Family Wedding in Romania

My husband's cousin, Alice, married Paul in Romania over the weekend, and we were delighted to be able to attend. While not the official photographer, I was asked to take photos when I wanted to, so I made sure to stay out of the photographer's way to capture things from more of an audience's perspective.

Romanian weddings are a bit different to those in New Zealand. First, everyone goes to the 'wedding house,' which is like a registry, but set up all nicely with a garden and reception rooms. The couple stands with their godparents at a table, with friends and family standing behind them. The council celebrant officiates on other side, wearing a sash in the colours of the flag, I didn't understand any of the ceremony, but the couple only says yes, then sign papers, and everyone cheers and claps. All over in 5 minutes.

Then, we all go out to a reception room to toast them and sing a song of congratulations, before going outside to create an arch with the many bouquets of flowers and confetti. (Each guest brings a bouquet for the bride - this is a tradition I can get into!)

After some photos afterwards, most couples then go with their guests to a church for a longer, more traditional ceremony, complete with a much fancier wardrobe change. This is followed by a big party that lasts into the night.

In this wedding's case, this has been postponed, since there's a little baby due soon, so we all enjoyed a beautiful lunch at a restaurant together afterwards instead.

Enjoy some of the moments!