Category Archives: – Weddings

Day three of Shalin and Hema’s wedding celebration concludes with Hema donning her final ceremonial gown, Shalins Baraat, their marriage ceremony and tearful Vidai farewell. Shaking Hands Productions was by our side once again providing outstanding video documentation. You can view their video trailer of Shalin and Hema’s celebration HERE. Jason and I were also assisted by our friend and talented photographer Kevin Zhan.

 

For his Baraat, Shalin arrived to the Cultural Center in a gorgeous black Rolls Royce.

Shalin’s parents and sister.

Our last day with Shalin and Hema was a kaleidoscope of emotions. The morning was full of smiles, laughter and anticipation for the wedding. After the ceremony and lunch, Hema walked out of the Cultural Center with her father and Shalin. They were accompanied by Hema’s sisters, mother, family and friends for the Vidai. This is when the time has come for the bride to say goodbye to her family and leave with her groom. This occasion was met with a copious amount of tears, especially from Hema’s father, who was so happy for her marriage but also very sad that he was going to miss her.

 

 

CATEGORIES: - Weddings
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  • Tammy Keefer - Thank you kindly everyone! If anyone is going to appreciate the Jimmy Choo’s Aaron, I know it would be Kelsey! There is a special pair that awaits her… Bottega Veneta, Las Vegas 🙂2011/08/03 – 02:14ReplyCancel

  • sabrina lightbourn - Amazing images! They must be so pleased! I agree with Aaron – that picture with the fire and sparkles is magical!2011/08/02 – 11:30ReplyCancel

  • Lora Elaine - Love love love this!2011/08/02 – 10:12ReplyCancel

  • adam barnes - wow. just wow. such beautiful images…2011/08/02 – 10:09ReplyCancel

  • Aaron Watson - You should have seen Kelsey’s face when she saw the Jimmy Choo’s! 🙂 Love the colors and the emotion. The picture with the fire should be entered into competition!2011/08/02 – 09:20ReplyCancel

Day two was a busy one! I met up with Shalin and his family around 8am to photograph his Ghari Puja and Pithi ceremony. This took place at the home of one of Shalin’s friends, just a few miles from the hotel that Jason and I were staying at and the Cultural Center of India.

Blessings and gift offerings took place outside as well.

Not wanting to mess up his ceremonial clothing, Shalin decided to change his clothes before having the turmeric paste applied. Don’t forget to get behind the ears!

Meanwhile, Jason, along with the talents of photographer Kristin Moore and cinematographers of Shaking Hands Productions documented Hema’s Ghari Puja ceremony at the Cultural Center.

The priest ties a red bracelet around Hema’s wrist which cannot be removed until she and Shalin are married. Shalin wears a similar bracelet.

Kristin took this beautiful and sweet photo of Hema and her sister. The bond of this family is immeasurable.

When the ceremonies concluded, a vegetarian lunch was served at the Cultural Center. Afterwards, everyone had a little time to relax before getting ready for the Garba and Raas celebrations. Jason and I met up with Shalin and Hema at the Marriott where Shalin was staying for a few portraits beforehand.

The Garba-Raas began around 7pm. This a very festive time, full of toasts, dancing and high energy music. Lots of smiles, lots of laughs. Both Garba and Raas are traditional folk dances, Garba being a circular dance and Raas a line dance with sticks.  Much of the decor was provided by Partyland Flowers and Event Decor.

Shalin’s father dancing!

Hema had told me that she had never seen her father (second from left) dance in her whole life until the night of the Garba. I just had to include this photo of Shalin and Hema dancing with their dads.

Day THREE will continue with Shalin and Hema’s wedding ceremony!

CATEGORIES: - Weddings
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  • Dev Sheth - hey guys, the pictures look great, good luck to the happy couple.

    Dev2011/09/17 – 22:36ReplyCancel