Jehovah’s Witness Wedding

I’m still relatively new to learning the customs of a Jehovah’s Witness wedding. It still amazes me how tight these communities are. In fact, I’m photographing one of the groomsmen’s weddings in two years. So keep an eye out for more with this group of friends.

Jehovah’s Witness Wedding ceremonies are often very traditional at a local Kingdom Hall. However, the holy scripture readings are custom selected for each couple. There are some differences from other religion-based weddings, but nothing major. There are no crosses or elaborate alters. However the couple does exchange vows and rings.

The most unique element I noticed from my first time photographing a Jehovah’s Witness wedding, are the prayers. Obviously with most cultural weddings, the prayers are pretty significant. And as such, most couples want it documented. This is not the case of Jehovah’s Witness weddings. The prayers are private and intimate. During this time, everyone participates. Including the photographer. It’s the one time I let go of my camera and simply watch what’s happening. The same goes for grace before dinner. It’s a small thing to be considerate of but it shows a great deal of respect towards this faith.

Portrait Session

The portrait formal session of this winter wedding was at the glorious Mill Race Park in Cambridge, Ontario. It’s a waterfront park just across the street from their venue, Cambridge Mill. The park’s stone wall architecture making it look almost like a ruin. I could imagine this park would function beautifully as a mini amphitheatre. We used it in a similar manner. It was the backdrop of this couple’s love story with their bridal party as the audience.

Katherine and Josh had a very clear vision of what kind of photos they wanted. Over the last few months, they sent me images from previous weddings at Cambridge Mills. It was super helpful considering this was my first time photographing at this venue. Those images gave me an idea of where the scenic spots were and ideas on how to utilize them. I wasn’t able to replicate them perfectly since this was a winter wedding, but it gave me some great insight into the coupe’s personality and what they were looking for.

Reception

The formal festivities of the evening were all held at the Cambridge Mill. I absolutely love this venue. The reception had an ancient rustic feel like an old stone castle. This couple also utilized light pink accents really give the room an elegant feel. Not gonna lie but I am becoming a fan of photographing Jehovah’s Witness Weddings. Their eye for simplicity and detail is amazing. There is definitely a fine elegance to the finished day they plan, and their timing for the day is like clockwork. The couple had a few speeches. And once the dance floor opened, everyone was out enjoying themselves. All in all, it was a very enjoyable wedding experience. I can’t wait to work with this group of friends again.

The second shooter for this wedding was Carla Evans.

 

Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep hanger
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep dress
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep dress
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep rings
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep makeup
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep makeup
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep bridesmaids
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep dress
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep getting dressed
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep getting dressed
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep portrait
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep portrait
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep portrait
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep with mom
Jehovahs Witness Wedding bride prep bridesmaids
Jehovahs Witness Wedding groom prep suit
Jehovahs Witness Wedding groom prep watch
Jehovahs Witness Wedding groom prep getting dressed
Jehovahs Witness Wedding groom prep boutonniere
Jehovahs Witness Wedding groom prep portrait
Jehovahs Witness Wedding groom prep portrait
Jehovahs Witness Wedding groom prep portrait
Jehovahs Witness Wedding ceremony bride down the aisle
Jehovahs Witness Wedding ceremony
Jehovahs Witness Wedding ceremony happy couple
Jehovahs Witness Wedding ceremony
Jehovahs Witness Wedding ceremony signing
Jehovahs Witness Wedding ceremony kiss
Jehovahs Witness Wedding ceremony exit
couple wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bridal party wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
couple wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride and groom wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride and groom wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bridesmaids wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
groomsmen wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
groomsmen wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
shoes wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bridal party wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
couple wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
couple wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
groom wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride and groom wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride and groom wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bridal party wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride and groom wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride and groom wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
groomsmen wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
groomsmen wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bridal party wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bridal bouquets wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bridesmaids wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride and bridesmaids wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride and groomsmen wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
flying veil wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
under the veil wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
under the veil wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
under the veil wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
bride and groom under the veil wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
rings wedding portrait at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception decor at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception decor at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception decor at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception couple at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception speech at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception cake at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception speech at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception bridesmaids at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception first dance at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception father daughter dance at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception dance party at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception dance party at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception dance party at Cambridge Mill
Jehovahs Witness Wedding reception dance party at Cambridge Mill