Traditional Xhosa Wedding by Monica Dart | SouthBound Bride
Traditional Xhosa Wedding by Monica Dart | SouthBound Bride
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Today is a VERY special day. That's because today I finally get to share our first full traditional South African wedding (our first, but by no means our last - in fact, look out for a gorgeous traditional Zulu wedding next week!). Up until recently, not many brides and grooms invited a pro photographer along to the traditional part of their weddings (as South Africans will know, many choose to have a 'Western' wedding as well - and we'll be showcasing Tembakazi and Mateli's separately this afternoon - don't miss) but I'm slowly seeing that start to change. And being the fan of beautiful photography that I am, as well as everything South African, I'm thrilled. Monica Dart was just the perfect choice for this Eastern Cape bride and groom - she thrives on colour and movement and capturing those little moments that make up your memory of a day, and I'm absolutely in love with these images. Pots full of delicious food bubbling away on the fire, children laughing and playing, families and communities coming together - and of course the unique joy that surrounds two people in love.
Lovely Monica sent over some background info on this special wedding:
There was so much warmth and togetherness at Mateli and Tembakazi's wedding... women chatting and bustling around the kitchen making preparations... or in the rooms helping each other with hair and make-up... singing... ooh, lots of heartfelt singing... joyous and communal. Both Tembakazi's outfits were beautifully sewn by her sister in law, Nozizwe Ndzube. The first ceremony not only welcomes the bride, but also the entire brides's family is welcomed by the entire groom's family for a formal extension of familial relations, i.e. both families are now formally related. The spear ceremony is very important as its intention is two-fold, to introduce the bride to the groom's ancestors who are believed to reside in the kraal, and for the bride as the representative of her family to formally accept 'ubulawu' - that is, the extension of the family relations on behalf of her family after the lobola negotiations (concluded the month before).
You can (and should - seriously, I wanted to include every photo!) see more from this wedding on Monica Dart's blog.
SERVICE PROVIDERSPhotography: Monica Dart | Second shooter: Mattias Scott
Monica Dart Photography is a member of the SBB Directory