Macedonian Wedding Photography

Traditional, contemporary & creative Macedonian Wedding Photography covering the tri-state area of NJ, NY, CT & PA.

MACEDONIAN AMERICANS WEDDING TRADITIONS

Macedonian Americans have continued to celebrate many wedding traditions from earlier generations. The night before the wedding ( kolak or kvas ) is spent feasting and dancing. The next morning, friends and family of the groom gather at his home for the groom-shaving ritual. The godparents, known as kym and kyma, ceremoniously give the groom his last shave as a single man as the guests sing, dance, and feast. During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom, sometimes joined by their fathers, participate in the "breaking of the bread" to see who will "wear the pants" in the new household. After the wedding ceremony, the male members of the wedding party often perform the Macedonian Pig Dance at the reception. Holding bottles of wine as well as forks and knives, they dance into the reception area carrying a roasted pig. They dance, shout, and whistle in front of the kym and kyma, demanding "payment" for the feast, and continue until the pig bearer is satisfied with the amount paid.

Traditional Macedonian Wedding Customs

Once a year in the city of Galicnik, Macedonia a traditional Macedonian wedding takes place. This event is held in the beginning of July and it a reminder of the past. The sound of drums and trumpets echoes through mount Bistra and the valley of the river Radika. The people from Galicnik and some 7.000 quests from the Republic of Macedonia and from U.S.A, Germany, Austria, Italy, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and some other countries. Every wedding tradition and ritual is followed with great interest and attention and all of this was captured on photo and film cameras.

In the front yard of the bride's house, little boys and girls are dressed in the traditional clothes that originate from Galicnik. The older folks dance the "Hard Dance" which symbolizes the people of the region. On the second day of the traditional wedding, the groom and his relatives invite the Godfather to join the celebration. The groom is then shaved and traditional songs are sung: " Nejke zetot berber da go brici, tuk mi saka mlad pobratim...". Finallly the in-laws carry out a custom "Bodinjanje" where they race to bride's home to see who will get here first. Many traditions include giving presents, carrying the dowey, and taking the bride. During the two days, the guests get a glimpse of the richness and atmosphere of a Mecdonian weding in the past.

If you are planning to celebrate a Macedonian wedding, you are at the right place. Images by Gustav offers traditional Macedonian Wedding Photography in the tri-state area. If you are planning a wedding in New Jersey or New York, we offer the best wedding services in the state. On your special day, we work tirelessly to photograph every unfolding event because we understand the importance of capturing all of the special moments. We are always discrete and never interrupt the natural flow of the drama. Please give us a call to book your Macedonian wedding now.