Sadie & Harjot - Punjabi Wedding in Northampton, Bedford and London, UK

My first ever wedding in the UK starts in Northampton, at the bride's estate, the Balmoral House:

While waiting for all the uncles to show up, we have time for socializing and a few pictures:

The rangoli design is almost ready:

Sadie's sisters make sure it looks flawless:

A comprehensive checklist for the maiyan ceremony:

The bride-to-be takes her place on the peery (stool) and puts her feet up on the fatti, the traditionally decorated piece of wood:

Even though it looks and feels like a messy procedure, the maiyan is a cleansing ritual, as the vatna (yellow turmeric paste) is a natural skin purifier:

With a lot less messy potential, the choora ceremony takes place in a more festive location:

The living room has been beautifully decorated for this occasion. Showing a lot of attention to detail, the containers for the bridal bangles and kalire must be the fanciest I've seen:

After a quick shower and an outfit change, Sadie is ready for the last bridal custom before the big day:

The checklist for the choora includes a bucket of milk, plenty of rose petals, choora (bridal bangles), kalire, and as many maternal uncles one can find.

The successful output is celebrated with more milk:

Which naturally leads to the jaago dance:

Everybody is having so much fun, they can't stop even after going back inside:

Ella, my second shooter, starts off the wedding early the next day, in the same place:

The same morning, but much earlier, I drive north to Derby through a thick, proper English fog, to meet the groom:

All the cousins are here to help him look his best.

It's such a pleasure to be reunited with the Chicago crew. Roop and her family came all the way from across the pond to see me again. OK, they are really close cousins of Harjot and that might also be a reason why they are here:

It's still dark and foggy outside, when we begin our one and a half hour journey back to Bedford.

Some of us have better rides than others:

At the Bedford gurdwara, the white horse is waiting for its groom:

The baraat brings together all of Harjot's family and friends in the sound of the dhols:

You can see who is recently married and knows how to enjoy the occasion:

Sadie's family is welcoming them in front of the temple:

After the milni, everybody moves in the langar for a hearty meal:

The lack of chairs is meant to speed up the breakfast process:

That way we might be on time for the Anand Karaj - the Sikh wedding ceremony:

The bride's family brings lots of gifts in the shape of ladoo, mithai and fruits.

This is the first time I witness the Kurmai ceremony taking place right before the Anand Karaj.

Signifying his approval for his future son-in-law, Sadie's father fills Harjot's lap with dry fruits and sweets. The groom is also adorned with gold jewelry, if there's anymore space on him:

But the most precious gift he receives is a smile from his bride-to-be, right after she makes her way in and takes her place:

The marriage is now official:

After the ceremony and the sagan, we return to a completely different looking langar:

Everybody has to wait until the bride's parents feed the newly weds in a ritual I've never witnessed before:

It's worth the wait, as lunch is pretty spectacular:

Days couldn't be any shorter in late December, so we squeeze in a couple of pictures on the rooftop of the gurdwara before it gets dark:

The next day, the newlyweds are cordially welcomed at the vintage Blakes hotel in central London:

I must be born after 1400, because I really don't get these faucets, separate ones for hot and cold water:

At least I can use them for some interesting shots:

Sadie finishes her husband's hairstyle just in time to do a little dance rehearsal at the Natural History Museum, before the reception:

Not sure in who's dream I'm intruding right now, but this must be the most spectacular reception venue I've ever captured with my camera. Sounds crazy, but just an hour before this was still the entrance hall of the Natural History Museum:

The grand entrance is immediately followed by the cake cutting and every step of the way is announced by the toastmaster.

The speeches find the couple's family in the spotlight:

The best man's stories shed a new light on Harjot's time in the medical school.

A starry night is a proper backdrop for the first dance:

Soon after that, the bhangra breaks out and the dance floor proves to be too small:

Dippy, the Diplodocus that's been here since 1979, and DJ Manny, who just came a few hours ago, are combining their efforts to show everyone a fantastic time.

 Congratulations, Sadie and Harjot! Thank you so much for inviting me to UK for your fabulous wedding!

love.travel.more.cosmin

Vendors 'n' Things:

Sikh Wedding Ceremony (Anand Karaj) - Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Bedford, UK
Most Incredible Reception Venue - Natural History Museum, London, UK
Wedding Planner - Snob Events
Gurdwara Catering - Sukhdev's Catering
Reception Catering - Madhus
Makeup Artist & Hairstylist - Dil Matharu
Decor - Dream Occasions
Cake Designer - Maya Dahlia
White Wedding Horse - Fabulous Occasions
Dhol Players - Dhol Players
Lighting & Production - Hawthorns
Toastmaster - Andy Bignold
Music - DJ Manny, Kudos Roadshow
Super Friendly and Helpful Videographers - CG Studios
Second Shooter & Assistant - Ella Anderson
England Sikh Wedding Photography - Punjabi London Marriage Photographer

You like? You want? Let's chat: cosmindanilaphoto@gmail.com