January 17, 2015

LONDON HINDU WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER – PREMIER BANQUETING

FILED IN: Wedding in London & UK

luxury indian bride wedding portrait in her luxury suite at premier banqueting in london

One of the main reason why I love being a wedding photographer is the fact that I have the opportunities to meet and photograph so many lovely couples with different backgrounds. I absolutely love capturing wedding rituals and discovering new traditions and this why I’m always available for Destination Weddings. Here’s the link to my previous Destination Wedding reportages. After photographing Italian weddings, English and Irish weddings and African weddings, I just could not wait to photograph and experience my first Hindu Wedding. Thank you to Gold Lens Photography who gave me the opportunity to be their second shooter for this hindu wedding!!

Rupa + Dhiren are the sweetest couple you can imagine and their Indian wedding was absolutely incredible. Their families and friends were so warm and welcoming that it was a real pleasure photographing them all on such an important day for them.

If you want to know more about Hindu Wedding Rituals, please read the following description of Rupa + Dhiren’s Wedding Ceremony. All of the following acts have a symbolic and spiritual meaning and were performed in Sanskrit.

The morning started at Premier Banqueting, where the gorgeous Rupa put on the final touches in her stunning Bridal Suite. Dhiren later arrived accompanied by his family and friends. After a welcome ceremony, the groom had to crush a small clay pot placed in front of his feet as a sign of physical strength before being escorted to the Mandap where the wedding ceremony took place. This ritual is known as ‘Vaar Agaman & Pokhan’.

The bride’s parents performed the ceremony by reciting prayers to Lord Ganesh and by washing the groom’s feet and by offering him flowers as a sign of blessing (‘Ganesh Pooja & Vaar Pooja’) before the arrival of the bride (‘Kanya Agaman’).

A white cloth (Antarpat) was then held in front of the groom to signify that the bride & the groom were two separate individuals. Once Rupa seated, eight auspicious verses were recited and the Antarpat was then lowered. The couple exchanged flower garlands to signify their acceptance of each other in marriage.

The bride’s parents then handed their daughter to the Dhiren by joining their hands (act known as ‘Hasta Melap’) while reciting sacred verses for the stability and longevity of their married life. A knot was tied between the two of them representing the union of two souls for a lifetime. A cotton cord with seven strands was also placed around the couple’s shoulders. The cord signifies that united they can go through life without failing and the seven strands signify that strength comes with unity and harmony that prevails through mutual co-operation (‘Kanyadaan’).

One of my favourite act was the ‘Mangal Phera’, which means ‘Circling the Holy Fire‘. A Holy Fire is in fact lit to invite God to witness Rupa + Dhiren’s marriage. Offerings are made to ask for the removal of darkness and ignorance. Rupa & Dhiren then walked around the holy fire four times, representing the four basic goals of humanity:

Dharma – spiritual way of living
Artha – prosperity
Karma – energy and passion
Moksha – salvation.

The bride, representing spiritual energy, completed the first three rounds while the groom completed the last one, signifying balance and completeness. The brides’ brothers witnessed the rounds and placed grains in her hands to signify they will provide support and protection for her.

Towards the end of this spiritual ceremony, the couple took seven steps symbolising entry into married life. The steps were taken over 7 Soparis (beetle nuts) representing Sustenance, Strength, Wealth, Knowledge, Children, Health and Love (‘Saptapadi’).

The groom than placed a black and gold bead necklace around his bride’s neck for lifelong protection, and placed Sindhoor on the crown of her forehead. These acts signify the mark of a married woman and Dhiren’s devotion to Rupa. The couple fed each other sweets to symbolise that during their lifetime together, they will share equally moments of happiness and sorrow (Sindhoor dhan, Mangal Sutr and Kansaar).

Finally the bride’s blessing, known as ‘Akhand Saubhagyawati’. Married female relatives of Rupa whispered blessings and good wishes in her ear for a long married life filled with happiness and prosperity.

Needless to say, this was an incredible & touching wedding ceremony!

After a short break, the wedding party continued at the Premier Banqueting until late at night, thanks to the amazing tunes provided by Contagious DJ’s.

Enjoy Rupa + Dhiren’s Hindu Wedding!