Kinnari & Anuj

This beautiful three day event was so full of color and joy. We were excited to be providing both video and photo services for the event and the results are stunning! Our congratulations go out to Kinnari and Anuj on an amazing wedding celebration and and an even more wonderful married life together.

 

Thursday evening: The Mehndi

Mehndi is a ceremonial art form which originated in India. The ceremony at which the bride gets mehndi (intricate henna designs) put on her hands and feet occurs a few days before the wedding. Often, within the mendhi pattern is hidden the name of the groom. Along with the bride. Other female members of the household also get mendhi on their hands and feet. It’s a festive occasion that usually starts off the wedding celebrations.

Friday Morning : Anuj’s Graha Shanti

The graha shanti is the ritual that occurs the day before the wedding. This ritual is performed to ensure that all of the planets are properly aligned. If a  planet is misaligned in one’s horoscope, it can be a sign of bad things happening at the wedding.

Friday Night : the Sangeet

The Sangeet is a ceremony of song and dance and for the two sides of the family to come together and celebrate. Family members will sing, dance, or put on small plays to entertain the bride and groom as well as guests. There is no real religious significance to the Sangeet. It is simply a time for families to get to know one another and have a great time.

Saturday : The Wedding Ceremony

On saturday the bride and groom complete the marriage ceremony. The groom rides in on a white horse and his family dances around him in celebration of the event. The wedding ceremony itself will differ widely depending on the regional and cultural background of the couple, but some elements are constant. The bride is given a necklace by the groom which symbolizes love and marriage, as well as showing the community she is a married woman. The couple will also tie garments together and walk around a sacred fire. This symbolizes their journey through life together.

Saturday Night : The Reception

With speeches, dancing, and cake there isn’t a lot of difference between an Indian wedding reception and most others you might have attended. Kinnari and Anuj decked the room out in gold and purple and touching speeches were delivered by family and friends alike.