A traditional Eritrean Melsi
Solyana & Filmon
Dallas, Texas
Weddings are the most beautiful manifestation of a culture. We plunged deep into Eritrea when we captured the magic of Solyana and Filmon’s wedding events in Dallas, Texas.
After sharing their magnificent wedding day (which you can explore here), it is our pleasure to feature their fascinating traditional Melsi day.
Brace yourself, it is a visual feast…
Getting Ready
Just like on their wedding day, Solyana and Filmon got ready with their bridal party at the Omni Hotel. This time, however, they were completely transformed!
When we walked in, the girls were getting their braids and henna done. We took advantage of this time to arrange Solyana’s beautiful gold jewelry and traditional items for detail shots. We then headed to the groom’s suite to hang out with the guys and shoot some “epic” scenes for the film. When the girls were ready, they joined the party for their own set of portraits. Solyana was an absolute vision, as was everyone else that day. We had not left the hotel yet already felt immersed in Eritrean beauty and culture.
Wedding Venue
The venue for the Melsi was Winfrey Point right by the scenic White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas. Coupled with perfect weather and the most beautiful afternoon sun, we could not help but do some portraits of family members looking stunning in this natural setting. Everyone dressed in traditional Eritrean outfits for the occasion, and the venue was perfectly decorated to look like a festive village. It truly felt like like being transported to Eritrea!
Entrances
After experiencing Solyana and Filmon’s wedding day, we knew how epic the entrances of Eritrean weddings could be. The Melsi did not disappoint. Despite the smaller crowd, the amount of energy was just as high. The men carried shields and spears, while the women had long flowers and leaves to welcome the bride and groom and their wedding party to the Melsi.
After they made their big entrances, the mothers, aunts, and elder women of the family made their own special entrances to introduce the feast that would follow. They came in with drums, baskets full of food, and bottles full of fun to offer to the newly weds. Each of these unique entrances were accompanied by traditional songs, performed live by an Eritrean band (you can listen to the traditional songs and feel the energy of these fascinating moments in the film below).
Dinner & Cake
Normally this part of the night would not get featured as its own section, but Eritrean weddings treat food as a sacred ritual. Following the entrances of the women, they served the food in the baskets they carried to the bride and groom, bridal party, and all the guests at the Melsi. There was a hand washing ritual preceding eating, and then everyone dug into the delicious meal with their hands as it is done traditionally.
After dinner, a meaningful gift was offered to Solyana (an ornate leather cloak she was carried in as a baby, a symbol that it is now her turn to carry one of her own), and the cake cutting ceremony begun. This ritual is not a simple cut and move on affair, but a festive part of the night that includes traditional music, dancing, and champagne toasts galore.
Coffee Ceremony
Similarly to a tea ceremony in Eastern Asian cultures, Eritreans have a coffee ceremony. The bride and groom prepare the coffee and break the bread that goes with it, offering it to each other and to their elders as a sign of respect and union. Witnessing this process of preparing and pouring the coffee from a clay jar was one of our favorite parts of the night!
Exits
Family is of utmost importance in cultural weddings, and Eritreans are no exception. Everyone took turns getting on stage to have this monumental event together immortalized.
The elders then lined up for Solyana and Filmon to greet each of them and receive blessings for their union. Some of Solyana’s closest family unfortunately had to attend the event via the internet, but the couple still had a room full of love and support.
Just as grand as their entrances were, the newlyweds had a lively and energetic exit. The community really came together, full of joy and dancing the night away. Groups joined in circles, while sticks and flowers were waiving in the air in celebration.
Newlywed Portraits
No wedding day is complete without getting some iconic portraits of the newlyweds. The early evening backdrop of White Rock Lake proved to be a perfect setting for their love to shine in front of the camera. Sharing this moment of quiet and peace after such an eventful day was truly special. Solyana and Filmon embodied the traditional Eritrean look beautifully.
Wedding Film
We invite you to immerse yourself in Solyana and Filmon’s Melsi through the film we created for them. The music and the dancing of Eritrean culture simply cannot transcend through images alone. We were blessed with the opportunity to capture both photo and film to fully tell their story.
Enjoy :)