Indian Wedding Photography
Today is part two of my series on Madina + Omkar’s spectacular Indian wedding photography celebration. Take a look at part one featuring their Muslim wedding photography.
Minneapolis Indian Wedding Preparations
Madina + Omkar’s Hindu wedding began as they made preparations at their respective family homes. Omkar dressed in a custom embellished coat, hat, shoes and sword. He then partook in an Imli Ghontai ceremony. Then his Barat (he and his wedding party) headed over to Madina’s family home.
Madina’s preparations began as she donned a gorgeous custom pink sari with matching silver and crystal jewelry. Shortly afterward, Omkar’s motorcade Barat arrived in a din of joyfully honking cars and Indian music. Once Omkar arrived, he and his family were welcomed by Madina’s family. The Hindu priest led a series of welcoming ceremonies. Madina’s family then led the party to the site of the wedding ceremony for another welcoming ceremony.
Indian Wedding Beginning
Madina and her mother started their ceremony with the priest in the stunning back yard Mandap. After their own Imli Ghontai ceremony, they completed several other ceremonies. Then Madina and her mother headed back inside to change into her next dress. This time Madina donned a custom embellished yellow sari and matching gold and crystal jewelry.
As Madina was indoors, Omkar took his place in the Mandap to begin his Hindu wedding ceremonies. After these were completed, Madina’s family went inside to summon her. She came out in an entourage of relatives, and hidden by an embellished cloth. As she arrived at the Mandap, the cloth was removed. Madina + Omkar were then able to see each other for the first time that day, and they cracked huge smiles!
Minneapolis Indian Wedding Ceremony
Once they were together in the Mandap, the priest led them through several Hindu ceremonies. They tied together the ends of their garments, poured holy water through their hands, walked around a sacred fire, and exchanged flowers and rings. They received many blessings from family and friends.
Once their Indian wedding ceremony was complete, Madina + Omkar were able to receive their guests’ well-wishes. They took time out for group photos and enjoyed the amazing Indian feast.
Indian Wedding Ceremony Completion
As soon as they were finished, Madina left to change into her next gown. She donned a stunning, custom-made, exquisitely-ornate red dress. It was paired with gold and red jewelry. Six different countries provided handwork and materials for this dress! The two of them then left Madina’s family home with much love and fanfare. They headed back to Omkar’s family home for more celebrations. Her family continued their celebrations through the day.
Thank You!
What an amazing Indian wedding celebration! Everything was so spectacular. I loved the honor of witnessing such beautiful traditions as their wedding photographer. Take a look at the remaining blog posts about Madina + Omkar’s spectacular St Paul Hotel reception and Como Park wedding portraits.
Want to discuss the photography for your Indian wedding celebration with me? Contact me soon!
BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other Indian weddings I have photographed including Rachel + Nishant’s Hindu Temple of Minnesota wedding ceremony and Vishana + Brian’s Vishnu Mandir wedding ceremony. Also take a peek at the Mohan family’s Upanayanam ceremony at Hindu Temple of MN too!
Watch the highlight reel from their multi-day spectacular wedding extravaganza: