Where do I even start here?? We had the most incredible weekend with Niyati, Vikram and their families. Singing, dancing, poetry, eating, these people know how to party! Friday night was the Sangeet at the Mountain Gate Country Club, which was a big pre-ceremony reception where lots of the family performed dance routines, sang songs and entertained the couple all night. Niyati even got up and joined one of the dance performances, and then did a solo Bharata Natyam (I think this is the correct name of the dance?) herself! Here’s a few shots:
A bazaar was set up where guests could pick out bangles, bindi’s and other gifts.
The beautiful couple.
The cousin’s put on a great movie-dance routine.
Niyati’s beautiful performance.
Just about everyone at the party joined in for this traditional dance (I think is called Dandiya?). They tried to teach Nate & I to do this, and we actually were doing well, untill too many people started joining us, then we just kept messing up! It was a lot of fun!!!
Then there was Saturday, which took place at Paramount Studios. I highly recommend EVERYONE to attend an Indian wedding at least once in their lives. This was probably the most colorful, celebrated, eventful, wonderful experience I’ve ever had. From the dramatic entrance of Vik on a horse, to the very tradition and ritualistic ceremony what a day! Niyati looked like an Indian Princess in her jeweled sari, bangels and bindi’s. It’s hard to narrow down to just a handful of favorites, but here’s a few highlights from the day:
As Vik was lead towards the ceremony area, his entire family lead his way, singing and dancing. Then the boys stole his shoes, which he had to pay Niyati’s cousins to get back!
Niyati being lead by her uncle towards the Mandap (ceremony stage).
There were many symbols which the couple and their family’s made blessings over during the ceremony. Here is a coconut draped with a necklace dyed with tumeric the preist made for Niyati to wear.
The couple taking their first of seven steps together.
Here we are at the reception at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. With 800 guests it was a serious party!!! I’m still in awe that Mary Sushinski of Occasions was able to pull off this entire flawless weekend!! The evening kicked off with a great first dance by the couple, speeches by friends & family and a classically trained dancer who performed a couple routines. Once the DJ got the Bangra going, you could barely see the dance floor! Nate & I were pulled onto the dance floor a few times to join in. I don’t think we left until close to 2am! OH! And I have to mention Manohar’s Delhi Palace who catered this event. The food was PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!! Have I mentioned I love my job?
The first dance.
Listening to all the speeches. These two are just a “little” loved by their families.
Ni watching her man make a speech. Do you think she’s in love?
Let the dancing begin!!!!
These will be the most photographed babies in the world. Here’s only the start…
