the International Disctrict back in Seattle.
I started off the day with lots of detail shots at the church – the girls were running really late but it meant I had time to get lots of pretty flower pictures, and some candids of their guests and sponsors arriving.
The kids at this wedding were so funny and very expressive!
I love Ratana’s outfit – he had really cool shoes (black and white loafers) and his waistcoat and tie were white while his groomsmen had red ones.
Ratana and his brother and best man, Chan:
When Krystal and her girls arrived, there was a flurry of activity while she got into her dress and shoes (she arrived in her pajamas – how awesome is that?!)
After a quick first look moment, Krystal and Ratana shared a kiss before moving swiftly into the group photos. I think these might be the biggest group shots I’ve ever attempted without the use of a ladder!
Although the ceremony was fairly traditional, there were lots of additions that made it uniquely their own. Before the processional there was candle lighting … how cute is this little guy?
The flower girls were just adorable too:
The bridal party was seated for much of the ceremony – maybe not the ideal situation for the photographer, but definitely a bonus for anyone wearing heels through a long service!
After the ring exchange, Krystal and Ratana had a chord, veil and coin ceremony. This was fascinating to watch, and it was a great way to involve their many sponsors in the ceremony.
After the ceremony, my assistant Mike and I made a speedy exit and just managed to make it to Ocean City before Krystal, Ratana and their guests. I try to allow at least 15-20 minutes for detail shots at the reception venue before guests start arriving.
I love that they used one of their engagement photos on the chocolate bar favors:
Krystal and one of her bridesmaids figuring out the bustle which was hidden in one of the roses on her gorgeous dress:
Every time their guests clinked their glasses, Ratana and Krystal had to kiss – it happened so often that it became a non-event for the bridal party, who just carried on doing what they were doing. This shot totally cracks me up!
This little guy was quite the performer – I’m hoping Jed Rusyniak got some fun video footage of him dancing around for us all! (And it was such a treat working with Jed again – he’s a sweetheart!)
Onto the toasts, and out with the champage – I love that their drinks were champagne and Hennessy!
The end of the evening for us was the money dance, accompanied by a live Cambodian band, fun! Thanks Krystal and Ratana for giving me a little peek into Cambodian culture, and enjoy your honeymoon!
© 2008 Kate McElwee Photography
by Kate
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