United Boly & Stephanie by Juvenco

Love is a matter of two persons – or so most of us think.

The truth is, love may involve just two persons in the making, but in the reality, it affects a whole village. Well, maybe not a literal village, but there are other parties included that love can get that much more complex.

This is where ‘blessings’ comes in. How often have you heard of a complicated love story, just because that blessings are in the way? Parental and family blessings usually come first in creating a harmonious relationship, followed by friends and the likes. Infact, I can hardly think of a successful relationship with little blessing from the people around them.

I personally believe in the power of blessings, as I’m sure most of all societies do. As much as we don’t like to admit, people’s approval of our other half is important. And it is not for superficial reasons too, I take it as a sign that something as ‘meant to be’. It’s significant to the flourishing of a relationship, even from the start.

For Stephanie and Boly who both hails from Bataknese cultures, The Pasu- Pasu or blessing ceremony is indeed a crucial affair. The culture of Batak is famous for its closely-knitted family system with tight patriarchy, regardless of the invasion from modern cultures or other trends. This beautiful tradition is something that they all uphold and beat close to their hearts.

I enjoyed shooting the wedding day of this beautiful couple, particularly the morning ceremony. The reason is pretty obvious – it’s a day of people’s love and blessings, of hugs and kisses, of colors and sounds. It’s a day dedicated for Stephanie and Boly, but the celebration was so rich and intimate that it might just be a day for the whole family.

Congratulations once again Stephanie and Boly! May each day of your marriage be blessed just as much as it was when it began.

MUA : Andreas Zhu