The importance of capturing traditional weddings

Traditional weddings are more than celebrations — they are expressions of identity, legacy, and belonging. Rooted in centuries-old customs, each ritual carries the spirit of people, a family, and a way of life. Whether it's the seven steps around the sacred fire in an Indian wedding, the crowning ceremony in a Greek Orthodox union, or the symbolic tea ceremony in Chinese traditions, these moments connect generations, bridging past and present.

They honour ancestors, uphold values, and mark the start of a new chapter grounded in history and community. In today’s world, where cultures often blend and evolve, preserving these moments through photography is a powerful way to keep traditions alive.

As a photographer, capturing traditional weddings means understanding their rhythm, respecting their meaning, and translating that beauty through the lens, not just documenting an event, but preserving a legacy.

TRADITIONAL WEDDING PRICING

Indian Wedding

*OUR PRICING ISN'T LIMITED TO JUST INDIAN WEDDING HOWEVER IS OPEN TO OTHER CULTURES, PRICING AND INFORMATION IS JUST A BASE POINT*

BRENNA & ROLANCE THREE-DAY HINDU WEDDING

HALDI

Day 2 - Haldi

Upon entering the event space, I felt a sense of happiness, the bright yellows and oranges radiating throughout the room. The Haldi ceremony is a cherished pre-wedding ritual in Hindu culture. Family and friends gather to apply a turmeric paste to the bride and groom, symbolising purification, blessings, and a radiant start to married life. Laughter, colour, and heartfelt connection fill the air — and every moment glows with golden tradition.

The Haldi ceremony is one of the most joyful and vibrant pre-wedding rituals in Hindu culture, celebrated with great love, laughter, and anticipation. Usually held a day or two before the wedding, this intimate gathering brings together close family and friends of the bride and groom to apply a sacred paste made of turmeric (haldi), sandalwood, rose water, and sometimes mustard oil or yogurt to the couple’s skin.

Turmeric, known for its antiseptic and beautifying properties, holds deep symbolic meaning in Hindu tradition. The ritual is believed to purify the body and soul, ward off evil spirits, and bless the couple with prosperity and happiness. It’s also thought to give the bride and groom a natural glow before their big day — a golden radiance that matches the joy in their hearts.

The ceremony typically takes place at home or a pre-wedding venue, often under a beautifully decorated canopy with floral garlands, marigolds, and yellow drapery symbolising purity and auspiciousness. The bride or groom is seated in the centre, surrounded by laughing relatives who lovingly smear the haldi paste on their face, neck, hands, and feet. It’s a moment full of playfulness — expect laughter, teasing, traditional songs, and spontaneous dancing.

Each region and family may add their own unique customs — some may include drumming, turmeric water showers, or even floral jewellery for the bride. While the vibe is fun and lighthearted, the essence of the ceremony is sacred. It marks a transitional moment for the couple, preparing them emotionally and spiritually for the sacred vows they are about to take.

WEDDING DAY

Day 3 - Wedding

The Wedding Day Overview

Hindu weddings are not just the union of two individuals, but a sacred joining of two families and their lineages. The main wedding day is filled with rituals that invoke blessings, honour ancestors, and seek divine guidance. The entire process symbolises love, duty (dharma), prosperity (artha), and spiritual growth (moksha) — the four aims of life.

Baraat (Groom’s Procession)

The groom arrives in style — in what’s known as the Baraat. Accompanied by music, dancing, and family, it’s a festive, high-energy procession celebrating the groom’s arrival at the wedding venue where bride’s family welcomes him

Dwar Pooja Entrance Prayer

The ceremony begins with a sacred prayer to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.

The groom (considered to be a form of the Lord) is worshipped by the bride's father, who performs a ritual together.

Parchan Grooms welcome by brides Mother

The bride's mother along with other married ladies welcome the groom by applying tilak on his forehead, circling an arti and then brass water pot to welcome the groom.

Kanya Agaman Bride Arrival

A beautiful moment, Brenna is escorted down the aisle, making her grand entrance to the Mandap, where she joins the groom to begin their sacred rituals.

Jai Mala Arpan - Garlands Exchange

Rolance and Brenna exchange garlands, symbolising their mutual acceptance and respect, signifying the beginning of their lifelong commitment to each other. They take their places in the mandap for the ceremony.

Kanya Daan

Brenna's parents place her hand in the groom's, entrusting him with their daughter's well-being and happiness in this emotional and significant gesture. Liam (Brenna's brother) pours a continuous flow of water while the pandit says a sacred vow

Agni Puja

Agni (fire) is lit as a witness to a marriage. The bride and groom offer various items to feed the fire and recite vows to be faithful and respectful to one another.

Seven Phere circling the sacred fire. Rolance and Brenna circle together around the sacred fire, offering lawa - popped grain (which signifies the union of the 2 families & ensures prosperity) to the fire that Liam places in their joined palms. With each circle they take, they make a vow to each other, pledging their unity, love, and support in every phase of life.

The Seven Steps

Rolance and Brenna will take seven steps together that represent the beginning of their journey in life together. With each step, they make a vow to each other that together they will:

1. Pursure physical vitality;

2. Pursure strong mental energy;

3. Pursue prosperity and share our wordly goods;

4. Fill our hearts with great jot, peace, trust and spiritual values;

5. Raise healthy and virtuous children;

6. Live in harmony with nature; and

7. Remain lifetime companions & friends.

Sindoor & Mangalsutra: The groom applies sindoor to the bride’s hair parting and ties the mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around her neck, signifying she is now married. The necklace is to be worn to protect the groom.

Sil & Lorha - Rock & Pestle

Brenna will touch her toe on the rock. Symbolising that her love will be as strong as the rock