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NEWS.am STYLE Exclusive. Famous Photographer Aaron Spagnolo On Photographing Armenian Weddings

12:02, December 8

Famous photograoer Aaron Spagnolo is mostly engaged in photographing Armenian weddings. The photographer who has also worked with a lot of celebrities says that he especially enjoys capturing the most important moments of people’s lives. Why Aaron decided to work on Armenian weddings? NEWS.am STYLE has had a talk with the famous photographer.

-Aaron, there are too many nationalities, which also have interesting traditions. Why did you decide to photograph Armenian weddings

-In a sense, I was invited to tell Armenian stories. My wife (who is Armenian) and I are involved in the Boston Armenian community. I generally help out through my photography work.  For example, on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide Centennial, I worked with Boston’s Armenian Genocide Centennial committee to cover the events taking place in Boston, and get the photographs out to the media. I try to help through what I love doing most—photography. Other events I’ve covered include Catholicos Aram I’s visit earlier this year, the unveiling of the Armenian Heritage Park a few years ago, and genocide commemoration events. I’ve been interacting with the community for enough time that I think they’ve come to know me, and hopefully have enjoyed my work. 

-What according to you is the most interesting thing about Armenian weddings? 

-The smell of the Armenian Church is always the first thing that comes to mind—Armenian churches have that lingering smell of incense. It’s actually something I look forward to when I know I will be at church service. The other element, because I do like to capture a bit of humor, is the reaction of non-Armenians who are either getting married or are involved in the wedding ceremony.

The Armenian service is a bit different than for example a Roman Catholic service; it’s longer, providing more time to get good photos; it’s full of traditional practices, such as the placing of crowns on the couple, the best man (godfather) holding the cross over the couple’s heads; and the beautiful curtains opening and closing. Sometimes I notice the confusion on a non-Armenian’s face. 

-What was the most extraordinary Armenian wedding, you have photographed? Can you remember any interesting and funny things? 

-I remember one wedding, where the non-Armenian best man was holding the cross over the couple’s heads; his arm began to shake, and you could clearly see him wondering: How long do I have to hold this cross for? And I remember the smirk on the bride’s face. 

The Armenian communities I’ve been involved with seem to generally look at their church as the centerpiece of their community, and I really respect that. Armenians are always quick to tell me they were the first Christians, so their ceremony might well be the oldest of its type. As far as being a wedding photographer, it’s a cool place to be! 

-Apart from weddings you are taking photos of famous people, like Serj Tankian, members of Aerosmith... What do you prefer more: photographing famous stars, or weddings? 

-I will say that while it can be cool to photograph someone famous, I love the more personal reactions I get from weddings. For example, I am often thanked for my easy going attitude, and the way I work with people on the wedding day. I’ve been told that I just make it more fun and more memorable just by being there, I often laugh and remind them to wait to see the photos before giving such praise.

Serj was definitely high up on my personal cool list, as I’ve always been a fan of his music. Before I met and married my wife his music had a role in my learning about Armenians and their history.

I’ve photographed public figures, historians, and writers in the Diaspora—such as author Chris Bohjalian, and alternative radio founder David Barsamian. I’ve even had the chance to point my camera at President Serge Sarkisianin a village near the Georgian boarder(we happened to be driving by the village as he was there campaigning ahead of the 2012 Parliamentary election). Of course, Catholicos Aram I was another big one—he was in Boston a few months ago as part of his visit to the East Coast Armenian communities. 

-You’ve also  been to Armenia . Tell us about it. 

-Soon after we got married in 2011, my wife was scheduled to travel to Armenia for work. We hadn’t planned a honeymoon, so we said, why not, let’s make this a trip for two. We were there for three weeks.

We visited Artsakh and Javakhk as well. It was an incredible experience for me. I especially enjoyed my time in Artsakh—the people are warm and proud. I also loved visiting Khntsoresk, and sampling wine in Areni. We went to many old churches. We were also in Yerevan on April 24, and went to Tsitsernakapert and laid flowers there. I made some new friends, and took many great photos. We also ran into Chris Bohjalian there.

I ended up taking his photograph in front of William Saroyan’s statue—Chris now insists it’s one of his favorite photographs! I loved the country—exploring ancient structures and churches—just about everywhere I looked there was beauty.

Syune Arakelyan


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