X-Dan_Holden
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Nov 9, 2002, 2:53 AM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: unique to culture weddings.
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I've done 2 Tea Ceremonies. Both involved the whole family crowded around so it was tough to get the best shots... Also, they were speaking Chinese the whole time so I couldn't tell what was important and what wasn't. The groom insisted I tape EVERYTHING, which I did... It's long (about 30 minutes per family, each family had a ceremony, one in the morning, one in the afternoon). It consisted of the B&G sitting, kneeling, or standing together, and their parents and/or someone else pouring tea and giving cups to almost every family member as they came to the couple to wish good luck with envelopes of "lucky money" and to share the tea. Generally, the couple gets the cups, and offer the tea to their family as thanks. Then the family member gives them the envelopes. This happens for about 20-30 family members. The B&G get tired from standing or kneeling so long... I noticed too that even some of the family members had never participated in a tea ceremony before, so I got the impression it was a tradition they were trying to keep alive, but very few knew of its importance. So don't feel like you're the odd man out, odds are some of them will be learning as much as you about the tradition. Just be steady and keep it rollin. Get shots of every family member more so than the B&G, as they will be there for long enough for you to show what they look like and them interacting, etc... Their guests/family members are important to them, so get em all. Editing is tough. For the highlight video I included brief shots of the grandparents, parents, and siblings, but no one else. They can see everyone else in the long program (which for me is basically the raw footage).
Ukrainian Orthodox... Done 1. Very long (well not too long I guess, but it was damn hot and in a small-ish church so it felt longer than it really was..) The priest sang the whole time. There was also another singing guy, the priest's helper... so if you want to capture it all (audio-wise), make sure you have another mic where the other guy is singing (if that's happening for you). There was no singing in the rehearsal so it came as a COMPLETE surprise. Plus, they do everything 3 times. Walk around the altar, signs of the cross, drink from the cup... Lots of stuff. My edited version showed 1 of everything (I think you get the point the first time:P)
Technically speaking, both are not difficult. And they are cool to experience. Make sure you have more than enough tape. And remember, most of these people are experiencing these types of ceremonies for the first time too, so don't feel like a black sheep. Good luck! Dan
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