SERVING: FLORIDA, GEORGIA AND BEYOND!
SEASONALLY IN NEW ENGLAND
Yesss...
Yes! We do exist. When I look up "Khmer Wedding Photographer" on Google, it saddens me that the photos are taken by people of other backgrounds. I hear too often that it was hard for my own people to find a Khmer photographer because they didn't know any at the time of their search. But here I am! Ready to photograph your wedding day!
And please don't worry if your wedding is far away, I travel :)
a khmer photographer!
And I'm ready for your
khmer wedding!
sou'sdey bong/pa-oun thung awh kneah!
These wedding photos of Khmer Weddings are filled with vibrant colors and traditions. Not only does it keep our traditions alive, but also the memories will be cherished forever. From the blessings of family to the intricate details of traditional attire, each image captures the beauty and emotion of timeless rituals. Explore my portfolio and see how I transform Khmer weddings into lasting memories.
Ready to talk about your wedding??? ..
I was born and raised in Lowell, MA, a city proudly known as Cambodian Town for its vibrant Khmer community. Growing up immersed in Khmer culture, I have a deep connection to the traditions and ceremonies that make our weddings so special. As a Khmer speaker and experienced Khmer wedding photographer, I bring both cultural understanding and a personal touch to capturing the essence of your wedding day. My background allows me to anticipate key moments while ensuring the day flows smoothly, honoring the rich heritage of Khmer weddings.
Background & Experience
I have captured countless Khmer Weddings in many different locations such as Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Lowell, Long Beach, and many more. I would be absolutely happy to travel to wherever you are!
1. Songkhaem (Groom's Procession to the Bride's House)
The groom, along with his family and friends, walks in a procession to the bride's home, bringing gifts like fruits and desserts. This represents the groom traveling to ask for the bride's hand in marriage.
2. Sien Doan Taa (Honoring the Ancestors)
Both families pay homage to their ancestors by offering fruits, flowers, and other items. This ceremony is to seek blessings from the ancestors for a harmonious and successful marriage.
3. Hai Goan Gomloh (The Groom's Introduction)
The groom presents himself at the bride's home and is welcomed by her family. It’s a symbolic gesture where the groom is accepted into the bride’s family.
4. Chey Yorng Chey Yien (Bonding the Two Families)
The two families exchange gifts and fruits, symbolizing their new bond and unity. The families are now officially joined together through marriage.
5. Sompeas Ptem (Knotted String Ceremony)
This is one of the most important parts of the wedding. Elder family members and close relatives tie red or white strings around the couple's wrists, while offering blessings for happiness, health, and prosperity.
6. Gaat Sah (Hair Cutting Ceremony)
A symbolic "haircut" is performed to represent a fresh start for the bride and groom as they enter their new life together. The act symbolizes removing the past and preparing for the future.
7. Pang Praek (Threading Ceremony)
The bride and groom sit on the ground with a white thread running across their laps. The couple's wrists are then tied together with the thread, symbolizing their bond and commitment.
8. Bay Khon Chang Dai (Holding the Umbrella of Happiness)
The couple is covered by a white scarf, held above their heads like an umbrella, to symbolize protection and blessings from the heavens. This marks the couple as sacred and protected under divine blessings.
9. Bongvel Po Pil (Circling the Sacred Fire)
The couple walks around a sacred fire three times, symbolizing the purification of their union. Fire is a powerful element that cleanses their relationship, preparing them for a future of unity and love.
10. Sompeas Pka Sla (Throwing Seeds of Harmony)
The bride and groom throw seeds of parched rice (pka sla) toward each other to represent fertility, growth, and harmony in their married life.
11. Phat Cheay (Prayers and Blessings by Monks)
Monks or Achar (religious officiants) recite prayers and blessings, invoking happiness, longevity, and harmony for the couple.
12. Bongvel (Candle Ceremony)
This final ritual involves lighting candles and circling them around the couple. Guests pass the candles in a circle while reciting blessings. The candle flame represents the eternal bond between the bride and groom.
13. Cutting the Wedding Cake
In some modern Khmer weddings, couples end the ceremony by cutting the wedding cake. This tradition is borrowed from Western influences but is often integrated into Khmer weddings today.
These ceremonies blend tradition with modern elements and can be tailored to each couple’s preferences. Some couples may choose to shorten or combine certain parts to fit the wedding schedule.
If you're overwhelmed planning your traditional Cambodian wedding, you are not alone. Listed below are all the traditional rituals. PLEASE NOTE: The majority of my bride and grooms only pick the ceremonies most important to them and their family.
Full day wedding coverage starts at $3500.
I have tried having packages but I found out quickly that there are no one size fits all package. Every client wants different things and I would like to be able to tailor your package to your specific needs.
Please reach out to me and let me know what it is that you want.
pricing is based on your needs.
click to inquire
Tailored to your Needs
Okay, seriously i don't want to waste your time. but every one wants different things!
Inquire
consultation
booking
PLANNING
wedding
delivery
Fill out the inquiry form, and I will get in-touch very shortly to book a consultation if the date is available.
I'll meet with the both of you to discuss your wedding vision and plans, and answer all your questions. We can meet in person or via zoom!
Once done with the consult, I will send you the contract and invoice to review. You'll sign the contract and pay the deposit -- BOOKED!
We'll meet a couple times before the wedding to touch base. 2 weeks prior to the wedding I will finalize a photography timeline for your day.
Best. Day. Ever. It's time for the big celebration! And we're going to have so much fun together!
Your wedding gallery will be completed within 4-6 weeks! Once it is done, I will send you an e-mail with a link to your gallery. You can share the gallery with your friends and family!
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reliability & quality
Choosing me as your wedding photographer for your Khmer wedding means selecting someone who not only understands the cultural intricacies but also deeply respects and cherishes them. As a Khmer myself, I bring an authentic connection to every ritual, tradition, and nuance of your special day, ensuring that the beauty and significance of your celebration are captured with the utmost sensitivity and precision. My extensive experience with Khmer weddings allows me to seamlessly blend into the festivities, documenting each moment with an appreciation for the rituals that make your wedding unique.
With me, you can trust that your precious memories will be preserved through a lens that truly understands and honors the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Khmer culture.