Palka & Raj Wedding – Edmonton. Part 2.

Last month I got pulled into the beauty of Raj & Palkas wedding. All the alluring ceremonies, decor, & rituals makes a girl be in awe.

It was a total treat to be part of their amazing joining, not only was this my very first time shooting a wedding in Edmonton, Alberta, but also my first time of shooting an Indian wedding.

The first ceremony was the Saanth Ceremony – Raj was blessed by friends and family, they rubbed oil onto the head, hands, and feet, as blessing. During the Ceremony there was singing, laughter, and so many smiles.

The second part of the Saanth Ceremony was performed by the Priest. The Pooja is meant to give positive prayers to the couple to provoke good karma. During the Pooja they burn oil and light incense. This ceremony was slightly more serious and really evokes your emotions. (Yes I sniffled a little bit!).

After the two Ceremonies came more singing and dancing, also some of the most amazing drumming I’ve ever witnessed. Then came the food. Traditional Indian Buffet was served, and lets just say it was amazing! Any sort of curry and a enormous smile comes on my face.

The next morning I met Raj in the Sapphire room where a Sehra Bandhi was performed. Raj looked absolutely handsome. This Ceremony is a real tear jerkier. After the ceremony was completed Raj along with his two sisters and parents departed to head to the wedding event.

Arriving at the Mayfield Inn Raj climbed up on one of the largest white horses I have ever seen. His face covered by beautiful gold strands, his horse decked out in a traditional outfit. Friends and family crowded around tying strings onto the horses harness for good luck. Raj sat tall on the horse as everyone started to sing and dance. They made their way around the building to the front door where they were met by more friends and family. This part is called a Barath. Raj now down from his horse made his way in to the venue. Swarms of beautiful dressed people greeted him with smiles and blessings.

Upstairs Palka quietly sat on a chair waiting to see the love of her life. Even though every bride is nervous on their wedding day Palka stood confident and graceful. Snapping a few shots of her before she made her grand entrance one of her friends ran up the stares with a stolen shoe, the grooms. Great prank!

Then the wedding ceremony began.

After the ceremony there was more amazing food and great conversations. We then went off to the park to shoot a few photos of the cute couple. Palka stood strong and confident as she looked into Raj’s eyes you could see her emotions, as their eyes connected a beautiful shot was created.

We made our way over to Palkas house. There Palka got ready for the Doli, downstairs Raj is met at the door by Palkas family he isn’t aloud in until they say he can – lucky for Raj they let him in. hehe.

The Doli proclaims the end of the ceremony. When Palka leaves her families home she tosses handfuls of rice to direct prosperity their way.

Congratulations to the beautiful couple!