Things have been a little nutty around here lately!! Last week alone included photographing a birth (more on this soon!) a whirlwind trip to Vancouver to visit my sister & planning for the coming weeks of travel. Life was feeling very full & I am so glad I got to spend time in nature this weekend with my hubs and puppy. Kevin had a work trip in Chelan during the week so Lemon & I joined him Friday for a weekend of camping and adventuring. We love exploring the different parts of Washington together, but I’ve gotta say that this trip was one of my new all-time favorites! Our campsite at Twenty-Five Mile Creek was absolutely amazing – set right on the rushing creek that lulled us to sleep at night. The views of the lake and surrounding mountains were out of this world and we even tested bringing Lemon in our new inflatable kayak! It was a little dreary on Saturday but that encouraged us to winery-hop which I wouldn’t complain about for one minute! Gold star camping meals, a little boating and sun-kissed noses refreshed me for another crazy week ahead. Tomorrow Chandin and I are hosting an open house at our new studio space – I am so excited to show it off to family, friends & clients! Thursday Kevin & I head to Memphis to help celebrate one of my longest friends, Elizabeth, tie the knot. It’s going to be a blast being in the wedding for a change! And yes, Elizabeth totally asked me to sign off on the wedding photographers they chose – their work is amazing!
But besides all that crazy, I have also been keeping up with edits, doing family shoots, and scheduling sessions – If you’re wanting to get a shoot on the books for this summer, be sure to reach out – I am booking up like crazy! Sindhu & Madhur’s two-day Indian wedding celebration has been total eye candy during my marathon editing days – I can’t get enough of all of the color & energy and I am so glad to finally get to share a glimpse at day two with you! (Check out Day 1 here!) Day 2 consisted of the Hindu ceremony & reception – i.e. more gorgeous saris, an insane outfit change & a whole lot of dancing! And yes – that is the same groom! Madhur shaved his impressive beard off for the second day – I was so surprised! Be sure to scroll along to read more about the different rituals & parts of the celebration! Congratulations again, Sindhu & Madhur!!
Madhur’s face during their first look was absolutely priceless!
It is absolutely amazing that this wooded trail is just steps from Redmond Town Center! It felt like we were a world away from the city!
I couldn’t get enough of the bridesmaids in their beautifully coordinated pink and peach saris!
Next it was time for the ceremony to begin! Madhur was welcomed by Sindhu’s family with a garland and then processed into the ceremony space. All of the pieces of the ceremony weren’t explained in English like they were during the Sikh ceremony, but each part holds great significance for the marriage ritual.
The tying of the knot (thali or holy golden thread) is the most important part of the ceremony. After Madhur ties the three knots, they are officially married!
Finally, Madhur guides Sindhu stepping on seven piles of grains representing the vows he is making to her. Traditionally this signifies the grooms telling his bride that he will be with her every step of the way.
Next Sindhu & Madhur had to compete to fish out the rings throw into a bowl of water – it was hilarious, and the priest kept throwing the rings back in for them to fight again!
Sindhu & Madhur were finally greeted & congratulated by their family and friends. Everyone was welcomed to throw rose petals on the newlyweds blessing their marriage.
Sindhu & Madhur then changed into more traditional Western wedding attire – Sindhu in an absolutely stunning white gown & Madhur in a classic tux. I had a few moments to sneak them outside in their new attire for a couple of portraits before the reception festivities began!
Time fore the reception & festivities! I always love how elaborate the stage looks for Indian wedding receptions!
The dance presentation expanded into a flash-mob performance including close friends and family! It was incredible!
I had never heard of a teddy-bear toss before, but it was probably the cutest thing I’d ever seen – Sindhu & Madhur threw teddy bears to all of the little kids that were at the reception – the looks of joy on their faces was priceless!!
I will say one thing – the dancing at Indian wedding receptions cannot be beat!! I loved watching everyone break it down on the dance floor!
Congratulations again, Sindhu & Madhur – it was such an honor to get to be a part of your celebration!! Wishing you all the best!
Venue: Redmond Marriott // Hair & Makeup: Makeup by Sisters // Video: Cabfare Productions // Photography: Meredith McKee Photography
