{Real Wedding} A Hindu Celebration in Alabama – Part I

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I’ve got a delightful feature for you, and it’s all compliments of the fantastic duo…or should I say: Trio, over at White Rabbit Studios, in Huntsville, Alabama.  After falling in love with their charming October Harvest session,  I’ve been a dedicated fan ever since.  When you harmonize the music of photo journalistic excellence with unique perspective, passion and fun, it’s no wonder that photographers- Ashley & Stephanie (and graphic designer Andy) redefine the term: “Dream Team.”

Nancy and Chirag had two very different wedding ceremonies.  One western gathering, as in “Kentucky Derby” western in which they organized a betting pool at their lakeside ceremony, danced the night away to a four-piece band and squared danced.  “We love dancing and wanted to make sure most everyone got up and felt comfortable.” Nancy Said.  “Square dancing turned out to be a great way to make people not be shy and act goofy together!”  The photos featured here on Wedding Nouveau reflect the second and much grander event for the marrying couple: The traditional Hindu wedding ceremony.

Setting: Huntsville, Alabama

Heroine & Hero: Irish American bride – Nancy and her Indian-American beau – Chirag.

I love breaking down weddings into titled scenes, in case you couldn’t tell from all the weddings I’ve featured.  It’s a theatre habit from which I dare’st not break.  However, Nancy and Chirag’s multi-day traditional Hindu Wedding trumps that pattern, as it was equal parts multi-faceted as it was gorgeous.  Trust me, with a guest list of over 750 people, categorizing each event is about as pointless as live pigeons in your wedding cake…mmm…wait a second….

Menhdi (Henna Ceremony): The art of adorning the hands and feet with a paste made from the finely ground leaves of the Henna plant, is a tradition that westerners have come to love and emulate.  The term “Menhdi” refers to the material, the design, and the ceremony. It is tradition for the names of the bride and groom to be hidden in the design, and the wedding night is not to commence until the groom has found both names.

Disclaimer:  This wedding night game should not be played with excessive consumption of alcohol, mind altering substances, infomercials or consecutive episodes of “John and Kate Plus Eight.”  Anyway, after the wedding, the bride is not expected to perform any housework until her Menhdi has faded away. (So, I’m thinking, I’d sign up for the extra strength Henna…but that’s just me).

The couple’s traditional attire was purchased during their prior trip to India.  I love the first shot below.  There’s something very poetic about this foreshadow.  What will her wedding be like?

(Above: All images by White Rabbit Studios)

Coming up later, “part 2″ of Nancy and Chirag’s wedding with images of from the Haldi & Saptapardi ceremony.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about, stick around because you’re not going to want to miss some truly gorgeous photos.  See you soon.