I’m a wedding photographer in the North West with a laid-back natural style and approach to weddings. Qualities I brought to this Shree Bharatiya Mandal Wedding.
This was a wedding that took place over several days at multiple locations. This is common across a lot of Indian weddings. The Mehndi and Puja had already taken place. Here, we will focus on the wedding.
Bridal Prep
Initially, I had been booked to start at the temple, but later on, Purvi asked me to cover some of her prep as well. As a wedding photographer, I aim to make the bride comfortable and happy on her wedding day. So I was very happy to extend my coverage.
Shree Bharatiya Mandal
After the wedding prep photography was done, I headed over to the Hindu Temple to meet up with my second photographer Rob and get some shots of the place being set up and Purvi in the waiting room.
It wasn’t long before Phil, the groom, was due to arrive, so we headed outside for the…
Jaan Arrival
No horse or elephant, but he did arrive in a rather nice BMW. The was the usual celebration and ceremony outside before he was drummed inside and up to the stage.
Sawagatam
Purvi’s family then welcomed Phil and his parents with some lovely ceremonies and speeches then it was onto the Ganesh Pooja and hiding Phil for the arrival of the bride.
Kanya Agaman
With the groom hidden behind his blanket, it was time for the entrance of the bride. I had my second and assistant down with the audience so I stayed on the stage with Phil.
Jai Mala, Kanya Daan and Hasta Malap
The Jai Mala is where the couple exchange garlands to show their consent to be married. The Kanya Daan and the Hasta Milap are the giving away of the daughter by placing her hand into the groom’s.
Agni Pooja
In the centre of the mandap, a small sacred fire is lit to welcome Agni, the Fire God. Agni is a symbol of light, power, and purity. As ghee, rice, and flowers are offered into the flame, prayers are said to Agni, asking him to dispel darkness and ignorance and lead us to eternal light and knowledge.
Gath Bandhan
The ends of the couple’s scarves are tied together to symbolise their union as a couple.
Mangal Phera
Here Phil and Purvi circle the fire together while being showered by petals thrown by friends and family. There was a bit of a game each time to see who would be the first to be seated.
There were further offerings made each time as well.
They then fed each other and then applied some red powder to her hair. After that, he placed a Mangal Sutra around Purvi’s neck.
Saptapadi
These seven steps together were lovely and quite akin to the couple leaving together at an English wedding. There were definitely a few more stops and a lot more symbolism here, though.
Food and Civil Ceremony
At the end of the Hindu ceremony, I sent my second and assistant to get some food while I covered the civil ceremony, which was held in front of the Mandap.
I was able to grab some of the delicious food while Rob covered the group photos for me.
Phil and Purvi were, at last, able to grab some food themselves and chat with some of their guests before we had to leave for the next part of their day.
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The formalities of the day were over, so we headed to the next part of their day, the wedding reception at the White Hart Inn, Lydgate.
Take a look at the rest of their wedding and other weddings at the White Hart Inn:
Karina and Oliver at the White Hart Inn
