A step into another world

I've attended Polynesian Luau's before. When I was in college I dated a guy from Samoa. His extended family had luaus as parties at least once a month. I loved them. But I had never attended nor photographed a Tongan wedding before. It was so fun! A bit hard to understand at times. Many of the guests spoke no English so much of what the MC said was spoken in Tongan. That's great....except the neither the photography, videographer, nor the white Bride spoke a lick of Tongan! So...at times it was like being in another world. I tried to follow what was happening but for many things I was grabbing my camera and running over to catch the next event, because I had no idea what the MC said was coming next. It was fun, though. It kept me on my toes for sure.

Besides the language barrier I enjoyed every single moment. Well, that's not true. Even with the language barrier I enjoyed every single moment. There was dancing. Tons of dancing. And there was not a dull moment the entired reception. Forget about trying to find exciting moments while the Bride & Groom stand in a line for a few hours. This one was packed with dancing by the Groom's Family and friends. And I'm not just talking about dancing to a DJ.

I mean dancing like this


And this


Even the Bride & Groom got in on it. Katie learned a dance to perform for Pasi and Pasi and his Groomsmen did a special dance for Katie. It was great! I know they will love watching it on the video!

Lots of traditional dancing. Oh, and they danced for money. I know that sounds odd...but I can't think of how else to say it. It's a tradition at Tongan weddings, apparently. If you enjoy the dance you can give them money and all the money goes to the Bride & Groom. It's a way to start their lives together.

I think we should incorporate this tradition into all weddings. That way, in stead of 4 toasters you can have money for the Honeymoon and to start your lives with!

Now back to the main point of the day: The couple. Katie & Pasi were SO cute together. I hadn't met Pasi before the wedding but I knew Katie was not only adorale but incredibly nice so I figured Pasi would match that. I was right. It was a joy to work with them.

I have a lot (A LOT) of pictures to sift through but here are a few which jumped out at me while I was loading them all into Lightroom.

Enjoy your peek!