Planning a wedding is no joke and took almost everything out of me on a weekly basis. Trying to keep yourself centered (and sane) is no easy task when your mind is planning every minute of every day/week before it has even arrived. Luckily it is over. I shouldn't say that because it was certainly a learning experience. You learn how to communicate with people and make everything come together. Not to say there weren't a few hiccups in our beautiful day... overall it all turned out just the way I pictured.
Before I talk about my wedding day, I want to talk a little about love, and a little about weddings in general. This year is extremely special and full of love as many of my friends and family are entering in to wedded matrimony. The first wedding of the year was for my beloved Best Friend, Nirmala Kandhai and her man Raj Bhimsen. I was a bridesmaid and the experience was incredible.
When looking at love and marriage and how they are expressed in different cultures they can contrast each other infinitely, but when you witness these traditions first hand you realize the underlying principals aren't so different at all. I don't know much about the Hindu culture, or religion, but after being a part of an event such as a wedding it is clear that it is more than just two people promising to love and honor forever (though that is a big part of it too). It is about family, and uniting two families and bonding them as if they were always one. I have been to many Christian weddings, but the focus on family in the Hindu celebrations was so much more prevalent. I realized this not only from the traditional ceremonies that took place, but from how I as a stranger was greeted and shown love by everyone I met.
As one of the only non-Hindu guests and people in the wedding party it was eye opening and life-changing. I was welcomed by everyone and was even blessed to be able to stay in the home of my friends Brother and his beautiful family. I was able to walk my friend down the aisle to meet her groom and support her in that special moment. After 4 straight days of celebration it was a beautiful example of what love is and should be- not just for Bride and Groom, Man and Wife, but for Families all over the world.
Another fascinating part of the wedding and celebrations throughout, was the symbolism of certain idols, colors, and traditions and how they came together to represent forthcoming prosperity for the Bride and Groom. It was truly heart-warming to see how deep and meaningful every detail really was.
Here are some photos from the wedding celebrations of Mr. & Mrs. Bhimsen!
Nirmala (Amrita) at her Mehndi Night
The Digging of the Dirt Ceremony
Night of Prayers
It is customary for the young girls to cleanse the bride and rid her of impurities before the wedding. She sleeps with the yellow dye on her skin and is bathed by her mother and sisters in the morning.
Me with the Kandhai kids!
Me and Jenae!
The Bride in Yellow- a symbolic color of purity and a non-married woman.
Hindu Ceremony- exchange of rings
The NEW Mr. & Mrs. Bhimsen!
The Bride changes to Red to symbolize she is a married woman.
Party time!
It was at this moment, dressing my friend and looking at her, that I was overwhelmed with emotions. It is such a blessing to share this with someone.
Happily Ever After.
