Back in 2009, I was sharing this very room with the same makeup artist, Sunita, in a very early morning, marking the first Indian wedding day that I was about to witness as a photographer:
I would have never imagined, but that was the dawn of an incredible career. About 150 weddings ago,
Charn, Sukhi's sister, was the bride:
Just by being here, with these beautiful ladies, brings back so many memories...
I remember the times when I had no idea what a Punjabi wedding was about and now I could probably write a book or two on the subject.
But we have a ceremony to attend, and the nostalgia quickly vanishes in the crisp winter air:
Meanwhile, Ella is fascinated with the turban tying and other rituals the groom has to go through in the morning:
He has to pay all his sisters for holding the chunni above his head, but it might be the best money he's spending today:
Due to Alberta weather, the milni takes place indoors:
Normally, a Sikh bride gets a glimpse at her groom only when she steps inside the Darbar Sahib, and even then, it's from behind. But Deepak is Hindu and, according to Hindu marriage customs, the couple meets and greets before the ceremony, during the Jaimala, a ritual where they both try to place flower garlands around each other's necks. The procedure escalates rather quickly, because whoever is the first to succeed, is guaranteed to be the boss of the family (I told you I could write a book):
Jaiya is still practising for her role as the flower girl:
Accompanied by the raagis' songs, the groom and his family proceed in to the main hall.
It's a long line and it can be physically strenuous for some:
Deepak: "I wanted to catch Sukhi off guard when I proposed, so I kept taking her out to shop for rings even though I already had the ring with me.
On Feb 21st, we went for a walk with my sister, telling Sukhi we needed pictures together. I knew we had her caught off guard for sure. 10 minutes into our walk, I found a spot on the path where we took a few pictures, making jokes like 'this is how you propose in India'. Then I said 'this is how you propose in Canada' and got down on my knee. She laughed at me thinking I was joking, but then she suddenly noticed the ring and was shocked by the surprise. I asked her to marry me and she said yes as she was crying."
It's hard to guess, but this is one of those "Bring your parents and your ex-wife to work" days:
So, yeah, there's another reason why this event is extra special to me: my parents came all the way from Romania to visit me for the first time, and they were invited to experience the epicness of an Indian wedding. Here pictured during shagun (they are the ones standing):
Since outside is still snowing, we're looking for an indoor location for some pictures.
Deepak's brother catches the bouquet with ease, and that only makes me believe he has prepared intensely for this moment.
Sukhi: "Deepak isn't the man of my dreams because I could never have dreamed of someone so amazing. Cheesy, I know, but it's true lol. Back in December of 2014, I took a chance to meet a guy thinking I had nothing to lose, and in fact, I had everything to gain. I haven't looked back since! He fell into my life and made me see the sun where I once saw clouds. Feeling the way that I do about him isn't something I can put into words, but I'll try."
"I love that he's patient, specifically with me because I think his family would disagree.
I love that he is such a kind and genuine person. The love that he has for the ones closest to him is a tiny reflection of how he is.
I love the way he makes me feel safe, secure and forever protected.
I love how he makes me laugh, the ugly, tummy hurting kind of laugh. Not a day goes by without him that he won't make me smile.
I love his passion for the things he's determined to do which has inspired me to be the best version of myself.
My soul loves him for who he is, and yet to be.
Thank you, Deepak, for giving me the most valuable things that are priceless to my heart; your time and your love. I can't wait to do this life thing with you. I love you!"
It's a short and cold day, so we move back to Sukhi's house, where Deep finds himself in a very tricky situation, having to decide how much is his new wife worth:
Havily backed by his groomsmen, he comes up with an offer nobody in their right mind could refuse: lifetime foot massages, starting now:
But, before he takes his new wife away for good, he has to please her sisters, too, and they finally agree on a financial settlement:
After a few hands of rice are cast in the four corners of her parents' home, Sukhi follows her husband out into the chilly evening.
Everyone accompanies them for one last goodbye:
With a final push from Sukhi's cousins, they are on their way south:
Sheraton Calgary welcomes the newly weds the next day:
They look and feel ready for the party:
My first event at the Empire Banquet Hall. The room looks very fancy. Golden fancy:
Just like me, the couple looks for something to eat as soon as they walk in, and the cake is conveniently located right in the middle of the room:
Even the speeches are more enjoyable on a full belly:
Nothing sets up the mood for partying like a top bhangra performance:
The first dance is a good opportunity to recycle all the money flying around:
The dance floor is going to be crowded for the rest of the night.
Amin is happy to help with that:
Congratulations one more time, Sukhi and Deepak! Thank you so much for making me a part of the family! Can't wait for our next wedding (Raj Saggu, wink, wink).
love.more.cosmin
Vendors 'n' Things:
Anand Karaj - Sikh Wedding Ceremony - Millwoods Gurdwara, Edmonton
Reception - Empire Banquet Hall, Calgary
Hair & Makeup - Sunita Sumaru (Sen Studios)
- Made by Pammy & Gurveen, Calgary
Cake - Alex Bryne
Catering - Pind Punjab
Flowers - Bunches, North Edmonton
Mehndi Artist - Shireen
Wedding Outfits - Vivah Collection, Surrey
Reception Outfit - Pooja Boutique, Calgary
Music - DJ Kumbo
Dhol Player - Amin
Dance Performance - Bhangra Republik
Video - Bright Bride
Sister of the Bride - Charn, my first Indian bride
Special Guests - My parents
Second Shooter - Ella Anderson
Indian Wedding Photographer - Sikh Marriage Photographer
You like? You want? Give me shout:
cosmindanilaphoto@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment