"Is this your first Uzbekistan wedding?"

We got asked that question all day long and the answer was yes! One thing I always loved about traveling around the world was being able to immerse myself in other people's cultures. The last Saturday here in Richmond we got to do that by joining Otabek and Kamola for their marriage celebration.  We were very excited to document a wedding a bit different than the usual ones we have been a part of in the past...although really, not that different. 

Kamola and her family had arrived from Seattle a few days early and the actual wedding ceremony was done then. Saturday's celebration began at her family's Air BnB where they hosted the groom and his groomsmen for a traditional Uzbekistan lunch where they picked up the bride to head out for the celebration. We had A LOT of time for portraits before the reception began. As a photographer, I can not emphasize how much I loved that. We got to explore around Lewis Ginter and even made time to head over to the Pumphouse for a few pictures. 

The reception was located inside the Robyn Room at Lewis Ginter and was a night full of beautiful toasts by family and friends, an incredibly sweet performance by the children, a saxophone performance of the mother of the groom's favorite song and SO MUCH dancing! The groom's family, unfortunately, couldn't make it from Uzbekistan in person but were there for every second of the night via modern technology. They gave speeches that were broadcast from a television and followed along on "Facetime" for the entire night.

Super congratulations to Otabek and Kamola on their marriage and thanks so much for having us along!!