Tengku Badris and I met up to discuss his upcoming wedding back in September 2013. Career wise, he started as a news photojournalist and is currently a news editor with Agence France-Presse. He wanted unobtrusive photojournalism for his wedding to Mayuko in Negeri Sembilan.
On the day there were close to 40 overseas wedding guests from all over the world. many of whom were also photojournalists which made me quip to the groom when their coach rolled up that it “Looks like the press have arrived”. Most of them had not been to a Malay or Muslim wedding so they were fascinated and soaked up the culture and enjoyed traditional food. The Japanese guests especially enjoyed the completely new experience.
After the ceremony Tengku Bahar Idris’ mother thanked us for our being so discreet with our handling of the wedding which was particularly satisfying. A wedding photojournalist needs to move as quickly and quietly as possible as they anticipate where they need to be for each part of the ceremony, or where the best angle will be to capture the brides/grooms or other family members emotions as the story unfolds.
His Uncle HRH Tuanku Muhriz (Yamtuan Besar Negeri Sembilan) and Aunty HRH Tuanku Aishah Rohani, along with his cousins Tunku Ali Redhauddin and Tunku Zain al-’Abidin were present for the wedding and following lunch.
For the sake of their privacy I am not going to post up the photos, however they were very pleased and would like us to return to cover the next family wedding later this year.
I am looking forward to it.