For most of my life, I've attended the typical “indian wedding.” My last wedding this year was for a lovely couple from Birmingham.
It was an intimate, registry wedding with about 80 guests. Now that may seem a normal number if it were a english wedding but for a Indian Wedding it sure isn’t, that number alone represents just family, and maybe a handful of friends.
I do enjoy the traditions, such as Milnia (male member of bride and groom greet each other with gifts) and grooms having a blessing from their sisters before departing their home for the ceremony, and all the other small rituals that are carried out. But this wedding was more minimal.
I met with the couple before the ceremony for some portrait shots in a nice location nearby. Although it was a cold morning, we did a quick outdoor shoot then straight to the registry, and her father walked the bride down the aisle. Once the civil ceremony was done, everyone headed off to a lovely restaurant in town. No traditions no rituals, no parents stressing out to check if they have missed anyone out, worried about offending anyone or hurting anyones feeling, the focus was purely on the couple. This made everything so relaxed.
The couple absolutely complemented each other; simple, humble, and so lovely to work with. The brides dress was custom designed and elegantly worn. The bride was so stunning with her hair up, not one strand moved out of place, and gorgeous make up. The groom was so relaxed, enjoying the flow of the evening. The group shots of all the men on his side made it spectacular, they loved being photographed. The uncles, nephews, father, friends. They were in their element, I'm surprised they didn't all have a selfie stick with them.
I had the pleasure of doing the brides henna two days before and then the family and friends henna the next day. This is great because I get to know my clients well, and I felt part of the wedding on the day. It was a busy couple of days for me but I couldn't have chosen a better couple to work with. The atmosphere so relaxed, It was an absolute pleasure to have been part their big day. And what lovely way to end the last wedding of the year with this one.
I wish the gorgeous couple a very Happy Marriage.
