Hi Guys.. TGIF..It’s Friday!! I’m busy making weekend plans and I’m ready to welcome the weekend.. I wish we could have a day between Saturday and Sunday. The dreams we all crave for.. Today I am about to discuss about my first wedding Gig…

It’s a small world. Especially in Slc, pretty much everyone knows everyone.. I got referred to Anuradha Ahluwalia (Mother of the bride) through Preet, owner of Saloni Beauty Parlor and later got to know, my good friend Geeta was a dear friend of Anu… In photography business referals and word of mouth are a big deal. I spoke with Anu over the phone and discussed over a few things about the wedding. I decided to meet with the Bride soon after to discuss logistics and have a pre consulation on the event..

Photographing a first wedding can lead to emotions ranging from excitement to apprehension, and in some cases, fear.. I researched photography blogs, checked out a few websites, forums and pinned a few photos as an inspiration for the wedding Photoshoot. As the day approached, I cleared out my memory card, cleaned the lenses , charged the camera battery and finally slept with excitement ..

Next Day morning, I left home at 6:15ish to meet the bride at Saloni Beauty parlor.. Getting ready photos before your wedding are undoubtedly some of the most genuine and memorable moments of your day.. While Preet worked on her Hair and Make-up artistry,  I captured a few beautiful moments..

A wedding is a wonderful occasion when two families get together and establish a bond that is forever..The cultural vibrance and enthusiasm was evidently seen.. I was photographing a union of Sikh and American wedding …As I entered the Gurudwara , I saw Excitement.. Bride and her bride maids were getting ready for the ceremony looking gorgeous flaunting indian designs..

The Bride wore  traditional red lehenga and chose to have henna on her hands. The Groom also dressed in the traditional mens wedding attire called a Sherwani. They both looked stunning!

The ceremony was a traditional Punjabi Ceremony. The Bride’s family enthusiastically gathered  garlands and lined up near the entrance to welcome the Groom.. Once the groom has been welcomed by the family of the bride there is an exchanging of garlands between the bride and groom that symbolizes respect for one another and a promise to share everything in life together.

The bride was then escorted by her brothers and uncle to the prayer hall, while the groom sat in front of the holy book called “Guru Granth Sahib”. The priest leading this ceremony explained the sikh philosophy of marriage.,after which the couple and their parents are asked to stand for prayers (ardas).

The bride and groom then moved clockwise around guru granth sahib as ragis finished the prayer. The couples bowed to the holy book and waited for the next verse. During this ceremony the groom is given one end of palla (scarf) on his shoulder and other end is held by the bride. The ceremony thus ended with final prayer and distribution of guruprasad to guest.:)

After the ceremony I took some time out to photograph the gorgeous made for each other Couple... We also had a photo session with family members, friends and bridesmaids...

The wedding was indeed a special one as it was my First wedding gig, First Punjabi wedding , First at the Gurudwara.. Cheers to all the first’s..

Photograher : Swathi Arjun

Hair & Make Up : Saloni Beauty Parlor

Location : Gurudwara Slc Utah

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Love,

Swathi Arjun XOXO