This Indian wedding ceremony was in the Horseshoe Gardens at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena.
Indian marriages are known for their lavish and vibrant look, but in reality there is much more than just the gloss and glamour in an Indian wedding ceremony. In fact, the Indian wedding ceremonies are the most ritualistic and serious of affair than any other kind of marriage performed anywhere else in the world, and it is considered as a soulful affair of the merger of two souls.
Hindu wedding ceremonies are traditionally conducted at least partially in Sanskrit, the language in which most holy Hindu ceremonies are conducted. This Hindu Priest was also fluent in English and translated the complete ceremony and the meanings of each ritual he performed into English.
In most Hindu weddings, the ceremony is held on a small, usually covered stage, known as mandap. This couple decided against the covering so that the guests could see and enjoy the ceremony, and the also felt the backdrop of the Langham Hotel was really sufficient enough. It also allowed me to get better unobstructed wedding photography coverage.
The bride and the groom are handed the garlands while the priest is chanting the religious hymns. Following this, the groom and bride exchange garlands, which are the var mala or jai mala, signifying their acceptance of each other as husband and wife.
After the initial exchange of garlands by the bride and groom, the bride and groom are next seated in front of a holy fire, or agni, as a priest recites various mantras from the Holy Scriptures. In Hinduism, fire is regarded as a purifier and a sustainer of life. In a ritual called Mangal Fera, the couple offer prayers to the fire, which represents God serving as the couple’s witness as the two are joined in marriage. Prayers are offered by placing honey, rice, and flowers in the flame. In this ceremony the sashes worn by the bride and groom are tied together for the bride and groom walk around the fire seven times; each time around the fire, a symbol of the four ashrams of life, praying and exchanging vows of duty, love, fidelity, and respect.
Brides typically dress in colorful saris and are painted in elaborate mendhi or henna designs covering her hands and feet before the ceremonies begin. It is said that the darker and bolder that the Henna becomes shows the deep love that she will hold for her husband. The groom is dressed in a sherwani (long jacket) and ‘churidars’ (fitted trousers).
Their reception was held in The Georgian Ballroom.
To see stills from this ceremony, please visit blog.deremus.com.
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Pasadena based photographer David DeRemus is available for travel worldwide.
All images and text are copyright David DeRemus Photography and may not be used without prior express written consent.
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