INDIA
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D D & S A R A
A N N E R H E T T P H O T O G R A P H Y | 2 0 2 3
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A T V I L L A P A L L A D I O
V I L L A P A L L A D I O
Red is the traditional Indian wedding color, as it represents new beginnings, passion, and prosperity Red also represents the Hindu goddess Durga, who symbolizes new beginnings and feminine power That was one of the main reasons we fell in love with the idea of doing the wedding at Villa Palladio-a red oasis. Ours was the first wedding to ever take place at this jewel of a venue!
M E H N D I
C O C K T A I L
M E H N D I
Mehndi, otherwise known as henna, is a paste associated with positive spirits and good luck Indian Wedding tradition calls for a Mehndi ceremony to be held the night before the wedding as a way of wishing the bride good health and prosperity as she makes her journey on to marriage. All the women had their Mehndi done to help beautify and bless the bride before her big day
F
Rajasthani folk dances originated from different tribes and historically performed for kings on special occasions
O L K D A N C E
R S
HALDI
M U S T A R D
The guests all wear mustard or gold. Haldi is considered auspicious and signifies protection. Its color brings prosperity to the couple to start off their new life together.
H A L D I
The bride and groom’s families join together to apply turmeric paste (haldi) on the bride and groom's face and body to purify the couple in preparation for marriage The occasion is celebrated with dhol drum beats, Bollywood songs and dancing.
R I N G C E R E M O N Y
Before the actual marriage ceremony, is the ritual of Sagai. Rings are exchanged between the bride and the bridegroom during Sagai to seal the union of the two individuals as well as their families
R I N G
C E R E M O N Y
WEDDING DAY
SWORD
Siddcarriedaswordfromhisancestral village, passed down through generations.
TIMING
A pundit whopresides over the ceremony consulted astrology to determinethemostauspiciousdateand timefortheceremonytotakeplace.He suggested July 2nd late in the evening, andofcourseSaraandSiddobliged!
B A R A A T
"The baraat brings the groom to the wedding venue with much pomp and fervor.The groom, decked in traditional Indian finery, is seated on a ceremonial horse as his guests lead the way, dancing.
JEWELRY
The maang tikka headpiece is worn to protect the bride from the evil eye and negative energy. Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity, brings immense blessings to the groom's family via the bride, which is why families give gold to thebrideintheformofornamentsorgold bars for her to wear and keep safe. Sara wore gold jewelry, gifts from Sidd's family,fortheceremony.
B A N G L E S
Bangles signify good fortune and prosperity, so brides wear stacks symmetrical bangles on each arm.
D O L I & M A N D A P
"The doli procession is an important part of the Hindu wedding tradition and symbolizes the bride's departure from her family and her arrival at her new home. Traditionally this is a carriage carried by the bride’s family. The Mandap serves as the altar for Indian weddings, a pillared structure covered in flowers The couple must sit facing the east direction The layout of our wedding was based around this.
C E R E M O N Y & F I R E
There is a fire in the center of the ceremony. The couple takes seven full circles, walking clockwise around the fire, representing the seven principles and promises they make to each other."
