Indian Weddings are lavish affairs of celebration, enriched in centuries of Tradition. My photography grants me the privilege to gain valuable insight into other cultures and I was truly blessed to capture Reshmi and Kevin’s Hindu wedding at Shriva Vishu Temple. There was something very liberating walking around the temple barefoot as my mind raced with excitement and creative ideas.

Reshmi was getting ready in her Sari with the detailed henna decorating her hands and feet. It’s said that you can tell how well a new bride is being treated by her in-laws from how long it takes for the henna to wear off. I would find this out next Saturday for the ceremony at St Ignatius.

The groom is supposed to arrive in a procession, preferably on a white horse or elephant. Now Kevin has a few connections with the Australian Army but the cavalry was out of white horses and the Zoo didn’t have a spare Elephant so he followed tradition and had his best man wash his feet outside the temple before Reshmi’s and his parents escorted him inside.

The ceremony took place under the Mandap, draped in flowers, with the sacred fire burning in a brazier, coconuts and fresh fruit decorating the floor, and the trumpet and drums thumping as Reshmi entered.  I was like a kid in a candy shop documenting Reshmi and Kevin’s beautiful and very colourful ceremony.  Loved the fact that the rings get exchanged on their toes. The ceremony ended with a sumptuous Indian banquet outside. Couldn’t wait for their story to continue next Saturday with their catholic ceremony.