Colorful Indian Fusion

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Welcome back from Christmas…I hope you spent the weekend with loved ones, tender hugs and delicious holiday desserts.  Like a four year counting down the ticking seconds until the presents get attacked, I too couldn’t wait until Monday.  Why?  Two words: Tec Petaja.  You may have noticed my subtle and persistent obsession with Tec Petaja’s work, as he’s been mentioned in several dream palettes so far.  His crisp capture of lovely moments makes me want to get married all over again.  And from today’s full feature, you’ll see why…

When Tec sent over a teaser photo a few weeks ago, of a wedding he was working on, I literally gasped.  Kara and Tuhin’s colorful celebration of life, love, and “I Do”…is not only inspiring…its a visual carousel of all things delightful.

Setting: Knoxville, Tennessee.

Heroine & Hero: American Bride – Kara and her Bengali/Indian Groom – Tuhin.

Scene #1: LOVE, COLOR & DETAILS

Kara and Tuhin decided only to have a Hindu ceremony, but incorporated a select few Western traditions that she wanted to include.  These included having her father walk her down the aisle, exchanging of rings, and verbal declaration and acceptance of their personalized wedding vows.  When it came to planning the Hindu portion of their ceremony, Kara offered great insight.

“The biggest challenge was deciding on a ceremony script to make the ceremony reflect both Tuhin and I’s personal beliefs while leaving enough tradition intact.”  Kara said. “Hindu weddings vary from region to region, families have incorporated their own traditions into the ceremony and it is very difficult to find any information on the translations from Sanskrit to English – every translation you come across on the Internet is different.”  By doing extensive research by talking to her groom’s parents, grandparents and extended family, Kara was not able to educate herself on unique traditions, but make their wedding day personal and memorable.

Scene #2: SAYING “I DO” IN STYLE.

(All Images by © Tec Petaja;   Saree by Smita Mandar Designs, Kolkata;  Henna by Feriyal at Aditi Salon in Knoxville;  Jewelry – Family heirloom gift from Groom’s mother [3rd Generation Navratna set]; Ring by Todd Reed; Hair by Casey Ray from Salon K, St Louis; Make Up by Mandy Henry, Knoxville TN; Wedding Planner -  Rachel Duke from A Fairytale Wedding; Florist by Leah McCall at Whimsical Gatherings; Ceremony and Portrait Site at Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum)

“My advice to any bride planning a wedding is to find a way to make the wedding your own. Whether it is a Western ceremony that you have heard recited many times, or a new cultural ceremony that you have to learn about, you should really understand and write your ceremony to reflect things that are important to yourself and your groom. It is a wonderful chance to learn about your grooms’ family – take the opportunity to talk to his parents, grandparents, aunts, etc, to learn what the wedding ceremony means to them and why every vow and ritual is important. Love is the best thing you can bond with a family over.”

- Kara, the Bride -

Congrats to K & T on taking the big step and for being so generous with your planning experience.  I look forward to showcasing more of Tec Petaja’s journal of stunning images.

Spicyhugs,

Fri