As a wedding photographer in Tucson, the chance to photograph a Buddhist wedding may only come around once in a career, if at all. After photographing more than four hundred weddings, Chris and Cathy are the first couple to award me that rare opportunity, not to mention the best view in the house.
Located in the southern portion of the city, the Wat Buddhametta is the only Buddhist temple in all of Tucson. I am thankful to the abbot and all the monks there, for allowing me to move about, with discretion, while capturing these unique images. If you have never seen a Buddhist, wedding ceremony, this is your chance. First, I should tell you, it is customary to take your shoes off, before entering the shrine. So be sure your socks do not have any holes in them. Also, you must not wear black apparel of any sort.
The wedding ceremony traditionally takes place in the morning, at nine o’clock. The number 9 is auspicious in Buddhism. Wedding ceremonies, of any faith, rarely start on time, however. If the usual happens, the next acceptable starting time is 9:09 am, then 9:19 am and so forth, until there are no more nines left in the ninth hour. As it was, Chris and Cathy’s ceremony did not get got under way until 9:49 am.
Nuptials began with the groom greeting each of the monks, as they entered the shrine one by one, followed by the bride’s first appearance. Together, the bride and groom say a prayer and greet the monks, before lighting candles and incense.
The act of tying white string around the couple’s wrists symbolizes the couple’s commitment to each other and the unbreakable bond of marriage.
Inside, the Wat Buddhametta is very ornate and rich with color.
The abbot (head monk) blesses the marriage couple by painting 3 dots of white powder on their foreheads.
Buddhist philosophy provides that marriage should be based upon a foundation of mutual respect and equality in their relationship.
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Exchanging rings is optional in Buddhist weddings.
The bride and groom, along with family members, offer customary gifts to the monks.
Chris and Cathy’s wedding was marked with prayer and chants from the monks, in stretches throughout the ceremony. The traditional orange robes worn by Buddhist monks dates back many centuries, when orange was the primary dye available.
In return for their chanting and blessings, the wedding couple give food to the monks before leaving the room to allow the monks to eat.
The ceremony concluded with the water blessing ceremony. Two connected circles, made from thread, are first laid on the bride and grooms’ heads, symbolizing their individuality and continuity. Later, conch shells were used by each guest, to gently pour water over the hands of the newly-weds.
I would like thank Chris and Cathy, for having me as their wedding photographer. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the monks at the Wat Buddhametta, for letting me into their home. I truly enjoyed the experience! God Bless you all!
