This may seem surprising, but Oxana and Heiko’s wedding is the fourth wedding I’ve photographed this year that involved couples of different nationalities. I am so happy to be given these rare opportunities as it provides much room for me to experience different cultures and traditions that I find so unique and interesting.
Oxana and Heiko’s wedding was indeed very interesting. After several emails, I met them at the hotel before the wedding to understand more about their story, as I believe that it is important for a photographer to communicate with his clients to know them better and understand what they are looking for. One of the first questions I always ask clients is: what is your story?
Interesting enough, Oxana is from Russia while Heiko is from Germany, yet they decided to hold their wedding in Hong Kong. Turns out they are both working in China, and would therefore wish to have their wedding within Asia. They finally decided to pick Hong Kong as the location of their special day as wedding arrangements are easy and convenient, and there are many beautiful venues available.
They also decided to pick me as their photographer because they appreciate my way of photographer, which is to capture real and candid moments to encapsulate the special emotions, with particular attention to details so to paint a full picture of the special day. I am truly grateful for their compliments!
On the day of the wedding, although it was only a simple ceremony, this did not stop my camera from clicking as every single moment was special and touching in its own way. Sometimes couples may worry about their wedding being too small in scale without many participants. However, the core of a wedding is not to have elaborate decorations and setups, but to share the special moments with the one you love. As long as you enjoy and have fun throughout the process, your wedding is already a successful and beautiful one!
Oxana and Heiko’s wedding really gave me the opportunity to understand a lot about russian wedding traditions, which are entirely different from the traditional chinese ones that take place in Hong Kong. Let’s take a look at some pictures from their lovely wedding and learn about some special traditions!
Wedding Ceremony: Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, Wedding Reception: Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, Make Up Artist: Jovi of Beaute make-up
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She is truly the most beautiful flower girl I’ve ever met! Although we could not communicate as she could only speak Russian, she really enjoyed herself when I was shooting her. Whoever marries her in the future is a lucky man!
This old Russian tradition involves a special bread called “Karavai” which symbolizes that they will always have food on their table. This tradition is a symbol of their parents wishing them happiness, comfort and good health. The bride and groom will also both take a bite from the Karavai, and whoever gets a bigger bite will be the head of the family. This is truly something new to me!
Oxana Kolosova - We were so Lucky to have you as our Photographer! Thank you, Patrick for such unforgettable & touching memories… We are truly pleased with your hard work.
Patrick Law - Hi Oxana, so happy to be part of your wedding. However, I always love to capture real moments, touching memories! Glad to know that you love it! Wish you all the best!