Yay! Here are the rest of the photos (finally!) from the wedding of Aarti and Sid. I had the great pleasure of working with Cat Wilborne from Raleigh on this one. Thanks Cat!! It was such a great experience! One of the coolest things about these events is that the bride gets to have not one, but TWO fabulous outfits! Aarti started the day in a blue/green ensemble and then changed into a hot pink one for the party afterwards. All the bridesmaids got to change their outfits too! How fun!

I know I promised more details on the Hindu ceremony when I posted the rest of the photos, and I don’t want to disappoint! So since I could never explain it as well as the bride herself, here is a copy of what she wrote up…

Barat Aagman / Arrival of the Groom’s Party
The marriage celebrations commence with the arrival of the groom with his family and friends in a procession called the Barat.  The groom’s party comes to the door dancing and celebrating. The groom knocks on the door announcing his arrival. The bride’s mother welcomes the groom at the door and gives her blessings. The groom, followed by the Barat, proceeds to the Mandap.

Ganesh Puja / Worship of Lord Ganesh
The ceremony begins with the worship of Lord Ganesh, who is the remover of all obstacles and a symbol of peace, friendship, and happiness.

Kanya Aagman / The Arrival of the Bride
The bride arrives with her bridesmaids and is then escorted to the Mandap by her maternal uncle.  As a good omen, a curtain is raised to hide the bride from the groom’s view.

Varmala / Exchange of the Garlands
The bride and groom will exchange garlands, signifying the union of two bodies and two souls into one entity, as well as proclaiming their love and mutual acceptance of each other.

Kanya Daan / Giving Away of the Bride
The ceremony proceeds with the Kanya Daan, the giving away of the bride by her parents.  The bride’s parents wash the feet of the bride and groom, purifying them for their new life together.  The bride’s father places his hand under his daughter’s and puts her hand on top of the right hand of the groom, symbolizing the union of the couple and his blessing.  The bride and groom’s hands are filled with betel nuts, copper coins and rice, signifying unity, prosperity, and happiness.

Gath Bandhan / Tying the Knot
To complete the symbolic union, the groom’s scarf is tied to the bride’s sari in a cord known as “Gath Bandhan.”  This knot symbolizes the union of two souls joined together in holy matrimony.

Agni Sthaapna / Lighting of the Fire
The sacred fire, representing Agni, the God of Fire, is lit to symbolize purity and act as witness to the union.  The bride and groom jointly offer ghee, rice, and sandalwood to Agni to signify the spirit of sacrifice and partnership.

Ashmahrohan / Brother’s Blessing
The bride’s brother places kheel, or puffed rice, in the bride’s hands.  The kheel is then passed to the groom and then offered to the fire.  This ritual is symbolic of the brother’s wishes of prosperity for the new couple and his commitment to support them in the future.

Mangal Phera / The Fire as Witness
The bride and groom will circle the fire four times.  The four pheras symbolize the four goals of married life. Dharma – to remain true to one’s beliefs and values; Artha – to provide for one’s family; Kama – to obtain emotional and physical fulfillment; and Moksha – to achieve enlightenment and liberation.

Sapta Padi / The Seven Steps
The couple holds each other’s hands and takes seven steps, each symbolizing a sacred vow:
1. With God’s grace, let us live with honor and respect.
2. With God’s grace, let us be happy and enjoy life.
3. With God’s grace, let us share joys and pains together.
4. With God’s grace, let us not forget parents and elders.
5. With God’s grace, let us observe all acts of charity.
6. With God’s grace, let us live a long and peaceful life.
7. With God’s grace, let us be friends with love and sacrifice.

Mangalsutra, Sindhur Daan & the Exchange of Rings
The groom now places sindhur, or red powder, on the crown of the bride’s forehead and welcomes her into his life.  He then places a Mangalsutra (necklace) around her neck, symbolizing his enduring commitment to their marriage.  Finally, the couple exchanges their wedding rings.

Ashirvad / Blessings
Once the wedding rituals have been completed, the couple receives blessings from the priest and their parents.

So without further ado, bring on the photos!!!

I love the traditional henna tattoos. Somewhere on her left hand, Sid’s name is included in the intricate designs, and on the wedding night, Sid has to find his name before then can go to sleep!