Harmela and Abel’s Traditional Wedding at Kahler Hall in Columbia, MD – Wedding Photographer in Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia

Some say it was love at first sight. Some say they don’t know when it happened – love just crept up on them. Regardless of how fast a couple falls in love, they say that it’s friendship that makes a marriage. Few people understand this better than Harmela and Abel – two people who were friends for 10 years before they wed. Harmela and Abel met while they were still both in school, and though it would be another 2 years before he proposed, Abel asked her then what kind of ring she would like to have. The two hit it off well, and their friends strongly encouraged them to date, though they remained friends themselves for a very long time.

When Abel did propose, he took Harmela out to dinner at Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown in Washington DC – in the very same booth where JFK proposed to his wife, Jackie. Of course, Harmela said yes, and the two began planning for their big day. If there is one thing this beautiful couple understands – it’s the importance of roots. And not only do they both love their families very much, but they decided to have a traditional Ethiopian wedding in addition to a white wedding – and that’s when we at Judah Avenue caught up to them.

Their traditional wedding took place at Kahler Hall in Columbia, MD, and what a celebration it was! In Ethiopian culture, two days before the ceremony takes place, the bride and groom have a celebration known as a Telosh – it’s a celebration that primarily focuses on the groom and his family providing gifts for the bride. Then, when the day arrives, both the bride and groom get ready for the ceremony in their parents’ houses.Harmela looked simply gorgeous in her traditional gown, and the henna she had painted up her arms added such a regal touch, she looked like a goddess. Abel, too, looked sharp in his own traditional attire, matching his bride in an elegant way – it was clear this couple is meant to be together!The groom picks up the bride, and the families follow them to the hall where the ceremony will take place. Upon arrival, designated photographers shoot photos of the bride and groom before they enter the building. When the bride and groom arrive in the hall, their grandparents and great grandparents greet them and give them their blessings – a beautiful sight for anyone to see!

Everyone was dressed in traditional attire, and they looked like they were celebrating in the middle of the enchanting Ethiopia itself. Lunch immediately follows, and what a time of celebration it is! All the bridesmaids and groomsmen rise to meet the couple, and flowers are spread all about the room by little flower girls. Everyone talks and laughs while they share the meal, and often, a priest with come in and join the two families for lunch.

After lunch and the cake is cut, the bride and groom then take the time to take pictures with every guest in the room. As you can see by the joyful looks on the faces of everyone surrounding this couple, it is clear that they are very well loved. Traditional songs fill the occasion, and we were pleased to snap photos of every moment!

Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your traditional wedding, it’s clear that you are going to have a real passion for your history, your families, and each other. All of us here at Judah Avenue want to extend our congratulations. If you are a guest who just wants to say hello to us you can do so on our Instagram page @judahavenue, or if you engaged and looking for a wedding or engagement photographer in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, you can connect with us at (240) 643-4708 or make an appointment to visit our studio at 718 Cloverly Street, Silver Spring, MD 20905. Our email is info@judahavenue.com

Enjoy more beautiful scenes from their wedding on their Ethiopian wedding here: http://www.judahavenue.com/2017/07/harmela-and-abels-wedding-at-the-oak-room-in-sandy-spring-md-wedding-photographer-in-maryland-virginia-washington-dc/