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
-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
-You’ve also been to
-Soon after we got married in 2011, my wife was scheduled to travel to
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
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
Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
12:19, May 13
Julia Fox is celibate for over 2 years11:18, May 13
Jennifer Lopez: I'm thinner than ever10:16, May 13
Actor Steve Buscemi is attacked while walking on New York streets21:23, May 12
Wine Story: Armenian winery Voskevaz - life full of passions, risks02:45, May 12
Switzerland becomes the winner of Eurovision 2024. Armenia ends up 801:23, May 12
Armenian Ladaniva's performance at the Eurovision 202423:00, May 11
Eurovision 2024, Grand Final: Armenia to perform under the number 19 (LIVE)10:11, May 11
Eurovision 2024: How to vote for Armenia tonight?20:29, May 10
George Clooney tells fans of feeling ‘old’19:19, May 10
John Malkovich joining Marvel Cinematic Universe in upcoming Fantastic Four16:17, May 10
Elizabeth Taylor documentary, featuring her never-before-seen archives, to premiere in summer15:38, May 10
Khloe Kardashian admits to forcing Tristan Thompson to take several paternity tests after their son Tatum’s birth