Kalpana + Chris' Canberra Wedding

Have you seen Monsoon wedding? Kalpana asked me when we met over coffee to discuss their wedding. I hadn't seen it but promised her I would go and watch it so I could be ready for the chaos, colour, and enormity of what could be their wedding.
I watched it far too early in the year because for the months and months I then had to wait for the date to roll around I was beyond excited! She thought it may turn me off but I really couldn't wait to be part of it.

It was well worth the wait and I felt so overwhelmed by just how amazing Kalpana looked when she stepped out of the car, and couldn't wait for Chris to see her.

After they met with each other we set out in the pouring rain for their location shoot and after one stop under cover, the clouds cleared, the rain eased and the day went along so perfectly.

I was captivated by their Hindu ceremony, I took far too many photos, was moved by the culture and the music and the tradition and walked away on such a high to have been part of it all.

Kalpana and Chris, I thank you so much for giving me such an amazing job on Saturday, you are the most beautiful people and we feel so privileged to have shared in such a special time with you.

Enjoy xx

I was so moved by the amazing Hindu ceremony and wanted to share some of the rituals and traditional elements so taken from Kalpana and Chris' wedding site, here is some insight into this incredible ceremony:

Traditionally, Hindu wedding ceremonies can last for many days and involve much ritual in Sanskrit (the language of ancient India).

Swagatam & Duwaarpoojan (Arrival of the Groom)
The groom arrives at the wedding venue and is welcomed by the bride's family. A small prayer is offered to Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings and removal of any obstacles.

Parchan (Greeting the Groom)
The bride's female relatives greet the groom, taking turns to bless him by performing "Aarti".

The groom is then escorted to the Mandap, where a series of prayers are conducted to invite gods and goddesses to be present and to bless the bride and groom. These include:

Navagraha:
conducted to create a harmonious and auspicious disposition of the nine planets of the solar system. Ancient indian studies indicate that the planets and the celestial beings have a bearing on the destiny of every individual. The effects if the nine planets are meant to be the most profound.

Madhupak:
A mixture of ghee, honey and yogurt is offered to the groom as an expression welcoming him to marry the bride.

The bride is escorted to the Mandap by her brothers.

Jaimala (Exchange of Garlands)
The couple exchanges garlands as a gesture of acceptance and a pledge to respect one another as partners.

Kanyadan (Giving Away of the Bride)
The prime wealth of a Hindu household is the “kanya” (daughter) who symbolises the Hindu goddess Lakshmi (representing wealth and wellbeing).

The bride's parents place her hands into the groom's hand and the bride's brother pours water over them to finalise the gesture of transferring responsibility of the daughter from the bride's family to the groom. The groom holds the bride's hand and they both vow to love, cherish and protect each other throughout their lives.

According to Vedic scriptures there is no greater gift one can give than a daughter's hand in marriage. During this ritual the priest will recite the names of the bride's and groom's paternal line back three generations to seek their blessings for the couple.

Granthibandhan (Tying of the Nuptial Knot)
Scarves placed around the bride and groom are tied together symbolizing their eternal bond. This signifies their pledge before God to love each other and remain faithful.

Havan and Mangalpheras (Walk Around the Fire)
The priest lights the sacred fire so that "Agni Dev" (God of Fire) can witness the commitment of the couple to each other and provide blessings.

The crucial part of the wedding is the Havan, where the couple circle around the fire seven times, pouring rice into the fire provided by the bride's brother. These Mangalpheras represent the four goals in life: Dharma, religious and moral duties; Artha, prosperity; Karma, earthly pleasures; Moksha, spiritual salvation and liberation. The bride leads the Pheras first, signifying her determination to stand first beside her husband in all happiness and sorrow. The priest blesses the couple on each turn praying for happiness, long life, good health and prosperity.

Saptha Pathi (Seven Steps and Vows)
The bride and groom take seven steps together, symbolising the beginning of their journey through life together. The seven steps reflect guiding principles of their married life.

First step: to keep a pure household; avoiding things injurious to our health.

Second step: to develop mental, physical, and spiritual powers.

Third step: to increase wealth by righteous means.

Fourth step: to acquire knowledge, happiness, and harmony by mutual love and trust.

Fifth step: for virtuous, intelligent, and courageous children.

Sixth step: for longevity.

Seventh step: to always remain true companions and life-long partners.

Sindhoor (Red Powder)
The Sindhoor ritual takes place where the groom applies a small dot of vermilion, a red powder, to the bride's forehead, welcoming her as his partner for life. This signifies the completion of the marriage.

Exchange of Rings
A circle, representing the sun, earth and universe, is a symbol of holiness, perfection and peace. The rings symbolise unity, in which the bride's and groom's lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. In whichever direction they go, they will always return to one another.

Aashirbaad (Blessings)
The priest blesses the newly wedded couple. Flower petals are then showered on the bridal couple by parents, family, friends and guests to express good wishes and blessings for the couple.