The very first Indian wedding for this hotel, the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Chesapeake Bay and beautifully done it was! Many hours went into planning this flawless day for Rachna and Nitin and we must say that every minute was so well worth it.
Rachna and Nitin had a traditional Hindu ceremony as Nitin entered in like the prince that he is via an elephant that was brought in by R.W. Commerford and Sons (860.491.3421), bringing him in with style. There were so many fabulous wedding professionals attending to Rachna and Nitin’s needs as we feel it would not be fair not to mention the ones that truly made everything what it was! First and foremost Prabha Bhambri for her talent behind the decor, Jag SIngh with EventEQ, Bill and Cara Bowen with Suburban Video and Moghul Catering for the cuisine provided throughout the entire duration of the Goyal/Goel events the food was needless to say superb and beyond measures untouchable for taste!
The wedding processed with the starting of Nitin’s Baraat (the arrival of the groom’s party). Rachna’s family and friends received him and his family as they arrived to the front of the hotel where this beautiful water fountain was found. Manju Auntie, Rachna’s mother appeared as if a goddess as she awaited Nitin’s arrival. This was probably one of my most favorite photos of the actual wedding day itself among several of a handful that I love… and we have not even completed the edit yet.
It was almost Bollywood style to watch their wedding play out as Rachna’s parents walked her midway down the aisle as she walked the rest of the way to join Nitin, this formally being called the Jaimala as they greet each other for the first time by exchanging garlands.
The ceremony began with the invocation of Lord Ganesh. Followed by the following aspects of the Hindu ceremony:
Kanyadaan, the giving away of the bride by her father. In the Hindu way of life, a married woman is given special status and respect in society. This is a very special moment for Rachna, as she accepts her change of status from an unmarried woman to Nitin’s wife. The father of the bride gives away (“daan”) his daughter (“kanya”) to the groom, who affirms his commitment to the marriage.
Ganth Bandhan, the formal Tying of the Knot. As the Punditji (Hindu Priest) ties the knot to bind Rachna and Nitin’s name together for life. Throughout the ceremony, oblations are made to God to invoke His blessings in the form of “Havan” (ceremonial fire), Samagree (crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar and rice), Ghee (clarified butter), Camphor, and Samidhan (twigs) are offered into the Agnikunda (fire pit).
Panigrahan which is the joining of hands is done as Rachna;s parents join her right hand with Nitin’s right hand as a symbol of giving their daughter’s hand in marriage. Her father asked Nitin at this time to treat her carefully, with love, respect and honor. At this time Nitin’s brother-in-law welcomes Rachna into her new family by giving her a silken scarf.
Shilarohan and Lujahuti is the offering of “Kheel” (purified rice) offered to the God’s by Rachna. Her brother then assists her while stepping upon a rock, which signifies strength of purpose and firmness. Nitin asks Rachna to be firm like a rock, to resist foes, and to help thwart undesirable forces.
Magalphere, is the symbolic walking of the fire. The couple agrees to work together to meet the following four goals: Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
Saptapadi, is the seven sacred steps and marriage vows that the couple take together signifying prosperity, strength, wealth, happiness, progeny, nature’s bounty and the last for companionship.
Shuaang, the official mark of marriage for the Hindu bride happens as Nitin place Sindoor in the parting of Rachna’s hair.
The Punditji then concludes the ceremony as he blesses the couple which is then followed by the guests showering the bride and groom with rice and flowers as they depart.
After so much knowledge aren’t you just dying to see the outcome of such a detailed wedding day, at this point enough is said. Understanding the meaning of such weddings we feel is the only way to allow one to truly appreciate the documentation of Rachna and Nitin’s awesome wedding day!
Absolutely amazing! The emotional shots you were able to capture are breathtaking. They really came out beautiful.