Duvens and Cassandre's wedding was the first of our season that year, and it set a very high bar for joy. A little church in Binghamton, two cultures, two languages and one couple who could not stop smiling at each other.
A multicultural wedding photographs beautifully when your team knows which traditions matter, who the key family members are and which moments will happen in which language. Share that ahead of time, let one person handle the logistics and the rest of the day can simply be about being there.
A real weddingLove needs no translation
The day started with our team split between two places, one with Cassandre and one with Duvens and his best man as everyone got ready. By the time Cassandre stepped into the car, she was glowing.
The ceremony took place in a beautiful little church in Binghamton and blended Haitian and American traditions. Not everyone in the room spoke the same language, and nobody needed to. We greeted the family with the few words of French Creole we remembered from growing up in St. Lucia, and the smiles took care of the rest.
What we remember most is how well Duvens took care of Cassandre. He handled every detail of the day so she never had to worry about a thing. All she had to do was be herself: radiant, relaxed and so proud of the man she was marrying.
The celebration moved on to the reception, where the food was a delicious mix of Haitian and American dishes and the toasts had everyone laughing. Then came the first dance, and the laughing turned into happy tears.
We edited this story in warm black and white. Their final collection included color images too, but some days just look timeless without it.
Planning tipsHow to plan a multicultural wedding your photos will do justice to
1. Tell your team which traditions matter most
Every culture has moments that can't be missed, and some of them happen fast. Send your photographer and filmmaker a short list of the traditions in your ceremony and reception, when they happen and who is involved, so nobody is changing a lens at the wrong second.
2. Share the names that matter
Make a list of the family members and elders who must be in the photos, with a note on how to pronounce their names. It makes family photos faster, and it makes everyone feel respected.
3. Let one person handle the logistics
Duvens took care of everything so Cassandre could just be present. Whether it is one of you, a planner or a trusted family member, choose one point person for the day's questions. The other half of the couple will thank you in every photo.
4. Plan for more than one language
If your ceremony, readings or toasts will be in more than one language, tell your team ahead of time. For film, it helps to know which speeches matter most so the audio is ready for them.
5. Don't forget the food
The food at a cultural wedding is part of the story. If a dish means something to your families, tell your photographer so they catch it before the guests do.
6. Ask about black and white
Black and white keeps the focus on faces, emotion and connection, and it never goes out of style. If you love the look, ask for a selection in your gallery.
FAQCommon questions
Do you photograph Haitian and Caribbean weddings?
Yes, and they feel like home to us. Some of our team grew up in St. Lucia. Tell us the traditions that matter to your families and we will plan around them.
What if our families speak different languages?
That is more common than you might think, and it is never a problem. Share which moments happen in which language, and point us to one person who can help with family photos and introductions.
Can we get both color and black and white photos?
Ask your photographer how they handle it. Duvens and Cassandre's final collection included both color and black and white images.
Do you photograph church weddings in Binghamton?
Yes. We photograph and film church ceremonies throughout Binghamton and the Southern Tier, and across New York and beyond.
Planning a wedding that blends two cultures?
Tell us your date and the traditions that matter most to your families. You can also see more real weddings and films or explore weddings in Upstate New York.
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