Islamic wedding reception questions

[eleing360]

YO! I've been asked a favor to take snapshots at a family friend's wedding reception. The reception will be in accordance with the B&G's faith: Islam. I've never been to an Islamic wedding reception and have very little knowledge of what goes on, so obviously I've got a few questions. And yes, I will ask the bride/MOB these questions as well.

Can someone describe the rituals/traditions that typically occur during a muslim wedding reception?

What, if any, religious/cultural restrictions are there concerning the photography? The men will have one hall, which I am not allowed to go in because I'm a woman. The women will have another hall, which is where I'll be working. I've been asked to not photograph any woman who covers her face or turns away from the camera. Also, any photos printed must not be developed by a man.

It's also a multicultural reception (American, Filipino & Middle Eastern) and I know some women will be wearing barongs, (traditional Filipino dresses) cocktail dresses and formal gowns. Well, I'm young and Filipina, and I'm just not down with wearing a dress while running around and taking photos. I was thinking black tuxedo slacks, the girly kind, with a nice top and heels. What appropriate attire do you recommend?

Any info/advice will be greatly appreciated.

[tim]

Welcome to POTN :)

Like you say, the bride/MOB are by far the best people to ask these questions to, since I bet things vary quite a lot even within a faith, due to personal preference. Ditto for your clothes question. Hopefully someone will be able to help you out here too. Do post what you find out here so we can all learn something :)

[rvt1000]

what culture are the b/g? Islamic tradition varies to an extent as well by the culture..

[greg4bs]

I photographed a wedding a couple of weeks ago in which the Bride came from a Pakistani background. It was certainly a lot different to a normal Uk kilts and morning suits wedding. Please forgive me for not getting the correct terms but the wedding went as folows
Friday night was extended family and friends (women only). Part of it was religious, part singing part feast. Basically the bride and groom sat down at the fron and the whole day revolved around them.

Saturday morning the bridal party split up into groom and all the family males then all the females with the bride. The priest basically conducted seperate two religious parts to the wedding where the bride and groom were seen seperately.

Next it was off to the resturant for a massive feast where the whole bridal party came togother.

After that it was back to the parents house for some traditional games and goings on. Part of this seemed to relate to the groom bartering with the sisters and close friends of the bride where by they hid his shoes and he gave them lovely presents of cash and jewels. Thereafter the pace picked up with what I can only describe as the bride and groom engaging in a whole series of games watched by the whole wedding party. My favorite was when the mother of the bride brought in a bowl of milk and flowers and everyone dropped a coin into the bowl. Thereafter two rings were dropped in and the bride and groom had to grapple in the bowl to find them. Everyone present was in stiches with laughter.

After that I accompanied the bride and groom to their hotel where they wanted me to take some more formal shoots.

As Tim says best ask the couple as I am sure traditions vary. As for us I was quite surprised at how relaxed everyone was about us taking photos. Basically we were allowed to shoot throughout the whole day with very little off limits.

It would be great if someone out there could fill in on my missing information. I wwould really appreciate learning about what all the components that I have described are as I am sure they are traditional.

[Sharyn1983]

I would also get a male assistant to photograph the groom. Since you can't.

[eleing360]

Tim- thanks and I will! I feel at home already! haha! The bride is Filipino/Jordanian?-American. I'm not quite sure what the groom is yet. I'll be talking with them soon.

The men's side will be photographed by the bride's cousin. They wanted to hire my photographer, but he's unavailable esp. with 7 days notice. I usually assist the head photographer and manage all business aspects of the photo biz. I've photographed weddings/events before, but this will be my first time to do it solo. I'm a bit nervous about this one. They know I'm not a pro, and I'm not charging them anything. So, if anything should go wrong with my equipment, or if they think I just plain suck at photography [I sure as hell hope not], then they'll hopefully understand and accept it. They've been warned! hahaha...After all, it's somewhat of a last minute favor for the MOB who is a long time family friend.

Greg, thanks for the info. That wedding sounded like a lot of fun! I love weddings/events that have few or no restrictions when it comes to photography. Often times the couple is usually much happier with the outcome of the photos.

Thank yall for checkin out my thread. I'm happy to have the opportunity to practice, learn and build my portfolio. I'll let yall know how everything turns out. Wish me luck!

[eleing360]

I had an unexpected death in the family had to be out of the country the past 2 weeks. I never got a chance to shoot the reception, but the family completely understood. What can I say...