An Indian Wedding

A good friend of mine, who happens to be Indian, got married at the end of July.  While the traditional Indian wedding lasts 7 days, she and her now husband shortened their to 3 days, combining things to make it more feasible for people to attend and enjoy themselves.

The first day was the Mendhi and Sangeet, or as I called it, the henna party.  It was a beautiful reception at a restaurant in Glendale for family and close friends.  The women were dressed in bright colors and decorated in sparkling and shining jewelry. 

The women were allowed and encouraged to have their hands hennaed with beautiful designs.  The women doing the designs did an amazing job.  Each was different, done expertly and quickly.  I loved mine!

My hand on the right, beautiful huh?!

 The Beautiful Bride!

Dinner was fabulous, a never ending cycle of food including different hummus, pastries, rice, potatoes, meat skewers, fruit platters, cookies, and much more.  There was talking and dancing and everyone had a great time.

The second day was a day of prayer.

The last day was the actual ceremony and reception.  It started at noon with the groom's entrance, and him being welcomed by the bride's mom.

 Riding in on a Segway

 A welcome hug

Then there was a break and small meal consisting of course of delicious food.  People chatted with excitement, waiting for the ceremony to start. 

Everyone was then ushered in to ceremony room.  The music started as the groom first walked down the aisle.  The bridesmaids and flower girls followed, and then came the beautiful bride.  She was dressed in traditional red and was glowing as she smiled into the crowd.

The ceremony was long, incorporating many traditional items, prayers, and actions.  Thankfully the bride and groom described everything in their program so guest were able to follow along. 

 Literally tying the knot

After the ceremony, there was a short break.  Then a cocktail reception with delicious appetizers and excited chatter.  Finally, the doors to the reception room opened and we were greeted with beautifully decorated and laid out tables.  The wedding party entered first, and then finally the bride and groom.  The bride had changed into white (American traditional).  They took their seats at the head of the room, overseeing the party.

The first dance and emotional speeches followed.  Smiles lit up around the room as the bride and groom were accurately described. 

Dinner was a buffet or traditional and delicious Indian foods.  I liked everything I tried (which is quite a rarity!) but my favorite thing was the Nan.  There were displays of desserts for the taking - little cupcakes, pies, mousses, tarts, and other sweet items.

Then there was endless dancing and partying!  When I left around 11, the party was still rocking.  It was so wonderful to see my friend utterly happy and enjoying her day with her new husband.  It was a treat to have experienced so many traditions unfamiliar to me.

 With the lovely bride on her wedding day!

Living life everyday, celebrating love and being introduced to new traditions and cultures!