A Brunei Wedding – Yasir & Izzah – Part 2

Hello.

A continuation from the previous post.

I got to experience a different Malay wedding culture while covering Yasir & Izzah’s Bruneian wedding which challenged me even further as a Wedding Photographer.

Berbedak Ceremony.

2 days after the solemnization, they had their reception at The Rizqun International Hotel. The celebration started early in the morning with a “Berbedak” or a Blessing Ceremony by the family. The newlyweds dressed up in a bright red “songket” dress with the bride wearing a gold head gear while the groom wore a “songkok” (Muslim hat).

The blessing was done by family members by anointing the Bride/Groom with an ointment made from colored rice flour and scented oils.

The Wedding Reception & The Basuh Kaki Ceremony

After the Berbedak Ceremony, Yasir & Izzah had another change of dress. The final dress change was done for their actual reception and the “basuh kaki” ceremony. The “basuh kaki” or a literal translation – the washing feet – ceremony where the couples feet is placed on top of each other and family and friends would pour water over their feet symbolizing nothing less than just pouring water over the newlyweds feet. And, of course the well-wishers will give monetary gifts to the newlyweds.

Since Yasir has Chinese heritage in him, they had a simple tea ceremony after that.

Do you remember the photo above?

The story wouldn’t be completed without the mandatory-free-style-family-group photo!

After the wedding ceremony, we had couple of minutes to get the portraiture done.

I used the surrounding as the background and props for the portraiture. I knew that both Yasir & Izzah was already tired from 1 whole day of events so I had to be quick. Surprisingly, it was a great session.

I had tremendous fun during this assignment. This was a first for myself and my assistant, Majid (www.nikmajid.com). But we are looking forward to more in the future.

Without the generous and kind hospitality from both Yasir & Izzah’s family, I couldn’t have done my job as their memory maker. They treated me as part of the family and was eager to introduce me to the wedding culture of the Bruneian people.

And they have succeeded an that.