Driving past Pymmes park and I saw what I thought was a wedding going on. There were two white horses attached to a pink carriage standing to attention on the roadside. I look at the clock and realise that I have ten minutes to spare before I have to pick up the kids. I just had to park up and take a closer look.
Inside the park there's another two white horses attached to a glass pink carriage. I ask one of the carriage riders if it was a wedding. They tell me it's a holy communion. Wow! The little girls are dressed to the nines. Big fancy white full skirted dresses. White parasols. Dainty white gloves. Tiarias and veils adorn their heads. Jewellery and full made up faces. The boys are in white suits with matching white shoes. The women...oh my. I'm not even sure I can describe what they're wearing. Tight, cocktail, frilly dresses! Their hair is impeccably done with heavily made up faces. The teenage girls are wearing tight skimpy clothes. Legs and midriff on show. Even the baby in the pushchair wasn't spared the pomp and frills.
I've watched the tv programmes about gypsy weddings so it's amazing to actually see something on the same sort of level. They definitely go all out. No expense spared. The police were present – just in case there was any trouble, I suppose.
It was unfortunate that I only had my zoom lens with me (sigh). Even though I went into the park and stood right next to them, I couldn't really get them all in. I didn't feel that I needed to ask them as I had a feeling that they may have felt that I was with the other black photographers that were there in an official capacity. Other people were taking photos as well though so maybe they're used to it. I guess, if you're in a public park then there isn't really anything you can do about people taking photos of your event.
Wow! great capture! definitely need to view large to get the whole effect. this is a real glimpse into another culture. we don't have many gypsies in the states to the best of my knowledge. Fascinating!
Excellent! I watched the TV programmes too.... utterly fascinating. The main difference is that in those programmes most of the men's faces were blurred out.....
It looks like a real progression from filly and innocent to pleather and tartishness! Interesting shot...lots to look at. I just found out last year that England had gypsys!
That's a gypsy communion!!! i saw a documentary about this. Saying that they go all out is the understatement of the century!! YOu should see their weddings!!! this one girl had lights in her gown and mechanical butterflies lol There is a bit of everything in the world.
@susanrm I thought it was being filmed but it was just the videographer.
@fueast No. Neither have I! What a sight.
@suebarni thanks for the fav Sue. The black outfit is just awful.