We often get the amazing opportunity to travel for weddings and although Sejal and Amit were married only one state over in Michigan it was still exciting to photograph. It was so much fun< to be a part of this three day celebration that was nothing short of epic. I am really excited to share this story with you.
If you haven’t ever seen a midwest sunset or a gorgeous flower garden then you are missing out. Those “Pure Michigan” ads are right; this place is beautiful place to visit. Sejal and Amit were an amazing couple. High energy meets laid back efficiency led to the most wondrous Indian weekend ever.
I am not sure how many of our blog followers have attended an Indian wedding so I thought I’d give you all a brief run down. Not every Indian event is the same, but most include three days of events starting with a Mehndi.
The bride (along with several guests) have henna painting done. It’s a long process and you have to keep your arms still for several hours after the painting is done. A huge party takes place after the painting is done with friends and family eating, dancing and blessing the couple.
Sejal and Amit decided to make this a white party. So out was the standard bright colors (don’t worry they had plenty of those the next two days!) Bring on the white!
The party went late into the night. I love how this photograph came out; white with white and a white house with a white tent.
Are you kidding me?? Yes fireworks were included! If you were a part of the moment you would hear Sejal screaming “this is so much fun”
I told you there would be color and amazing reds. Her lehenga was regal. Sejal was true princess.
Bengals are one of my favorite things about Indian weddings. They just look so cool on the arms of brides. They also provide such fashion and flare.
The Haldi ceremony typical takes place the day prior to the wedding ceremony and is for the bride and sometimes the groom. The priest, friends and family share a time of blessing and apply the Haldi to Sejal, which helps ward off evil spirits from affecting the couple.
There is always a lot of sitting around, laughing and just hanging during the various events..
If you know Sejal, there are always a lot of selfie’s!!
The indian culture is so hospitable and welcoming. Even if you don’t understand the meaning of the various events, the family wants you to be a part of them.
With each event, there are always new hair styles, new jewelry, and new attire. I have never been a bride before but you must feel like a goddess with all this attention.
I saw this moment happening through some french doors in the suite; sweet!!!
We went to downtown Grand Rapids for a short creative session with Sejal and Amit before the Raas Garba. A night of food, fun and special dances to entertain and honor Sejal and Amit. And the food? Amazing. and the food was amazing! Don’t even get me started on these little spinach cream puff things.
I love how much these two enjoy being together.
I can’t believe the sunlight of the midwest Michigan sky. It set me up perfect for this silhouette.
Remember how we talked about the bengals? Yeah, this is why I love them so much.
All I can say is thank you Lauren for assisting me on this amazing artistic capture.
I told you this couple was a lot of fun on the wedding day. To have this kind of imagery at 7:30 in the morning you have to be fun. Yes; you heard me right. We did an early Sunday morning session before all the days activities.
Frederik Meijer Gardens is a must visit location if you are ever in Grand Ripids. To have a wedding ceremony here? wow! The Mandap is where the ceremony will take place on Sunday. Truly beautiful.
My favorite part of any Indian wedding is the Baraat. Best way to describe a barite? ultimate dance party as Amit and his family enter to meet Sejal’s family. Drums, horses, and lots of dancing!!!
Shri Ganesh, in flowers.
A fundamental difference in an Indian ceremony is that so many friends and family are involved, passing their love and blessing to the couple.
After the ceremony is the vidai where the bride says good by to her parents one last time to mark the beginning of her new life. I love these moments. Yes I was crying also.
Riding out on a sweet Lexas convertible, pretty cool.
Time to prep for the Indian wedding reception at Frederik Meijer gardens. Oh yes; a different dress and a snazzy new tux!
I truly love this artistic yet real moment. Amit just decided to pick up Sejal on this hill and spin her around.)
I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but the details and the colors at the reception were mind blowing!
First dance was awesome. Sick moves gentlemen. 9 out of 10 on synchronization. Your going to the finals for sure.
This is your competition. These guys are pretty good.
The wedding ended the way it began; lots and lots of dancing. I Love that their wedding weekend is exactly how they live their lives; full of energy and excitement. A great story of love these two will share, and it is only the beginning.
And Sejal – the day this blog released is your birthday! I hope you enjoy this small birthday gift – happy birthday my friend!
