I was super excited to photograph Deepa and Akshay’s wedding at the Sheraton Waikiki. It had all makings of fabulous Indian Wedding. It was over two days Many times the Mehndi ceremony is done a few days before and is filled with ceremony and celebration. Deepa decided to have hers done in private, in her room the night before her official Mehndi party. This way she was able to enjoy and visit with her guests the next evening without having to worry about wet henna all over her hands and feet.

The unofficial Mehndi In Deepa’s room The Welcome Party with all their guests who arrived from as far as India.

 

Most of the Indian weddings I have had the honor to photograph are filled with traditions from the regions the the couples come from. The Hindu ceremony will last anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours depending on these traditions. They’re a tad bit difficult to follow only because they’re all chanted in Hindu. I always rely on my scripted out ceremony that is provided to me by Mira. She’s the best (and only) Indian wedding coordinator within the Hawaiian Islands and her company Indian Weddings in Hawaii will put together a fabulous event for you as well. Deepa + Akshay Got ready in their room and were blessed with a fabulous sunny Hawaiian day. She was enamored with the view from her room. The evening ended with their dance filled reception. Enjoy!

We did head out for a first look so we could capture some portraits and family images before the ceremony.

 

The ceremony starts with the groom and his family dancing and celebrating on their way to the bride’s (village).

Traditionally the bride and groom meet on the wedding day. There’s a cloth placed between them for the reveal.

It wouldn’t be a Jeannemarie experience without the sunset (although we almost missed it!)

They had a very simply decorated venue but was rounded out by tons of dancing.