A day about family, eating, drinking, dancing and love, this was Rob and Sanja’s wedding day. When planning their wedding, Rob and Sanja wanted to acknowledge their different backgrounds so their wedding day combined both Macedonian and Australian traditions.

Macedonian weddings usually last for days, what an endurance test! Separate celebrations happen at the bride’s and the groom’s houses, eating, drinking and dancing central to any Macedonian wedding.

Rob and Sanja’s wedding started on Thursday with Sanja’s mum, Pavlina and other ladies gathering to make flower decorations for the house, as well as singing and dancing, all of which is considered good luck.

Homemade bread is baked, the dough mixed with a wooden spoon with an apple attached to the top (apples are a sign of love). This is so the bride and groom will never be hungry, something difficult in a Macedonian wedding!

On the eve of the wedding, there was more singing and dancing. Traditionally a special wedding band comes to the house as Macedonian culture is rich with folk songs and dances dedicated to weddings.

The wedding day morning is here, traditionally, the best man will use a very knife/sword to shave the groom. This is because in ancient times, it was assumed that the groom would be too nervous to shave without cutting himself. No such worries for Rob, he was able to shave himself.

The next Macedonian tradition was for Rob to “buy” Sanja. Rob and the guys arrived at 11am, greeted by family, music, food and drink. Sanja and her attendants were safely tucked away in a bedroom (guards on the door) awaiting the purchase.

Negotiations commence. Shawn (the best man) is lead negotiator an early bid of car seat covers is quickly rejected by the “bride guards”, led by Sanja’s nephew Stojanco.

Rob’s getting nervous waiting. Finally the “right price” is offered and accepted. Sanja emerges to a special song being played by a Macedonian band, the Macedonian dance (oro) was danced all around the house. It is usually in a circle as it is believed to represent the circle of life and family.

Next is the “breaking of the bread” ceremony with Sanja’s dad Stojan and Rob’s dad Frank. This predicts who will wear the pants in the family. Both dads took this very seriously, a lot of strategising was undertaken beforehand to ensure their half of the bread was bigger and their daughter/son will be the boss. Guess who won, a picture is worth a thousand words.

And so there was more dancing, eating, drinking, laughter. My wedding photography style is largely documentary, the best place for me to photograph was to be right amongst it. Being  the one chosen to photograph such an important family event was such an honour. Thanks guys!

 A wedding ceremony waits for no one, it was soon time to depart to go to the wedding ceremony at Brisbane Golf Club.  First the boys were on their way, then the girls. Sanja and the bridesmaids did not just walk to their cars, they did it the Macedonian way dancing in her parent’s street!

Click here to see photos from Rob and Sanja’s wedding ceremony at Brisbane Golf Club.