Native American Style Shoot - The Maples Venue - Woodland, CA
As seen at Real Weddings Magazine BLOG ( https://realweddingsmag.com/native-american-inspired-styled-shoot-the-maples-sacramento-weddings/ ). A collaboration with:
The Creatives Behind this Shoot:
Venue: @themapleswoodland
Photographer: @kaboo_photography
Content Creator: @beautybylisa_leticia
Creative Design and Rentals: @barnswallowrentals
Floral Designer: @elissadunnfloralstudio
Cake Designer: @letthemeatcakedavis
Hair Artist: @bridalstylistbyvd
Makeup Artist: @evgenyapromakeup
Gowns: @ellisblakebridal
Suit: @tuxedodenca
Custom Hats: @wildfleurtravelinghatbar
Jewelry: @solo_winters_ca
Native American Jewelry: Riana Tarango @diosapreciosawith Wilton Rancheria Tribe
Native American Jewelry: Nicolas Garcia with The Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo Indians
Native American Woven Basket: Native Alaskan Tribe
Native American Woven Basket: Pomo and Coast Miwok Tribe
Native Wear: Regalia of a Gourd Dancer, a prayer society from the Kiowa Nation
Native Hand Drum: Richard Flittie with Lakota Tribe
Native Blanket (featured as accessory and prop, not wrapping): Navajo
Paperie: @traditionandtribe
Textiles and linens: @bbjlatavola bbjlinen
Real Couple Models: Britanee + Freddiek // Britanee is with the Mescalero Apache tribe
Native American Singer and Officiant: Sky is Tamalko with Tomales Bay Band of the Coast Miwok Tribe
As a Hmong individual deeply connected to my own rich traditions, I’ve always appreciated the beauty and significance of cultural rituals. This personal connection inspired me to create a wedding style photoshoot blending two distinct traditions; modern American wedding aesthetics and the sacred traditions of Native American culture.
My admiration for Native American culture grew after attending local powwows, where I was captivated by the vibrant songs, dances, and intricate cultural attire. These experiences sparked a dream to honor and celebrate this incredible heritage through my photography.
That dream became a reality when Michelle at Solo in Winters, CA, approached me with an opportunity to collaborate. She connected me with Britanie, a model of Native descent, and Sky, a talented Native singer and officiant. Their guidance was invaluable, providing insights and connections that allowed me to respectfully feature elements of Native American wedding traditions.
While I understand that ceremonial rituals vary across tribes and regions, I approached this project with deep respect and a desire to authentically showcase the beauty and spirituality of Northern California Native American traditions. From the hand-tying ceremony to the smudging ritual and blanket wrapping, this photoshoot represents just a glimpse into the sacred customs of this culture.
For me, this project was about more than creating stunning imagery; it was about bridging cultures and honoring traditions with authenticity and reverence. It’s a celebration of love, unity, and the beauty of blending traditions in a meaningful way.