Ashna & Pinto - My First and Best Fijian Wedding

This time Ioana is with the groom for the morning part. This has got to be a Fijian tradition:
Pinto is having his nails painted by his sister. Rupa goes a little wild:
The hands are done, as well:
I'm with the bride and Sunita Sumaru:
Ashna's dad is a jewelery designer today:
He wants to make sure everything fits perfectly:
Ashna ordered a gallery wrap canvas with her favorite picture from our engagement shoot:
It's quite fascinating:
Before we leave, the bride to be is praying to the pantry gods:
We have time for only one shot before the ceremony, but it's a keeper:
Ashna's parents brought the whole mandap - piece by piece - from India:
It was worth it:
There's a pooja right by the entrance of the Mirage Banquet hall:
It involves Pinto, his future father in law and the pandit (priest).
Then, Pinto is taken over by the ladies from Ashna's family:
At last, Ashna's dad takes him in the mandap, where they pray to Lord Ganesh for a peaceful ceremony:
Kanyadaan is when Ashna's brothers and cousins carry her towards the mandap. The palanquin was brought from India for the occasion:
Agni (holy fire) is the mouth of Vishnu and symbolizes the illumination of mind, knowledge and happiness:
I've been working with videographer Gurinder Deed at so many events now! Usually I'm in his shot, but he doesn't mind:
Mangalfera- the couple circles the sacred fire seven times:
At the end of each walk, Justin - the bride's brother - fills the palms of their hands with lawa (puffed corn the aunties made the day before):

They offer lawa to the holy fire proving that they will both perform the sacrifices required throughout their married life:

Saptapadi - the bride and groom take seven steps and vows together:

Ioana's angle:
This is the secret part of the ceremony and I would gladly tell you what is it, but it's a ... secret:
Lord Ganesh is holding the rings for a while:
Bidai is when the bride says farewell to her parents and family:
The newly weds arrive at the groom's house where some new games are played:
I know what you're thinking now, but let me stop you right there. Nothing happened.
Pinto is not praying and that's definitely not a Hindu God:
The reception day starts with a few pictures at the hotel:
And the U of A campus:
Ashna's bouquet is from The Wild Orchid:
Pinto really likes it:
Ashna works at a bank.... I don't know why:
The Mirage looks different today:
Let me know if you need any of the decor pieces brought from India. Ashna's mom will be happy to help:
Harman Baweja brought his friend - Luke - and a new show:
They even try to teach the crowd a few fancy moves:
Hopefully, we'll get the official statement about this kiss, cause I don't know what to make of it:
Their speech is short:
But skillfully targeted:
With quite some damages:

First dance:
Ioana ran out of Indian outfits, but she's still got the moves:

Congratulations Ashna and Pinto! Thank you so much for everything! We had a great time with you and your families!

A big Romanian kiss!

love.more.cosmin