A nice day, not too warm, not too cold and no particular weather if you get my meaning, at least its dry! Off to the Brides family home in Harrow for the usual Bridal preparations or in this case not quite so usual! Ashvika is of Indian birth and the rituals surrounding this marriage (Hindu) are very important indeed. So yes whilst there was the usual make-up shots etc, there was also the dressing of the Sari. Ashvika and Gary’s wedding however was also to be a mix of western culture and Ashvika had also purchased a very English wedding dress to change into later on.Off to the venue Hunton Park in Herfordshire to meet up with Gary and for the ceremony and the rest of the days celebrations. Gary was also dressed in traditional Hindu wedding clothes and before the main ceremony began a separate ceremony of blessing the Groom took place involving mainly the women of Ashvika’s family. Then the arrival of the bride and a full Hindu ceremony ensued. I had a full breakdown of what each part of the ceremony meant (apparently this was a shortened version only lasting about an hour and a half), however following this and photographing the many, many comings and goings, incense casting, fruit chopping, flower placing etc was a challenge enough so no time to read each and every part. Suffice to say the ceremony was absolutely fantastic, so much colour, so much involvement from so many people, Indian music, vibrant, thrilling, what a great spectacle.
The ceremony finally over, and straight into a few family formal photographs, then out onto the lawns for the drinks reception. This was the moment Ashvika changed into her western Wedding Gown and made a completely new entrance to her waiting guests. Indian Dancers entertained everyone in the gardens, their dancing was energetic to say the least, they wore me out just watching them, brilliant! Off for a few quite pictures with the happy couple and then back to the Dancers who had decided there should be some audience participation! Soon several guests and of course Ashvika and Gary were soon being taught the moves and dancing away much to the delight of everyone else.
Time to head to the large Marquee situated in the gardens of Hunton Park for the wedding breakfast, speeches and of course cutting of the traditional wedding cake! Everyone contented and in good humour Gary and Ashvika were welcomed onto the dance floor for their first dance together as man and wife. Soon the DJ kicked up the tempo and the dance floor filled. Time to say my good bye’s. What a great day!