Traveling has been a passion of mine since I got my first passport at 6 months old (no joke!) I sat on my moms lap and made gaga sounds at the photographer. I started traveling alone at age 6 to visit my Aunt in Missouri every Summer. I haven't stopped since. Where I go, my camera follows. I love experiencing new places and capturing each one in my own way.
Yana and Alex were married on Monday at the Admiral Kidd Club. But hours before the ceremony, I learned about a lot of Russian tradition! Let me backtrack.
Yana is from Russia. Alex studied there years ago and they fell in love. Fast forward to December 29th. 🙂 Long story short.
In Russia, it is a tradition for the groom to go on a Scavenger Hunt (Or also called Paying the Ransom) to bribe (pay money to) the friends and family of the bride to give her away. Wikipedia explains it a bit here. Alex had to answer different questions, do Russian related tasks and even call out loving words to Yana.
Some details of the elaborate set up!
He had fake snowballs thrown at him that had Russian sayings on them. He had to translate them!
Alex’s brother drew this fantastic photo of him! He had to guess the lipstick mark of his betrothed!
And answering questions about Yana.
He did it! He found his bride 🙂
After that, we all headed to Cuvier Park for some fun photos!
And one more stop at Pt Loma Nazarene University, where Alex graduated from!
The final stop of the night was to the Admiral Kidd Club for the ceremony! They were so excited for this part 😉
The first dance was a traditional Russian dance.
Lots of toasts is also common at Russian weddings. But it is also in America too. 🙂
The dance floor was packed the whole night! DJ Bill Calhoun kept the music going!
The groom’s nephew cracked me up the whole night!
Night view of downtown, what AKC is famous for 🙂
Yana and Alex, the wedding was so beautiful and intimate, I had such a great time! Thank you for including me and David!
A huge thank you to David Baxter for coming to shoot with me! You rock, of course!
XOXO, M
I love the portrait of the bride, it has so much feeling inside.
=]
Nice job Melissa! These photos are amazing! Keep up the good work.
lovely set melissa! i esp like the story telling during the scavenger hunt. your wide angle shots are excellent and the snowball shot is my fave! perfect timing, homie! 🙂
Looks like a fun day. Awesome job, Melissa!
-E
you got some amazing shots melissa! i love all the happy expressions you caught. thank you so much for having me along. i always have fun working with you. sometimes i even learn stuff…like russian traditions. 🙂
I love the one of them all on the steps!
I love that entire thing at the beginning! How fun! They seem like an awesome couple to have worked with!
So many awesome photos Melissa 🙂 I love those little nesting dolls, and even have one above my desk 🙂 What an awesome pre-wedding tradition 🙂
Beautiful! I love the scavenger hunt idea. Too cute!
That is so sweet! Very romantic!!
Great lighting melissa.. I love the ones at the beach… awesome as always girlfriend!!!
beeee-utiful! I love love that black and white kiss shot!
LOVE your candid style! Some really great captures! Beautiful work! P.S. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Really beautiful, love all the colors and the expressions on everyones faces. My fav. is the the group on the stairs, way awesome!
The first one of them kissing (with just a little flair behind the groom)is awesome.
Love this wedding Melissa! I am in love with the “first” russian dance. Such a great shot!
I love how you captured all of the traditional aspects in their wedding! Beautiful shots!!