January 20, 2016
There are one thousand three hundred and forty tribes in Indonesia (1340) according to the central bureau of statistics in 2010. The Javanese is the biggest tribe comprising of 41percent of the total population. They originate from the Java Island, but mostly in Central Java and East Java. There are approximately more than 86 million Javanese people in Indonesia. It is no wonder that the most frequent and familiar wedding is the Javanese traditional wedding.
There are several variations of Javanese wedding, depending on the custom and social standing of the couple. In this case, the wedding rituals in the photos include Slametan, Siraman, Ijab (because the couple is Muslim), and the Reception.
The Slametan was first, which is a praying ritual to ask god for his blessings on the couple. In Siraman, the bride and groom to be are showered at their respective homes by families and close friends. Prayers are also given hoping for a good tide. The Ijab is when the couple is unified as husband and wife through a religious ceremony. They are adorned in white to symbolize purity. Lastly, the Reception, which is the celebration, where the newly-weds wear traditional Javanese wedding clothes. The photographs were taken some in colour and some in black and white to convey different moods. The colourful ones are the festivities, while the black and white romanticize the moments between the two lovers.
We love photographing weddings, especially traditional ones because we get the chance to preserve heritage. Every wedding is unique and we want to capture those moments to pass them on. Through photos, the latter generations can learn and continue the customs of their ancestors. With the influence of the Western culture in many aspects of life, it is nice to see that some old ways of life are still maintained.
Photographer : Luke, Alex, Thomas, & Armand – The Leonardi
Make Up: Adi Adrian
Payes & Kampuhan: Ibu Tinuk
Decor: Ebimoekti
MC: Ferdy Hasan & Ibu Tinuk
Wedding Organizer: Tiara Josodirdjo & Associates