Destination Wedding Photographer
Immerse Yourself in Culture and Traditions – An Ethiopian Wedding in Addis
Location: Ethiopian Skylight Hotel
Emotions, music, and culture in perfect harmony
Do you also dream of getting married abroad? I met Kurat and Micki at their civil wedding ceremony at the Hochzeitsturm in Darmstadt. This lovely Eritrean-Ethiopian couple told me about their plans to celebrate a large, traditional wedding abroad with their entire family and relatives in Ethiopia. As a wedding photographer specializing in destination weddings, I love accompanying my couples to wherever they want to celebrate the happiest day of their lives. So I had the opportunity to accompany the two of them, immersing myself in the cultural traditions, exciting customs, and zest for life.
The wedding took place in the capital, Addis Ababa, over the course of three days.
TAG 1
Family celebration
On the Thursday before the actual big wedding—which usually takes place on a Saturday—the families come together. There’s plenty of delicious food, and people dance late into the evening.
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The Wedding Reception
The big day has finally arrived. The grand wedding is set to take place atthe Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, located in the capital. But before the festivities begin, tradition dictates that the groom must pick up the bride at her parents’ home. To gain entry to the house, he needs the support of his family, as both families “battle” each other at the entrance gate with music and dance. Against—or rather, in favor of—the new family member’s entry. What follows is lively rhythmic drumming and chanting, which clears the way for the groom to reach the bride. Inside the house, she waits along with the bridesmaids.
About 400 guests have been invited to the celebration at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, and for most of the evening they can’t stay in their seats—they’re dancing as if there were no tomorrow.
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Traditional Wedding
The following Monday, a small gathering of about 80 guests celebrates in traditional Ethiopian dress. The friends who traveled from Germany also dress in traditional attire. The best man and maid of honor dance into the room, clearing the way for the bride and groom. As Kurat and Micki dance into the room, no one can stay seated. Everyone stands up and sways to the sounds of the band playing a traditional wedding song. There is traditional Ethiopian coffee and, once again, plenty of delicious food. The highlight comes when the couple slips away unnoticed, only to reappear later in Eritrean wedding attire. No one saw that coming. The atmosphere is now truly electric, and the guests who traveled from Eritrea are particularly delighted by this gesture.
“Marco accompanied us on our destination wedding and captured so many wonderful memories. We couldn’t have imagined a better photographer.
Three wedding celebrations in the heart of Addis Ababa couldn’t have been captured any better! In addition to the photos, we were especially impressed by his laid-back, open, and friendly manner.”
Kurat & Micki
Would you also like to get married abroad? I would be happy to accompany you to where you would like to say "I do."