If there’s one thing I totally love about Hindu tradition, it is the idea of "the more, the merrier!" That’s a philosophy that has been instilled in my since a young child. We never knew how many people would end up around our dining table after a Sunday morning service. As the church pastor, my dad always seemed to manage to invite everyone to our house for dinner. Even more amazing though – my mom always had more than enough food – no matter who showed up. It seems to be the same situation at Hindu weddings. Shivani and Joe had about 400 guests at their wedding – a small crowd compared to most Hindu weddings. And there was plenty of food for everyone!

Shivani and Joe held their ceremony and reception at Danversport Yacht Club – one of the North Shores larger and well-know wedding venues. Mother Nature wasn’t kind enough to allow the outdoor ceremony as planned, but the indoor ceremony in the ballroom was just as beautiful.

We arrived as everyone was getting ready. Joe was dressed and greeted us in the entry way. George, Alana and I were all there for this event. Hindu weddings tend to have different events happening simultaneously and I find it is of great value to have a third photographer for that reason in addition to the many details. Alana dug right into detail photos while George took Joe and the groomsmen outside between raindrops for their formals. I went upstairs to find Shivani and see how things were progressing.

The room was swirling with ladies and color. I found Shivani in front of the mirror working on some finishing touches. Her sari was decorated in gold and crimson. She was covered in jewelry and henna. "This stuff must weight 90 pounds!" she exclaimed to me as I complimented her attire.

Joe’s ceremony had begun downstairs. We could hear the music. The pounding of the drums was loud and clear. I ran downstairs to snap a few photos while the ladies finished up. The car port and stairs in front of the building were completely packed with a celebratory crowd. Joe was right in the middle – dancing and celebrating.

A short time later, Joe was being escorted into the main hall. Once he was just inside, he was instructed to stand on a small stool. The crowd pressed around him. His soon to be mother-in-law adorned his forehead with traditional elements and then reached in for the kill. She pinched Joe’s nose as a playful reminder that he has come to their home to ask for their daughter’s hand in marriage. The photo of this was one of my favorites from the day.

Once Joe had processed to the front of the room, Shivani came in on a platform carried by her male relatives. They set her down and her uncle escorted her to the front where Joe was waiting behind a curtain. The curtain was dropped and Joe and Shivani exchanged looks of absolute joy upon seeing each other.

The wedding ceremony was filled with many Hindu traditions including the seven walks and the groom’s shoes being stolen and repurchased. The ceremony finished with Shivani and Joe greeting their elders with a bow of respect.

Following the ceremony, we took care of the family formals and wedding party group shots right on the platform. The yacht club staff was a flurry of action around us as they worked quickly to flip the room. I worked quickly so we could get out of their way.

We then had the opportunity to take Shivani and Joe outside for a few quick photos. One of Shivani’s friends was kind enough to bring along a 1950s Cadillac which was used in Joe’s procession. We snapped a few photos of them inside the car and then used the raindrop covered bumper for ring photos a little later.

Following an outfit change, Shivani, Joe and their wedding party were introduced into the reception. Shivani and Joe shared their first dance as husband and wife under the massive chandelier that adorned the ceiling of the ballroom.

A little later in the evening, we snuck outside with Shivani and Joe for a few twilight photos. The rain had stopped and the grounds around the yacht club are made for photography. The wisteria-ladened arbor provided the perfect backdrop.

DJ Yogz really got the crowd going the rest of the night. The dance floor was like a multi-colored waive as the ladies twirled about in their saris. Everyone danced and celebrated the union of Shivani and Joe.

Shivani and Joe – thank you for allowing us to celebrate you wedding day with you. It was such an incredible experience. Joe – Shivani is SO worth having your nosed pinched! But you know that already! We wish you both many years of laughter and love!

Vendors:

Venue: Danversport Yach Club – Danvers, MA

DJ: DJ Yogz – Serving all of New England

Videographer: Russell Smithe of Mavid Productions – Derry, NH

To see a slide show of their wedding, click here.

 

Stunning!

 

 

I think Joe was having a good time…

 

 

Without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As is tradition, Shivani’s uncle walked her down the aisle.

 

 

One of their seven walks.

 

 

George did a fantastic job capturing this moment!

 

 

 

 

 

Bargaining for his shoes…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cadilliac was so much fun!

 

 

And even though we weren’t thrilled with the rain, we’re not going to complain about the results of this photo…

 

A few of Alana’s many details…

 

Watching as the bridal party entered the room.

    

 

Shivani’s dad gave a toast.  George definitely caught the moment here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I LOVE all the colors at Hindu weddings!

 

 

And, you guessed it, twilight…

 
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