Veriozka & Johannes
[[We didn’t have to wait long for the wedding of Veriozka and Johannes. In fact, we had to rush quite a lot - it was calm friday evening and we we’re resting in Puno, next to famous lake Titicaca, Janka was writing some emails - and got almost immediate reply from María, Hacienda Sarapampa. She let us know, that there will be a beautiful traditional wedding… but it’s happening tomorrow in Cusco, 400km from us, about 7 hours of driving. Well, what could we do, it was 9PM and the wedding ceremony was scheduled for saturday noon? We quickly packed everything, took a shower, picked up the car from the garage and drove all night to Cusco, so we won’t miss this unique oportunity.///We didn’t have to wait long for the wedding of Veriozka and Johannes. In fact, we had to rush quite a lot - it was calm friday evening and we we’re resting in Puno, next to famous lake Titicaca, Janka was writing some emails - and got almost immediate reply from María, Hacienda Sarapampa. She let us know, that there will be a beautiful traditional wedding… but it’s happening tomorrow in Cusco, 400km from us, about 7 hours of driving. Well, what could we do, it was 9PM and the wedding ceremony was scheduled for saturday noon? We quickly packed everything, took a shower, picked up the car from the garage and drove all night to Cusco, so we won’t miss this unique oportunity.///Na svadbu Veriozky a Johannesa sme výnimočne nemuseli čakať dlho, práve naopak, museli sme sa trošku poponáhľať. Na náš e-mail nám odpovedala Maria z Haciendy Sarapampa, že chystajú krásnu tradičnú svadbu, ale už túto sobotu v Cuscu, zatiaľ čo my sme boli takmer 400 km južnejšie. Tak sme sa v piatok večer rýchlo zbalili, hodili rýchlu sprchu, vyzdvihli auto z garáže a v noci švihali do Cusca, aby sme nezmeškali túto jedinečnú príležitosť.]]
[[Next morning, we were there - in the gorgeous colonial style hacienda, set in the deep, sunny and mountain-locked Sacred Valley next to Cusco - the capital of the Inka. Hacienda Sarapampa opened its gates just one year ago, but María surrounded herself with a perfectly coordinated team of professionals. Actually, it all started with María’s wedding - she decided that their wedding, which she organized at their own hacienda, had to have local traditions. It went so well that many of their friends were persuading María to open the hacienda to the public and organize weddings and events there. And so they did, and now it's a very popular place for destination wedding in Peru :) When we arrived, the open-air area behind the hacienda was converted into a beautiful venue for the wedding reception. The decor was simply amazing, our eyes (and cameras) just didn’t know where to focus first :) The place had a balanced feeling and the flower decorations gave it a beautiful scent of roses and freesia.///Next morning, we were there - in the gorgeous colonial style hacienda, set in the deep, sunny and mountain-locked Sacred Valley next to Cusco - the capital of the Inka. Hacienda Sarapampa opened its gates just one year ago, but María surrounded herself with a perfectly coordinated team of professionals. Actually, it all started with María’s wedding - she decided that their wedding, which she organized at their own hacienda, had to have local traditions. It went so well that many of their friends were persuading María to open the hacienda to the public and organize weddings and events there. And so they did, and now it's a very popular place for destination wedding in Peru :) When we arrived, the open-air area behind the hacienda was converted into a beautiful venue for the wedding reception. The decor was simply amazing, our eyes (and cameras) just didn’t know where to focus first :) The place had a balanced feeling and the flower decorations gave it a beautiful scent of roses and freesia.///Ráno sme sa ocitli v priestoroch haciendy obklopenej krásnymi horami v Posvätnom údolí Inkov (Sacred Valley/Valle Sagrado). Hacienda Sarampa otvorila svoje dvere hosťom už druhú sezónu a Maria sa obklopila perfektne zohraným tímom ľudí. Všetko to začalo Marinou svadbou, ktorá sa rozhodla, že na ich svadbe nemôžu chýbať lokálne tradície. Svadba mala taký úspech, že viacerí priatelia presviedčali Mariu, aby svoju haciendu otvorili verejne aj na ostatné svadby a eventy. A tak teda aj urobili - a teraz je ich hacienda veľmi populárnym miestom na svadbu v zahraničí, tzv. destination wedding. Na otvorenom zadnom priestranstve vytvorili prekrásne priestory na svadobnú hostinu. Keď sme prišli, prípravy boli v plnom prúde a my sme sa mohli potešiť pohľadom na krásne vyzdobené priestory. Dekorácie navzájom harmonicky ladili a kvetinová výzdoba príjemne voňala ružami, fréziami, ihličnanmi, ktoré rástli naokolo.]]
[[The wedding started with the christian ceremony in a church located in a city just few minutes from the hacienda.///The wedding started with the christian ceremony in a church located in a city just few minutes from the hacienda.///Celá svadba začínala cirkevným obradom v kostole, ktorý sa nachádzal pár minut v priľahlom mestečku.]]
[[During the ceremony, we were surprised by a few of local traditions - the first was that the family brought numerous symbolic gifts to the church.///During the ceremony, we were surprised by a few of local traditions - the first was that the family brought numerous symbolic gifts to the church.///Počas cirkevného obradu nás prekvapili niektorými tradíciami. Napríklad rodina priniesla viaceré symbolické dary do kostola.]]
[[After exchanging vows and rings, the priest blessed coins (“las arras”), gave them to the groom - and then he put them to the hands of his bride. The exchange was symbolizing that the groom will be able to take care of the family and the bride is accepting this and is giving him her full trust. Nowadays it also symbolizes mutual support and responsibilities. These coins are given to the newlyweds after the wedding.///After exchanging vows and rings, the priest blessed coins (“las arras”), gave them to the groom - and then he put them to the hands of his bride. The exchange was symbolizing that the groom will be able to take care of the family and the bride is accepting this and is giving him her full trust. Nowadays it also symbolizes mutual support and responsibilities. These coins are given to the newlyweds after the wedding.///Po výmene manželských sľubov a obrúčok kňaz požehnal mince (“las arras”), následne ich podal ženíchovi, ktorý ich vložil do rúk nevesty. Mince si vymenili na znak, že manžel bude schopný postarať sa o rodinu a manželka tak akceptuje a dáva mu svoju plnú dôveru. V súčasnosti symbolizujú aj vzájomnú podporu a zodpovednosť. Mince ostávajú po obrade novomanželom.]]
[[Veriozka and Johannes then received a long wedding cord(lasso), that was wrapped around them as a symbol of their eternal connection. The bride then keeps the lasso - Vera was wearing it the whole evening and it suited her very well :)///Veriozka and Johannes then received a long wedding cord(lasso), that was wrapped around them as a symbol of their eternal connection. The bride then keeps the lasso - Vera was wearing it the whole evening and it suited her very well :)///Neskôr dostali mladomanželia dlhú retiazku (“lasso”), ktorú okolo nich ovinuli ako symbol večného spojenia. Retiazka ostáva neveste a Vera ju nosila po zvyšok večera a veľmi jej pristala. :) ]]
[[After the ceremony, the newlyweds were welcomed by a band playing traditional music and artists with traditional masks from Cusco - these are worn during various celebrations in the area. The artists were quite amusing and very entertaining, walking and dancing between the guests - and in the beginning, they surrounded Veriozka and Johannes, holding long colourful ribbons. Another two were throwing small paper planes from the church. :)///After the ceremony, the newlyweds were welcomed by a band playing traditional music and artists with traditional masks from Cusco - these are worn during various celebrations in the area. The artists were quite amusing and very entertaining, walking and dancing between the guests - and in the beginning, they surrounded Veriozka and Johannes, holding long colourful ribbons. Another two were throwing small paper planes from the church. :)///Po obrade čakala na hostí hudobná skupina, ktorá hrala tradičnú hudbu a umelci v tradičných maskách z Cusca, ktoré nosia počas rôznych slávností (okienko ľúbozvučnej slovenčiny: umelcov môžeme nazvať aj kaukliarmi či eskamotérmi :). Prechádzali sa pomedzi hosťami, zabávali ich, a na začiatku obkolesili mladomanželov (s niečim čo pripomínalo náš prvý máj). Zhora hádzali papierové lietadielka a veselo poskakovali a tancovali.]]
[[After quick transfer back to the hacienda, the guests were welcomed by ladies dressed in andean folklore costumes and the artists continued to entertain everybody around. It was time for a cocktail hour - everything was ready and there was a lot of beautifully arranged and decorated food. We especially liked the local ceviche (Peruvian famous dish, raw fish cooked in lemon juice, accompanied with vegetables and fresh herbs). Thanks to the perfect food and the amusing artists, the guests were taken care of until the bride & groom arrived. Now it was time for the traditional andean ceremony.///After quick transfer back to the hacienda, the guests were welcomed by ladies dressed in andean folklore costumes and the artists continued to entertain everybody around. It was time for a cocktail hour - everything was ready and there was a lot of beautifully arranged and decorated food. We especially liked the local ceviche (Peruvian famous dish, raw fish cooked in lemon juice, accompanied with vegetables and fresh herbs). Thanks to the perfect food and the amusing artists, the guests were taken care of until the bride & groom arrived. Now it was time for the traditional andean ceremony.///Pri vchode hostí vítali dámy v lokálnych andských krojoch a miestni umelci v tradičných kostýmoch naďalej zabávali hostí. Okrem iného hostí čakalo aj nádherne pripravené občerstvenie (vrátane veľmi vydareného Peruánskeho Ceviche - špecialita z surovej ryby, "uvarenej" v citrónovej šťave, spolu s zeleninou a bylinkami - odporúčam ísť ochutnať sem v Bratislave), pri ktorom si ochotne skrátili čakania na novomanželov a tradičný andský svadobný obrad.]]
[[The andean ceremony was led by shaman Paco Sebastian from a small community living in the neighbouring Andes. He began by thanking the Mother Earth (Pachamama) and reflecting about our relationship with her - because everybody is connected to her and after our death we are coming back to her again. During the andean ceremony, the shaman is preparing “despacho” - a ritual sacrifice for the Pachamama, in order to honor her and ask her to hear our prayers.///The andean ceremony was led by shaman Paco Sebastian from a small community living in the neighbouring Andes. He began by thanking the Mother Earth (Pachamama) and reflecting about our relationship with her - because everybody is connected to her and after our death we are coming back to her again. During the andean ceremony, the shaman is preparing “despacho” - a ritual sacrifice for the Pachamama, in order to honor her and ask her to hear our prayers.///Andský obrad viedol šaman Paco Sebastian. Začal poďakovaním Matke Zeme (Pachamama) a úvahou o našom vzťahu k nej, pretože sme s ňou všetci prepojení a naviazaní na ňu a po našej smrti sa k nej opäť vraciame. Počas andskej svadobnej ceremónie šaman pripravuje “despacho” - obetu na uctenie si Matky Zeme a požiadanie ju o vypočutie prosieb.]]
[[Three leaves of coca (shamrock) is called koka kintu in the andean cultures. It signifies the gift of god Inti and symbolizes three worlds - the divine, human and posthumous. The shaman prepared the koka kintu for the bride and groom, together with flower petals. Meanwhile, the guests also picked three coca leaves for them as well.///Three leaves of coca (shamrock) is called koka kintu in the andean cultures. It signifies the gift of god Inti and symbolizes three worlds - the divine, human and posthumous. The shaman prepared the koka kintu for the bride and groom, together with flower petals. Meanwhile, the guests also picked three coca leaves for them as well./// Trojlístok koky je v andskej kultúre označovaný ako “koka kintu” a znamená dar od boha Inti, symbolizuje tri svety - božský, ľudský a posmrtný. Šaman pripravil pre mladomanželov trojlístky spolu s lupeňmi kvetov. Hostia si počas obradu mali tiež vybrať tri lístky koky.]]
[[The sacrifice (despacho) is prepared on traditional Andean woven fabrics, which represent the masculine and feminine balance. White paper is then placed on the fabric to form a basis for clarity. Then shaman adds coca shamrocks with flower petals. Flower petals (red for the Mother Earth and white for the mountains) are then arranged on the paper in different shapes depending on the purpose and individuality of the shaman. During the ceremony, the shaman(or spouses and their families) is softly blowing in the coca tri-leaves and so symbolizes transferring the prayers and wishes to the leaves, which he then places with the flower petals on the despacho. After the foundation of the sacrifice is prepared, the shaman further adds more symbolic elements, such as raisins, seeds, corn, beans, peanuts, quinoa (representing mainly abundance, prosperity, harmony and happiness); a lot of brown sugar and a variety of small sweets (so they have a sweet life), starfish, gold and silver elements, white corn (symbolizes wealth), confetti, miniature of man and woman (or even minuature cars) and many others.
Finally, the shaman blesses the newly-weds. Despacho is not to remain with the newlyweds, but is ritually burned after the ceremony, in the presence of the shaman only.///The sacrifice (despacho) is prepared on traditional Andean woven fabrics, which represent the masculine and feminine balance. White paper is then placed on the fabric to form a basis for clarity. Then shaman adds coca shamrocks with flower petals. Flower petals (red for the Mother Earth and white for the mountains) are then arranged on the paper in different shapes depending on the purpose and individuality of the shaman. During the ceremony, the shaman(or spouses and their families) is softly blowing in the coca tri-leaves and so symbolizes transferring the prayers and wishes to the leaves, which he then places with the flower petals on the despacho. After the foundation of the sacrifice is prepared, the shaman further adds more symbolic elements, such as raisins, seeds, corn, beans, peanuts, quinoa (representing mainly abundance, prosperity, harmony and happiness); a lot of brown sugar and a variety of small sweets (so they have a sweet life), starfish, gold and silver elements, white corn (symbolizes wealth), confetti, miniature of man and woman (or even minuature cars) and many others.
Finally, the shaman blesses the newly-weds. Despacho is not to remain with the newlyweds, but is ritually burned after the ceremony, in the presence of the shaman only.///Obeta (despacho) sa pripravuje na andských tradičných tkaných látkach, ktoré reprezentujú mužskú a ženskú rovnováhu. Na látku sa položí biely papier ako základ na jasnosť. Následne pridáva trojlístky koky s lupeňmi kvetov. Lupene kvetov (červené pre Matku Zem a biele pre hory) sa ukladajú do rôznych tvarov v závislosti od účelu a individuality šamana. Počas obradu šaman (prípadne manželia a ich rodina) do trojlístkov koky fúka a symbolizuje tak prenesenie prosieb a želaní do lístkov, ktoré potom s lupeňmi kvetov položí na despacho. Potom ako je pripravený základ obety šaman pridáva ďalšie symbolické prvky, ako napríklad sušené hrozienka, semiačka, kukuricu, fazuľu, arašidy, quinou (reprezentujúce hlavne hojnosť, blahobyt, harmóniu a šťastie), veľa sladkého ako hnedý cukor a rôzne drobné sladkosti (na sladký život), morskú hviezdicu, zlaté a strieborné prvky, bielu kukurica (bohatstvo), konfety, miniatúrky muža a ženy, auta a mnohé iné.
Na záver mladomanželov požehnal. Despacho neostáva mladomanželom, ale obradne sa spaľuje len za prítomnosti šamana.]]
[[After 10 months of travelling, we’ve finally seen the traditional cueca dance as well :)///After 10 months of travelling, we’ve finally seen the traditional cueca dance as well :)///Po 10 mesiacoch cestovania sme konečne videli naživo aj na svadbe tradičný tanec cueca. :)]]
[[The parents surprised the newlyweds with one more older tradition - they pinned bills of money to their dresses. This tradition is still alive in the region :)///The parents surprised the newlyweds with one more older tradition - they pinned bills of money to their dresses. This tradition is still alive in the region :)///Rodičia prekvapili novomanželov ešte jednou staršou tradíciou, keď pripli bankovky na odev novomanželov. Táto tradícia už v mestách pomaly vymiera, no na vidieku je stále silná.]]
[[Veriozka and Johannes, we wish you a lot of luck, love, patience and mutual understanding. It was a pleasure to be part of your day and the beginning of your life together. We hope and wish that that life would be as sweet and harmonious as Sebastian had mixed for you :)///Veriozka and Johannes, we wish you a lot of luck, love, patience and mutual understanding. It was a pleasure to be part of your day and the beginning of your life together. We hope and wish that that life would be as sweet and harmonious as Sebastian had mixed for you :)///Veriozka & Johannes, prajeme Vám veľa šťastia, lásky, trpezlivosti a vzájomného porozumenia. Bolo nám veľkým potešením byť súčasťou Vášho výnimočného dňa a začiatku spoločného života. Dúfame, že bude aspoň taký sladký a harmonický ako Vám namiešal Sebastián. :)]]
[[We are also very, very grateful to María from Hacienda Sarapampa, who gave us the opportunity to visit their lovely hacienda and witness the unique and inspiring wedding. Thank you so much for your hospitality and warm-hearted approach. Thanks also to Jusef, for the warm welcome and showing us your beautiful home and the rich history of the hacienda and the region. It was a genuine pleasure meeting you, I hope we’ll see each other again - either on a destination wedding here in Cusco (I’m available to photograph a wedding in Cusco anytime :) ) or in Europe. We wish you a lot of success in your work and personal life as well. Take care! :)///We are also very, very grateful to María from Hacienda Sarapampa, who gave us the opportunity to visit their lovely hacienda and witness the unique and inspiring wedding. Thank you so much for your hospitality and warm-hearted approach. Thanks also to Jusef, for the warm welcome and showing us your beautiful home and the rich history of the hacienda and the region. It was a genuine pleasure meeting you, I hope we’ll see each other again - either on a destination wedding here in Cusco (I’m available to photograph a wedding in Cusco anytime :) ) or in Europe. We wish you a lot of success in your work and personal life as well. Take care! :)///Naša vďaka patrí aj Marii z Haciendy Sarapampa, ktorá nám umožnila, hoci aj na poslednú chvíľu, prísť na ich krásnu haciendu a zúčastniť sa tejto výnimočnej a prekrásnej svadby. Ďakujeme za tvoju pohostinnosť a srdečný prístup. Rovnako ďakujeme aj Jusefovi, za to že ste nás u vás privítali a ukázali nám váš prekrásny domov a bohatú históriu. Bolo nám potešením spoznať vás - dúfame, že sa ešte niekedy uvidíme, či už v Cuscu (ak niekto chce svadbu na krásnom mieste v zahraničí, veľmi rád s vami vycestujem ako fotograf napríklad sem do Peru :) ) , alebo aj v Európe. :) Želáme vám veľa pracovných ale aj osobných úpechov!]]
Ivan & Janka