Portland is a beautifully diverse city, and one of the most rewarding parts of photographing weddings here is witnessing the rich tapestry of cultural traditions that couples weave into their celebrations. Whether you are blending two cultures into one ceremony or honoring generations of family heritage, incorporating cultural traditions makes your wedding deeply personal and profoundly meaningful.

Mexican and Latin American Traditions

Portland has a vibrant Latino community, and Mexican wedding traditions bring warmth, color, and joy to any celebration.

• El Lazo (The Lasso) — during the ceremony, a floral rope or rosary is draped around the couple in a figure eight, symbolizing their eternal bond. Godparents or family members place the lazo, adding layers of meaning.
• Las Arras (The Coins) — the groom gives the bride 13 gold coins, representing his commitment to provide and his trust in her. The coins are often blessed by the officiant.
• La Vibora de la Mar — a lively reception game where guests form a human chain and dance around the couple. It is chaotic, hilarious, and produces incredible candid photos.
• Mariachi music — a mariachi band at the reception or during the cocktail hour brings unmistakable energy and celebration.

South Asian Traditions

South Asian weddings are among the most visually stunning celebrations we photograph, with vibrant colors, intricate details, and multi-day festivities.

• Mehndi (Henna) — a pre-wedding celebration where the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate henna designs. This makes for gorgeous close-up photography.
• Baraat — the groom’s grand entrance, traditionally on horseback, accompanied by dancing family and friends. In Portland, we have seen baraats process through hotel lobbies, gardens, and city streets.
• Jai Mala (Garland Exchange) — the couple places floral garlands around each other’s necks, symbolizing acceptance and respect.
• Seven Steps (Saptapadi) — the couple takes seven steps around a sacred fire, each step representing a vow for their life together.

East Asian Traditions

• Chinese Tea Ceremony — the couple serves tea to their parents and elders, receiving blessings and red envelopes in return. This intimate ritual is usually held before the main ceremony.
• Japanese San-San-Kudo — a sake-sharing ceremony where the couple takes three sips each from three cups of increasing size, symbolizing the union of two families.
• Korean Paebaek — a post-ceremony tradition where the couple bows to their parents, who toss dates and chestnuts into the bride’s skirt, symbolizing wishes for fertility and prosperity.

Jewish Traditions

Jewish wedding traditions carry deep spiritual and historical significance.

• Chuppah — the ceremony takes place under a canopy supported by four poles, representing the home the couple will build together. Portland florists create stunning chuppahs with seasonal flowers and greenery.
• Ketubah signing — the marriage contract is signed before the ceremony, often as a beautifully illustrated document that becomes wall art.
• Breaking of the Glass — the groom (or both partners) stomps on a glass wrapped in cloth, and guests shout “Mazel tov!” This joyful moment is one of our favorite things to photograph.
• Hora — the traditional circle dance where the couple is lifted on chairs. It is thrilling, slightly terrifying, and always produces amazing photos.

African and African American Traditions

• Jumping the Broom — a tradition with roots in the African American experience, where the couple jumps over a decorated broom at the end of the ceremony, symbolizing sweeping away the old and welcoming the new.
• Libation Ceremony — water or another liquid is poured to honor ancestors and invite their blessings into the marriage.
• Kente cloth — incorporating traditional woven fabric into attire, decor, or the ceremony itself adds striking visual and cultural significance.

European Traditions

• Irish Handfasting — the couple’s hands are bound together with ribbon or cord, the origin of the phrase “tying the knot.” Each color of ribbon can represent a different wish for the marriage.
• Greek Stefana — two crowns connected by a ribbon are placed on the couple’s heads during the ceremony, symbolizing their union as king and queen of their household.
• Italian Confetti — sugar-coated almonds, called confetti, are given to guests in odd numbers (usually five) representing health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity.

Blending Multiple Cultures

Many Portland couples come from different cultural backgrounds and want to honor both. Here are tips for a seamless blend:

• Communicate with both families — involve parents and grandparents in choosing which traditions are most meaningful
• Work with your officiant — choose someone experienced in multicultural ceremonies who can weave traditions together naturally
• Provide context for guests — include a brief explanation of each tradition in your program so all guests feel included and informed
• Balance the timeline — make sure both cultures receive equal attention and space in the ceremony

The most beautiful multicultural weddings we have photographed are the ones where both cultures are given equal honor and respect. When guests see traditions they have never encountered before, there is a sense of wonder and connection that transforms the entire celebration.

Every Culture, Every Story

At MZ Photography, we approach every cultural tradition with respect, preparation, and genuine enthusiasm. We research traditions before each wedding so we know which moments are most significant and how to capture them beautifully.

Contact us to discuss how we will honor your cultural traditions through photography, or explore our wedding packages designed for celebrations of every style and heritage.