Filipino Wedding Photographer in Los Angeles
Filipino Wedding Photography and Videography
A Filipino wedding is a vibrant celebration of love and commitment that brings families and friends together. The wedding ceremony combines Christian and traditional Filipino customs, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. The warm and hospitable nature of the Filipino people adds to the charm of the occasion, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attends.
Congratulations on your upcoming Filipino wedding in the United States! Planning a wedding can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. As a Filipino wedding combines traditional and modern elements, it's essential to consider cultural customs and etiquette. Let's explore some tips and ideas to help you plan your special day!
We photograph Filipino weddings across Los Angeles’s Catholic churches and reception venues. From the veil, cord, and coin (arrhae) ceremonies with your ninongs and ninangs, to the candle lighting, barong Tagalog and Filipiniana attire, and the money dance, we know each tradition’s meaning and quietly position ourselves to capture it. As a Filipino wedding photographer in Los Angeles, we blend documentary ceremony coverage with warm, editorial portraits of both families.
Planning for a Filipino Wedding!
Step 1: Set a budget
Establish a budget before you start planning. Determining a budget that works for you and your partner helps set your priorities and avoid overspending. Consider the number of guests, the venue, catering, decor, and other wedding-related expenses. It is essential to have a budget plan on how much you are willing to spend and to stick to it. decor.
Family Involvement?
Try not to get the family over-involved, for hosting a wedding is very stressful. Adding a layer of comments and suggestions every step of the way is excessive. However, if you cannot avoid this situation, please continue Step 2.
Step 2: Choose a date and venue
Select a date that works for you and your guests, and find a venue that can accommodate your expected number of attendees. The date should be one that is convenient for you and your guests, particularly if some of them will be traveling.
Step 3: Hire a wedding coordinator
A coordinator with experience in Filipino weddings can provide valuable insights and advice on everything from traditional attire and customs to the perfect menu and entertainment for your big day. They can also help you navigate any cultural nuances that may be important to you and your family and work with vendors to ensure that all aspects of the wedding reflect your wishes and vision.
Step 4: Hire a wedding photography studio
Hire us! LOL! Kidding aside, Lulan Studio is committed to delivering photographs with stunning realism and vibrant, natural colors that mirror the human eye's perception. Your wedding day is a beautiful and unforgettable moment that you will want to cherish forever. Hire a professional photographer and videographer specializing in Filipino weddings to capture every moment.
Step 5: Select wedding attire
Consider opting for traditional Filipino attire, such as the Barong Tagalog for the groom and the Filipiniana dress for the bride. Another option is to incorporate Filipino elements into your modern attire.
Step 6: Include Filipino customs
Incorporating Filipino customs into your wedding day can add a meaningful touch to your special day. Filipino weddings are known for their rich cultural traditions, and including these elements can make your wedding feel more personal and unique. The most common Filipino customs are the candle, veil, cord ceremony, and money dance.
Step 7: Plan the menu
Food is an important aspect of any Filipino wedding. Consider serving Filipino cuisine or incorporating Filipino dishes into your menu, such as adobo, lumpia, pancit bihon, and lechon. When planning your menu, work with your caterer to choose dishes that are both traditional and appealing to your guests' taste buds. Be sure to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, to ensure all can enjoy the meal.
Step 8: Prepare for the reception
After the ceremony, the reception is where you and your guests can truly let loose and celebrate your Filipino wedding. One of the most popular forms of entertainment at Filipino weddings is music. So, ensure to hire a live band or DJ. You may also want to include traditional Filipino music or dances like the Itik-Itik, Sayaw sa Bangko, and Pantomina.
Traditions of a Filipino Wedding
Filipino weddings are rich in tradition and customs that reflect the country's deep-rooted culture and values. From the Panliligaw and Pamamanhikan to the Money Dance and Releasing a Pair of Doves, each tradition has its unique significance and adds to the charm and romance of a Filipino wedding celebration.
Panliligaw and Pamamanhikan (Courtship)
Panliligaw is the Filipino term for courtship, while pamamanhikan is the custom of formally asking for the hand of the bride in marriage. These customs show the significance of family and respectful courtship in Filipino culture.
Arrhae or Aras
The arrhae consists of 13 coins exchanged between the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony, representing the groom's commitment to providing for his family and the bride's trust and faith in his ability to do so.
Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana
The Barong Tagalog is a traditional Filipino garment worn by the groom, while the bride wears a Filipiniana dress. Both garments are made from fine materials and feature intricate embroidery and embellishments.
Candle, Veil, and Cord Ceremony
This traditional Catholic wedding ritual involves three symbolic elements: the lighting of a unity candle, the placing of a veil over the bride and groom's heads, and the draping of a cord around the couple's shoulders.
Tying of the Nuptial Cord
A Filipino wedding custom involves the tying of a cord around the couple's shoulders during the wedding ceremony, symbolizing their bond and unity.
Money Dance
The money dance is a festive Filipino wedding tradition that is also known as the dollar dance. During the money dance, guests pin money onto the bride and groom's clothing. After the dance is finished, the best man or maid of honor will count the money and give it to the couple.
Throwing Rice Grains
As the couple parades out of the church or venue, guests throw rice grains at them to symbolize fertility, prosperity, and good fortune. The act of throwing rice is rooted in the belief that rice is a symbol of wealth and abundance.
Releasing a Pair of Doves
Releasing a pair of doves is a beautiful and symbolic tradition that has been a part of Filipino weddings for many years. This custom symbolizes the couple's love and commitment to each other and their desire for a peaceful and harmonious relationship. The doves are often released at the end of the wedding ceremony or during the reception.
Handaan or Reception
A "handaan" is a grand feast and celebration that follows the wedding ceremony. It features traditional Filipino cuisine, music, dancing, and entertainment. It is a time for the couple and their guests to relax, enjoy, and celebrate the joyous occasion.
Sample Timeline of a Filipino Wedding
A Filipino wedding is a festive and colorful celebration that reflects the rich culture and traditions of the Philippines. Here is a sample timeline of a typical Filipino wedding showcasing the most common and unique aspects of this joyous occasion.
8:00 AM - Hair and makeup for the bride and bridal party begins
11:00 AM - Photographer and videographer arrive to start capturing pre-wedding shots of the bride and groom getting ready
12:00 PM - Groom and groomsmen arrive at the wedding venue for pre-ceremony photos
1:00 PM - Bride and bridesmaids arrive at the wedding venue for pre-ceremony photos
2:00 PM - Guests begin to arrive at the wedding venue
2:30 PM - Wedding ceremony begins
4:00 PM - Wedding ceremony ends and guests move to the reception area
4:30 PM - Cocktail hour begins with drinks and hors d'oeuvres
5:30 PM - Introduction of the newlyweds and first dance
6:00 PM - Dinner is served
7:00 PM - Traditional Filipino wedding customs, such as the candle, veil, and cord ceremony, take place
7:30 PM - Cutting of the cake and speeches from family and friends
8:00 PM - Money dance and other fun activities, such as dancing and karaoke
10:00 PM - Late-night snacks are served
11:00 PM - Wedding reception ends, and the newlyweds depart from the venue
FAQ for Filipino Weddings
What is the first step in a Filipino wedding?
The first step in a Filipino wedding is typically the Panliligaw or courtship phase, where the groom-to-be expresses his interest in the bride-to-be. It is the process of getting to know her and her family. This is followed by the Pamamanhikan, where the groom-to-be formally asks for the hand of the bride-to-be in marriage from her parents or elders. Once the proposal is accepted, the couple plans the wedding ceremony and reception.
What is Filipino culture about marriage?
Filipino culture places a strong emphasis on family and community, and this is reflected in their views on marriage. In Filipino culture, marriage is not just a union between two individuals, but also a joining of two families. As such, family support and involvement are highly valued and considered an essential part of the marriage process.
How long does a Filipino wedding typically last?
A Filipino wedding ceremony typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour, while the reception runs for several hours.
Can a Filipino wedding be held in a non-religious venue?
Yes, Filipino weddings can be held in non-religious venues, such as banquet halls or outdoor spaces. However, traditional customs and rituals may still be incorporated into the ceremony.
What kind of food is served at a Filipino wedding?
Filipino cuisine is often served at Filipino weddings, including dishes such as adobo, pancit bihon, lumpia, and lechon. However, couples may also choose to incorporate other types of cuisine into their wedding menu.