Hindu Weddings
I have had the incredible honor these last few years of being trusted to capture an increasing number of Hindu weddings. Beginning to understand (and continuing to learn) about the amazing ceremony and tradition that accompanies these often 3 and 4 day events has absolutely been one of the best things that has come from my career. My Hindu weddings have been published both here in the states by Rocky Mountain Bride and now I've even had the honor of being asked to partner with Maharani on a destination Hindu wedding we shot in 2023 at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch in Arizona, USA. >>
/Hindu Wedding
>> When I come to your Hindu wedding you can expect me: to capture the fun and detail of the Mehndi and every special or hilarious moment of the Mandvo/Pithi/Haldi. I'll party with you guys all the way through the night during the Sangeet and have plenty of energy to dance my way with ya through the Baraat! And if your auspicious time is so early that you're getting ready at 3 am that morning you better believe I'm bringing you coffee/chai! I do also understand that every wedding may be slightly different from that last and I'd love to learn what ceremony and tradition will accompany you and your wedding!
Mehndi
(I'll give a brief explanation of what is shown for those who don't know and are curious! )
This tradition is supposed to bring the bride good luck and good health as she begins married life. The mehndi party is akin to a bridal luncheon, and a great way for the important women in the bride's life to gather, share advice and memories, and bond.
Mehndi/Mehendi
Haldi
the haldi ceremony involves applying a turmeric paste to the couple. The color yellow of the haldi paste signifies beauty, fertility, and purity. it also wards off evil, thereby preparing the couple for life together and blessing them with good luck.
Mandvo/Pithi/Haldi
Sangeet
The Hindi word sangeet translates to "sung together" and represents the song- and dance-filled pre-wedding event where the festivities truly begin. This pre-wedding event may also be referred to as garba in Sanskrit. While other parts of the wedding, like the haldi, are more solemn, religiously focused wedding elements, the sangeet is all about having fun. The goal of the sangeet is to revel in the joy and happiness of the occasion. During the sangeet, friends and family will generally perform dances and songs they've prepared.
Mandvo/Pithi/Haldi
Baraat
The baraat, sometimes referred to as vara yatra, is the groom's arrival to the wedding ceremony, amid much pomp and circumstance. There is typically lots of dancing and singing as he enters with a parade of loved ones. The baraat is a meeting of the families and includes festive music, drummers and much dancing!
Baraat / Vara Yatra
Mandap
the Madap is the location where the wedding ceremony takes place. The four sides of the Mandap are known to represent the earthly elements as well as the parents from both sides, which are seen as the pillars of this new foundation forming in a marriage.
/mandap
Vidaai
After the recessional, the couple will make a grand exit farewell and drive/ride away from the wedding ceremony. During vidaai, also known as bidaai, the couple's families bid the newlyweds a fond farewell.
Vidaai/Bidaai
DETAIL: hindu weddings
I LOVE detail, truly. Whether it's shooting the little pieces that you brought with you on this special day or catching you putting them on just moments before the aisle.
There is beauty in the contrast between the quiet moments and the big moments. The contrast makes them each more beautiful in their own right and I get to capture those moments, feelings, and interactions for you to relive for the rest of your life. What an honor.
/Team:DJP
Don't miss these detail shots below.. Trust!
Would like to credit: Hannah Nowack for much of my information. You can read her article for even more on Hindu wedding Ceremony at https://www.theknot.com/content/hindu-wedding-traditions