I don't normally do engagement shoots, but when my good friend Tom, and bride-to-be Salena asked me to take photos at their engagement, I was more than happy to comply! I wasn't there on official business; instead, I was there as a friend and photography enthusiast, which is exactly what I wanted.

Tom and I met in university, and have known each other now for almost 14 years. I met Salena when she first got together with Tom, and couldn't be happier for both them! Tom is Polish, and Salena is Vietnamese. In keeping with Vietnamese cultural practices, they held a traditional Vietnamese engagement ceremony at Salena's house, surrounded by friends and family from both sides. Here's a photo from the tea ceremony. During the tea ceremony, the groom-to-be offers tea to the bride-to-be's parents. The bride-to-be in turn offers tea to the groom-to-be's parents.

There were lots of pictures taken at this ceremony. I love pictures of people taking pictures.

Salena's brother took a number of formal shots with his big 'ole fancycam. I've mentioned time and again that formal shots just aren't my thing. So I obviously took a different angle and aimed to capture the more candid, day-in-the-life moments. Like capturing photographers and videographers at work. I'm so sneaky...
 

After the ceremony, there was a reception. There was an abundance of food, and it was absolutely delicious. Most of the food was Vietnamese, of course! Some of it was even home-made, like the spring rolls below. They were yummy, by the way. I had three or four of them!

My hubby and daughter were there too. I snuck in this picture of the two of them goofing off during lunch.

And of course, let's not forget some photos of the happy couple. Check out this photo that I snuck in when they weren't looking. Muhahahaha...

And this one. I am so damn sneaky.

And finally, here's one of my hubby taking a photo of another friend of ours, the friend's girlfriend, and the happy couple.

All in all it was a great day, being in the company of good friends, eating some great food, and of course, taking pictures!