Four days with Pragati and Arvind!
I had the fortune of spending 4 utterly fantastic days with Pragati, Arvind, and their families and friends. Amazing would be one way to describe it. Delicious would be another. (I love Indian food) There was so much going on that this is going to be a loooong post so bear with me, and be sure to watch the slideshow at the end; it's worth it! ;)
The first day was at very beautiful and classy Oasis Conference Centre. The traditions began that night.
I loved their shoes!
After the traditions, of course there was dancing
The second day was the Mehndi party. Here is Pragati awaiting her artist.
Clean skin, but not for long!
The drumming really got you moving! =)
Singing too! Pragati's mom was so emotional; it was adorable.
A work in progress
And more dancing and partying. It was off the hook!
Finally done!!! yay!!!
Day three was at Pragati's parents' place. Here the priest beginning the ceremonies
And everyone got their turn to mess Pragati up... hahaha
And now we come to day 4... wedding day! Pragati's dress was AMAZING! The detailing was really unbelievable. She got the dress from India and had to weigh it to put it in her baggage, and it was TEN pounds... no exaggeration or estimation. The ceremony and reception were held at the always amazing River Cree Resort.
Getting all prettied up!
Arvind doing the same.
Gotta love 911's.
You can see the anticipation on Pragati's dads face as he awaits the arrival of Arvind and his family in the lobby.
So Arvind was supposed to ride in on a horse. Not quite a horse, but it's the next best thing!
The Barat begins!!!
And finally the clash of the two families!
Pragati's family awaiting their arrival.
A big welcome!
Pragati's entrance to the marriage ceremony.
This is supposed to be the first moment Pragati and Arvind lay eyes on each other. Well, except that it wasn't an arranged marriage, so it wasn't quite the first moment! hahaha.
The ceremony begins
And here, Arvind had to make a bunch of promises to Pragati... to which he was unaware he would have to do. They were some funny and entertaining promises there that gave everyone a good laugh.
Symbolically leaving the family.
We went off to the U of A campus for some photos. I thought this shot of Pragati fixing Arvind's necklace was super cute.
They are SUCH a cute couple!
Can you spot his name? It's like Where's Waldo... without the Waldo, and without the cartoon illustration.
Classic
Love the colours of their outfits!
Good golly Pragati looked so amazing!
And of course the Porsche. It was a lot faster than my car. But only because it wasn't full of camera gear. That's my story at least. ;)
Loved these thrones for the reception!
The entrance.
First dance to start off the night.
They put on this hilarious skit about Pragati and Arvind in the future.
And what would a wedding be without the PARTY? Holy moly, 4 days in a row of HARD partying! I don't know how they can do it!
We snuck out for a couple quick night shots!
And finally, an hour or so into the dance, Pragati and Arvind FINALLY get a chance to have some dinner! Long after everyone else has already eaten!
So congratulations guys! It was a FANTASTIC, AMAZING 4 days. You ALL made me really feel like family and I was actually sad the next day when I realized I wouldn't see you guys! It was SO much fun and I'm honoured to have shared it with you. I wish you the very best as you start your lives together in Vancouver. Keep in touch!
Click HERE to view more PHOTOS!!