#a wedding canopy that symbolizes the couple making a home and a life together

[weddingblogshere]

Ultimate Guide to Marriage Gifts and Decoration Ideas

Thoughtful Gifts for the Newlyweds: A Celebration of New Beginnings

A wedding is not just a celebration of love, but a union of two lives, two families, and two dreams. Gifting the newlyweds is a gesture of love and support as they embark on this new chapter, offering them a piece of joy and a helping hand on their journey together.

Beyond the Usual: Creative and Practical Gifts for the Couple

Experiences that Create Lasting Memories: Consider gifting a romantic weekend getaway to a scenic destination, a cooking class to learn new culinary skills together, or adventure tickets for a shared thrill. Experiences build lasting memories and create a shared story for the couple to cherish.

Homeware with a Personal Touch: A high-quality set of matching mugs for their morning coffee, personalized photo frames for cherished memories, or a beautiful throw blanket for cozy evenings together add a touch of warmth and personality to their new home.

Contribute to a Shared Dream: Help them achieve a long-held dream by contributing to a down payment for a home, a special trip, or a meaningful cause they care about. This demonstrates your support and investment in their shared aspirations.

Subscription Boxes for Shared Interests: Gift a subscription to a monthly box filled with gourmet food, wine, craft supplies, books, or anything that reflects their shared passions. This offers a continuing stream of fun, excitement, and new experiences.

Practical Gifts for a Smoother Journey: A quality set of luggage for future adventures, a personalized cutting board for culinary creations, or a curated collection of household essentials makes their new life together a little easier and more enjoyable.

Traditional Gifts with a Modern Twist: Incorporating Indian Heritage

Beautifully Crafted Indian Silverware: A set of intricately designed silverware, thalis (serving platters), or bowls adds elegance to their dining experiences and reflects a timeless Indian heritage.

Traditional Indian Textiles: A beautiful silk saree or lehenga for the bride, or a richly embroidered kurta or sherwani for the groom makes them feel elegant and festive for future occasions.

Personalized Indian Jewelry: Consider gifting mangalsutra pendants for the bride or cufflinks for the groom, with the couple's initials or a special inscription, making it a personal and meaningful reminder of their bond.

Artful Indian Decor: Hand-painted madhubani paintings, vibrant warli art, or a traditional brass or bronze statue add a touch of Indian heritage to their home decor.

Wedding Decoration Ideas: Creating a Magical Ambiance

A beautifully decorated wedding sets the stage for a truly unforgettable celebration, transforming the venue into a world of enchantment and wonder. Here are some creative and traditional decoration ideas:

Elegant & Classic: Timeless Designs with a Modern Touch

Blush and Gold: This color scheme creates an air of sophistication and elegance, perfectly complemented by crystal accents, luxurious fabrics, and draped flowers for a dramatic effect.

Floral Heaven: A tapestry of vibrant flowers adorns the venue, from cascading garlands and floral arrangements to a stunning floral canopy over the stage. Opt for a mix of local and exotic blooms for a visually captivating display.

Candles and Lighting: Soft candlelight and shimmering fairy lights transform the venue into a magical wonderland, creating an intimate and romantic ambiance.

Elevated Table Settings: Impress your guests with luxurious linens, personalized place cards, and eye-catching centerpieces that incorporate candles, flowers, and even miniature versions of traditional Indian symbols.

Embrace Indian Traditions: Incorporating Culture & Symbolism

Mandala Motifs: Intricate mandalas, symbolizing the universe and harmony, are incorporated into the décor, adding a touch of spirituality and cultural significance.

Diya Illumination: Diyas (oil lamps) arranged in intricate patterns create a warm and auspicious glow, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Indian traditions.

Rangoli Art: Colorful and intricate rangoli patterns crafted on the floor welcome guests and symbolize good luck, prosperity, and happiness.

Traditional Indian Fabrics: Use beautiful fabrics like silk, velvet, or brocade in rich colors for draping and enhancing the overall ambiance.

Beyond Decoration: Elevate the Experience

Live Music: Traditional Indian musicians create a mesmerizing atmosphere with their melodies and rhythms, enriching the cultural experience for your guests.

Dance Performances: A captivating dance performance showcasing Indian classical dance forms or vibrant folk dances adds a touch of art and beauty to the celebration.

Interactive Elements: Consider incorporating henna artists, a traditional tea station with an array of fragrant blends, or a personalized photo booth capturing memories of the special day.

Planning Your Perfect Wedding: Resources & Inspiration

For additional ideas and inspiration, browse through wedding blogs, magazines, and websites dedicated to Indian weddings. Many wedding planners specialize in organizing elaborate traditional Indian weddings, and they can provide expert advice and services tailored to your needs.

Remember, your wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment. Embrace tradition, personalize your decorations, and create an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests as you embark on this exciting new chapter together.

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[tentrentalsbyjesanas]

Transform Your Canton Wedding with Canopy Rentals: Ideas and Inspiration

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, a celebration of love and commitment that deserves to be as unique and memorable as your love story. In Canton, Ohio, where natural beauty and a sense of charm abound, hosting an outdoor wedding is a dream for many couples. However, the unpredictable Ohio weather can present challenges. This is where canopy rentals come into play, offering a canvas for creativity and the perfect solution to weather-related worries. In this guide, we'll explore how canopy rental in Canton can transform your Canton wedding, providing ideas and inspiration to create a magical and unforgettable day.

The Role of Canopy Rentals in Your Canton Wedding

Before diving into creative ideas, let's understand why canopy rentals are a must for your Canton wedding:

Weather Protection: Canton experiences a diverse climate, with hot summers, chilly winters, and unpredictable rain showers. Canopies offer reliable protection from the elements, ensuring your wedding proceeds smoothly, come rain or shine.

Versatility: Canopies come in various styles and sizes, making them adaptable to different wedding sizes and themes. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement, a rustic barn wedding, or a grand outdoor affair, there's a canopy that suits your vision.

Customization: Canopies provide a blank canvas for wedding customization. You have the creative freedom to decorate and style the space to match your wedding's theme and atmosphere, from boho chic to timeless elegance.

Comfort: Ensuring the comfort of your guests is a top priority. Canopies allow you to regulate temperature, provide shade, and protect attendees from strong winds or sudden rain showers, ensuring their comfort throughout the celebration.

Privacy: Canopies offer a level of privacy that open outdoor spaces cannot provide. This is especially valuable for intimate moments during your wedding ceremony or reception, creating a secluded and intimate setting.

Now, let's explore ideas and inspiration for transforming your Canton wedding with canopy rentals:

1. Romantic Ceremony Canopy:

Create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere for your wedding ceremony with a beautifully adorned canopy. Adorn the canopy's frame with flowers, greenery, or drapery that complements your wedding color scheme. Consider a sheer fabric canopy to filter the sunlight, creating a soft and ethereal ambiance as you exchange vows.

2. Reception Canopy Lounge:

Transform your reception area with a canopy lounge. Set up a cozy lounge space beneath a canopy where guests can relax, mingle, and enjoy cocktails. Furnish the lounge with plush seating, rugs, and decorative pillows to create an inviting and stylish area for your guests to unwind.

3. Floral Canopy Chuppah:

For Jewish weddings, consider a lush floral canopy, known as a chuppah, to symbolize the couple's new home together. Adorn the chuppah with an abundance of flowers and greenery, creating a breathtaking focal point for your ceremony. This canopy represents the couple's commitment to building a beautiful life together.

4. Rustic Barn Canopy:

If you're hosting your wedding at a rustic barn venue in Canton, enhance the space with a canopy that complements the rustic charm. Opt for a canopy with a wooden frame and twinkle lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The combination of natural wood and soft lighting will bring out the rustic elegance of your venue.

5. Bohemian Canopy Reception:

For a boho-chic wedding, choose a canopy with flowing drapes and macramé accents. Hang dreamcatchers, pampas grass, and vibrant floral arrangements to achieve that bohemian aesthetic. A boho canopy will set the stage for a laid-back and free-spirited celebration.

6. Garden Party Canopy:

If your wedding is set in a picturesque garden or outdoor venue, consider a canopy that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Opt for a canopy adorned with vines, florals, and hanging greenery to create an enchanting garden party atmosphere.

7. Vintage Elegance Canopy:

For a timeless and elegant wedding, select a canopy with classic details such as crystal chandeliers, ornate drapery, and antique-inspired furnishings. This canopy will exude old-world charm and sophistication, setting the stage for a memorable and stylish affair.

8. Twinkle Light Canopy:

Add a touch of magic to your wedding with a canopy adorned with twinkling fairy lights. Hang strings of lights from the canopy's frame to create a starry canopy effect that's perfect for evening receptions or outdoor dances. The soft glow of the lights will create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.

9. Beach Wedding Canopy:

For beachfront weddings near Canton's beautiful lakes, a beach-themed canopy is ideal. Use a canopy in light, airy colors and incorporate seashells, driftwood, and nautical elements into the decor. This canopy will perfectly complement the natural beauty of the waterfront setting.

10. Minimalist Canopy:

If you prefer a modern and minimalist aesthetic, opt for a sleek and understated canopy design. A simple frame with clean lines and monochromatic decor will create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere without overwhelming the space.

Conclusion:

Canopy rentals are a game-changer for your Canton wedding, offering endless possibilities for creating a unique and memorable celebration. Whether you envision a romantic ceremony canopy, a cozy lounge space, or a bohemian reception canopy, the right canopy will elevate your wedding to new heights. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can transform your wedding day into a magical and unforgettable event that reflects your love story and leaves a lasting impression on your guests. So, embrace the versatility of canopy rentals and turn your wedding dreams into a beautiful reality in Canton, Ohio.

[agentargus]

White Hymnals moodboard for @thatdamnokie.

[atlantaartisticweddings]

Persian Wedding Traditions: A Glimpse Into The Persian Culture

As you know by now, I love that I’ve been able to learn about new cultures and traditions through my work as a wedding photographer. This week I want to share with you some traditions from the Persian, or Iranian, community. These traditions go back to Zoroastrianism, a religion of pre-Islamic Iran that dates back to the 5th Century BCE. What’s really impressive is that the actual ceremony has stayed more or less the same as they were in Ancient Iran and the same traditions are observed across the many ethnicities and denominations present in this culture.

As in many cultures, preparation for a Persian wedding happens long before the actual ceremony. Khastegāri, or courtship, is the first step of the traditional engagement process where a man and woman start courting each other. Once this begins, representatives of the groom's family visit the bride's family so the two sides can become acquainted. The groom's family often brings flowers and the women provide tea, fruits and sweets. The families will keep meeting and once, they see the relationship is serious, they will permit the marriage. In modern-day Iran, the Khastegari is a one-time formality where the families meet and the parents can give their thoughts on the engagement. Shortly after the families agree to the marriage and it’s terms comes the Baleh Borān, where the couple publicly announces their engagement. The groom’s family gives the bride a gift, usually a ring, to convince her further that she should accept the proposal. Next, the Nāmzadi ceremony, or formal engagement celebration, is held as early as a year before the wedding and takes place at the bride's home. The couple and their families start to make the wedding arrangements and decide on the Mehr/Mehrieh, or “gift of love”. The bride and groom exchange rings at this ceremony. The Namazdi ceremony is followed by the Shirin Khorān, where guests eat Iranian desserts such as bāmiyeh (light doughnut balls), Nān-e berenji (rice flour cookies), chocolates, ājil (nuts and dried fruit) to wish the couple “sweetness” in their future together. Later on, a few days before the wedding, the two families partake in the Jahāz Barān, or Tabaq Barān, ceremony. The bride's family sends presents to the groom's house where the men from the groom's family dress up in festive, traditional garments and carry the presents to the bride on elaborately, large flat containers, called tabaq, on their heads.

The bride and all the female family members start getting ready for the official ceremony a day before it takes place, with the Hana Bandān. This is where dry henna, provided by the groom’s family, is broken into pieces in a silver or copper container by a woman whose parents are alive and still happily married to each other. The bride has a veil ornamented with red flake placed over her head, and the women circle around her singing hymn and folk songs about henna. A woman with a happy marriage kneads the henna with water, then carries it in on a tray with candles and places it in the middle of the room. Depending on the circumstances, the bride can either receive the henna first before the other guests or last after all the guests leave. Henna is usually placed on the hands, put can be put on the bride’s hair or feet as well if she chooses. Before the henna is applied, coins or gold are placed in the bride’s hands The same woman who kneaded the henna places it on one of the bride's hands, and a young girl places it on the other. A close friend of the bride remains with her after the ceremony until morning.

The ceremony is ripe with rich symbolism from the very beginnings of this culture. The groom sits on a stool at the end of the sofreyé aghd, or “wedding table” filled with objects to remind the couple of their faith and commitment to each other. He faces the guests with a mirror facing him so he can see his reflection and two lit candlesticks, representing the eternal passion the bride and groom share. The bride walks down the aisle accompanied by her mother and father, and sits to the left of the groom. The couple sits beneath one canopy or shawl, held up by a few unmarried female family members, so they are united under one roof. The ceremony officiant, almost always an older male, begins reading verses from the Quran. In modern, nonsecular weddings, official documents are often signed before the ceremony with the officiant, who is not necessarily a religious figure, as witness and poetry is read in place of verses from the Quran. While the officiant is talking, happily married women take turns, with family members going first, rubbing sugar cones together above the canopy to add sweetness to the couple’s marriage. The sugar granules sprinkle onto the canopy, signifying showering the couple in sweetness. At this point in the ceremony, the officiant asks the groom if he consents to marry the bride, to which the groom replies ‘balé’, or yes. Next, he asks the bride and, all in good fun as a joke, she remains silent, with the guests yelling out excuses for her, until the officiant asks a third time, and this time the bride consents. The audience claps and yells a traditional sound of praise. The groom lifts the bride’s veil and sees her for the first time in the mirror, which signifies eternity, and they are seeing the reflection of their life together in eternity. The groom then picks up a jar of honey (asal) from the wedding table, dips his little finger into the jar of honey, and feeds it to the bride and then vice versa, to symbolize that they will feed each other sweetness and sustenance throughout their lives together. Now officially wed, their immediate family members rush to kiss them on the cheeks and throw gold (talā) jewelry to them. After the immediate family has congratulated the couple, the rest of the guests of the ceremony come up one by one to congratulate the couple. The bride and groom walk back down the aisle while music plays and the guests throw more gold coins and flower petals at them. Then, they are ready to party at the reception!

The celebration continues long after the official ceremony with the Pātakhti, which is a reception held after the wedding. Flowers are a big theme here, as the groom’s family decorates the venue with flowers and the bride typically wears a floral print. One of the many fun activities is the cake knife dance, known as Raghseh Chagoo, which is a Persian wedding tradition that begins the cake cutting. When the bride and groom are ready to cut the cake, they have to earn the knife. A female family member or friend will begin to dance with the knife (most typically to Persian music.) The couple must offer money to the dancing friend in exchange for the knife. The dancer may act coy and take the money, only to give the knife to another woman to continue the knife dance. This will continue until one of the dancers decide that they have been won over by the given money and will give the bride and groom their cake knife in exchange.Before the bride and groom cut the cake, the guests take part in what’s known as “the knife dance”. The relatives of the bride and the groom bring them presents during the reception as well. Traditional Persian weddings can have over 400 guests so the reception is less formal and more like a party where guests can dance the night away! The Mādarzan Salām, which literally means “hello mother in law” is generally the morning after the wedding ceremony when groom brings a gift to his mother in law. This sets up what could be several weeks of Pagoshā, which translates to “open arms”. It is a ceremony where the newlywed couple goes to the house of their relatives to accept Runamā, which is the name of the gift that’s usually given to the bride and groom to celebrate them as "a family". This can be an exhausting process for Iranians, who typically have large families, meaning they’ll have many “pagoshās” to attend. The couple then goes on their honeymoon, or Mah-e Asal.

As with the many cultures i’ve seen, these traditions are all tied to the love the couple has for each other. It is always such an honor to be a part of their special day and get a glimpse into these beautiful and meaningful traditions.

Thanks again for coming to my blog,

David

#persianwedding #wedding #d #luxurywedding #persian #bride #weddingphotography #sofrehaghd #destinationwedding #bridal #luxwedding #persianceremony #weddingdecor #weddingday #hochzeit #iranianwedding #love #groom #weddingdress #aroosi #weddingplanner #weddinginspiration #dj #europeanwedding #bridedress #n #bruiloft #event #verjaardag #bhfyp

[unluckygreencat-blog]

Jewish wedding. Research.

Wedding for any religious Jew is almost the central event of life. In Jewish culture, the family is the cornerstone of Jewry, and the wedding is the biggest celebration.

The very first stage of a traditional Jewish marriage, is the Shidduch, or matchmaking. This means that the process of finding a partner is not haphazard or based on purely external aspects. Rather, a close friend or relative of the young man or woman, who knows someone that they feel may be a compatible partner, suggests that they meet. The purpose of the meeting is for the prospective bride and groom to determine if they are indeed compatible.

 But most often used is the appeal to special matchmakers. They must be subtle enough psychologists in order to correctly combine young people and create a strong married couple. Potential bride and groom initially go on dates (usually a few, about 3 or 4) in cafes and parks. It is believed that going to the cinema, for example, is a very bad idea - for these dates, young people should discuss their views on life, wishes for each other, family life and other nuances of living together. In addition, they will have a whole life to “look one way”, so at these meetings they better look at each other. Despite the fact that divorces in Jewish culture have existed since ancient times, a strong family "for all life” is still considered the best option.

Some families sign a contract, the tenaim, meaning "conditions," that delineates the obligations of each side regarding the wedding and a final date for the wedding. Others do this at the wedding reception an hour or so before the marriage. This contract is ordained by Mishnaic law (circa 170 CE) and according to some authorities dates back to Biblical times. The Ketuvah, written in Aramaic, details the husband's obligations to his wife: food, clothing, dwelling and pleasure. It also creates a lien on all his property to pay her a sum of money and support should he divorce her, or predecease her. The document is signed by the groom and witnessed by two people, and has the standing of a legally binding agreement, that in many countries is enforceable by secular law.

I think, Perhaps this prenuptial agreement is one of the oldest existing prenuptial agreements in principle in the world. It describes the husband’s responsibilities towards his wife, and provides for the separation of rights and duties and prevents divorces due to petty family quarrels - at least because the husband will have to pay a considerable amount for the divorce. The main responsibilities of the husband, by the way, are: - feed his wife - provide his wife with clothes - support a family - satisfy the wife in bed Sex in general is an important point in family life. It is especially interesting that, unlike many other cultures, the pleasure of a woman is put quite high. Most often, the wedding ritual has almost the same sequence: 1. Signing of Ketuvah 2. Concealment of the face of the bride 3. Passage of the groom to the Chuppah 4. Passage of the bride to the Chuppah and her "bypass" of the groom 7 times 5. Putting the ring on the finger 6. Public reading of Ketuvah 7.7 Blessings 8. Glass breaking 9. The privacy of the bride and groom in the room 10. Triumph and fun Hiding the bride’s face under a piece of fabric has a different explanation, but the most common of them is the groom’s awareness that the past beauty is temporary and can end, and the inner beauty will remain. Also, in some interpretations, this may be a sign of the bride belonging to the groom. A wedding is of great importance not only as a celebration of the creation of a new unit of society. It is believed that when a soul appears in heaven, before being sent to earth, God divides it into two equal halves and sends it to the earth in different bodies. And when people get married, then the two halves of the soul are united together again. This legend seems to me very beautiful and symbolic.

The Chuppah is a decorated piece of cloth held aloft as a symbolic home for the new couple. It is usually held outside, under the stars, as a sign of the blessing given by G-d to the patriarch Abraham, that his children shall be "as the stars of the heavens."

When the bride arrives at the Chuppah she circles the groom seven times with her mother and future mother-in-law, while the groom continues to pray. This symbolizes the idea of the woman being a protective, surrounding light of the household, that illuminates it with understanding and love from within and protects it from harm from the outside.

Сhuppah (literally) is the awning under which the wedding ceremony takes place. Usually it looks like a piece of cloth that rests on four poles, but now it can be almost anything. In addition, "Chuppah" is called the entire ceremony that takes place under this canopy - that is, the entire official part of the holiday.

Another interesting point is that the groom under the chuppah is escorted by the fathers of the newlyweds, and the bride by their mothers. Parents hold candles in their hands that embody joy and light.

The number "7" also has its meaning - this is perfection and completeness. After the bride walks around the groom 7 times, she becomes on his right hand, which means that from that moment she becomes his main support in life.

No less interesting point, I think, is that the bride put the ring on the index finger of her right hand.

There are many rules in a Jewish wedding - for example, the bride’s wedding dress is described in great detail, although now even in religious weddings a minimal set of rules is used. The bride’s dress should not have deep cuts on the chest and on the back, should have closed shoulders (ideally a sleeve at least to the elbows), and the skirt should cover the knees. The groom should be in a black suit, tie and always with his head covered. He is allowed to wear a yarmulke or hat at the wedding. Snacks on the table should be at least 18, since in Hebrew this number is consonant with the word "live" and ect.

The blessings begin with praising G-d for His creation in general and creation of the human being and proceed with praise for the creation of the human as a "two part creature," woman and man. The blessings express the hope that the new couple will rejoice together forever as though they are the original couple, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The blessings also include a prayer that Jerusalem will be fully rebuilt and restored with the Temple in its midst and the Jewish people within her gates.

The verse, "If I forget thee O' Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its cunning: If I do not raise thee over my own joy, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth", is sometimes recited at this point. With the breaking of the glass the band plays, and the guests usually break out into dancing and cries of "Mazaltov! Mazaltov!"

 Another obligatory point of the holiday is connected with this - after 7 blessings, the groom breaks a glass glass with his foot. This is not quite part of the marriage ceremony, but a custom that symbolizes (according to one version) that a Jew should never be 100% happy. In any case, his joy should be at least slightly overshadowed by the general tragedy of the people in memory about the expulsion of Jews from Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple about 2000 years ago. Then the groom reads a prayer, and after the celebration continues again.

After chuppah, the newlyweds retire to a room where they must stay for at least eight minutes - this is considered the beginning of family life and gives them the opportunity to talk for the first time in the past week.

The fact is that a week before the wedding, they stop communicating - they are allotted time to reflect and understand whether they want this marriage. In the room they can talk for the first time as husband and wife.

The dancing, in accordance with Jewish religious rules requires a separation between men and women for reasons of modesty, and hence there is a Mechitzah, or partition between the men and women. The main focus of the dancing is to entertain and enhance the joy of the newlyweds, hence large circles are formed around the "king and queen," and different guests often perform in front of the seated couple. It is not unusual to see jugglers, fire eaters, and acrobats at a wedding (most of whom are guests, not professionals!)

 It seems to me that Jewish weddings are very different from many other wedding rituals, which makes them look quite curious and unusual.

I think that in my project I will try to use the most vivid and exotic nuances of this holiday. For example, the "exaltation" of the newlyweds, dancing separately men and women, breaking the glass and other colorful moments.

Rabbi Mordechai Becher. The Jewish Wedding Ceremony [online]. [Accessed 23.03.2020]  Available from: https://ohr.edu/1087

Zelensky Group.  Chuppah - the Jewish Wedding Ceremony [online]. [Accessed 24.03.2020] Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watchtime_continue=1403&v=qiQ11G7_ZSw&feature=emb_logo

The host is Boris Stern.Producer - Igor Schneiderman. Jewish Encyclopedia. Jewish wedding. [online]. [Accessed 24.03.2020] Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgRumm1hZek

JEWISH WEDDINGS [online]. [Accessed 24.03.2020] Available from: https://www.bimbam.com/judaism-101/jewish-weddings/

[nhouvang-blog]

In India and across various cultures, most weddings are extravagant and larger than life events as an accepted social custom. Prapti and Chinmay wanted to normalize their wedding and host it at a relatable scale. They wanted the focus to be on something that is meaningful, humble and personal. As designers, we totally synced with this ideology. It made us a perfect team!

The wedding was to be a reflection of their personalities, an intimate yet festive and celebratory affair with their loved ones. The experience of the wedding was more important to them.

Concept

The concept for design was developed after rounds of discussions and interviews with the couple. We understood them and gathered what is important to them and why.

When we started developing language for them, we knew that it has to be timeless, rooted yet contemporary, profound yet versatile and above all beautifully personal to them.

Prapti means Achievement/Gain and Chinmay means Knowledge / Supreme Consciousness. Together their names mean, Enlightenment.

This led us to the fundamentals of life, Panchtatva – five core elements…. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. These became our concept and not theme. So each element and each ritual were designed/conducted with the understanding and abstract interpretation of one or more elements. And the marriage ceremony became the symbol of every element coming together depicting ultimate enlightenment, their union. Several areas of the wedding as well as the individual functions were derived by each element – Earth, water, fire, air and space and all 5 were represented in the main wedding ceremony.

It was challenging to translate the intangible concepts of Panchtatva in the design through the various elements of decor of flowers and furniture. But Prapti and Chinmay put complete faith in us. With this trust and responsibility we felt empowered and creative to bring out our best through the various details and execution of the wedding. A lot of it was customised with multiple agencies involved to design the overall experience.

Pre-Wedding Events

The pre-wedding events were hosted by their families at their respective houses in an intimate setting.

Function – Gujarati pre-wedding traditional rituals and Bride’s Mehendi

Element – Air

Name – Naaz – Reflection of the contemporary Indian Bride, Prapti

Based on the element of air, we designed the space reflecting Prapti’s aura, her personality and style.

Prapti has studied fashion so for her mehendi, her backyard was designed with a multitude of Indian textiles and fabrics for her love of textiles. There were also pictures of Prapti with their family and friends on banarasi fabric hoops in the backyard. The space was used for three days as the family gathered and rejoiced in the various ceremonies of Grah Shanti, Pithi and her Mehendi. During the day, the hues of pinks and reds adorned with fresh flowers accentuated the garden and in the evening, lights and songs made a warm atmosphere!

We also added similar elements of saree hoops, copper vessels and floral arrangements inside the house, to let a consistent decor flow inside and outside the space. By adding something completely alien, the house would lose its familiarity. Instead we focussed on details that would sync with the existing home decor as well create a visual memory and a festive ambience for the guests with the same homely warmth.

Function –Satyanarayan Katha at Groom’s House

Element – Earth

Name – Saayan – A Tropical Story

They both love greens and it’s reflected in their lifestyle and home. At Chinmay’s house, the garden is beautifully landscaped with different palms and some luscious greens. Inspired by the earth, the colours and decor were kept natural incorporating a lot of tropical prints. The design complemented the freshness of the trees and bright flower stems of heliconia and bird of paradise added a pop of colour. This space hosted a katha ceremony for which the backdrop was made with betel nut leaves. Other pre-wedding ceremonies and for the family to get together, the space provided a natural, ambient setting!

Function – Mehendi and Sangeet

Element – Space

Name – Aasma – a celebration for the young, modern and chic couple

Space – up in the sky, liberating and infinite.

Inspired by space, the decor was focussed to create a breezy, soothing and contemporary vibe.

The Sangeet was non-conventional – unlike the usual choreographed performances, the night saw both the families dedicating speeches, dances and songs to Prapti and Chinmay. We designed a designated area to display a sweet poem written by Prapti’s father called ‘Vidai’ (Gujarati word which means farewell to the bride. The entire poem was written in Gujarati). This became a part of the decor with flowers and lights adorning the area!

The canopy was created with lot of lanterns that lit up the space. Soothing whites and blues were used in the seating and stage design. The stage in itself was not only a performance space but also a photo booth as we created a tunnel lit up fairy lights and covered in a printed floral patterned fabric between the two halves of the stage!

Function – Gujarati pre-wedding traditional rituals for the Groom

Element – Fire

Name – Amber – is the radiant colour of fire!

Fire is the central witness to Indian rituals, as prayers are offered to God through the medium of fire. Grah Shanti (one of the pre-wedding rituals to please the heavenly bodies for a favorable influence) is one such ritual conducted by the priest. The powerful and pure energy of fire was our inspiration.

The common plot lacked any distinguishing or festive features. So along with the mandap the entrance was defined in the middle of the plot by creating panels of geometric designs with festive elements like marigold and gota patti.  A special area for Chinmay was highlighted with accents like wooden tables and genda phool arrangements. Reflecting Chinmay’s sense of style, the decor was kept tasteful and elegant with the choice of flowers and patterns created for the backdrop and entrance panels.

Main Wedding Day

The main wedding venue was a farm house with lots of trees and waterbodies. The bride and groom, both love landscape which we observed at their respective homes as well. The venue was chosen because the intimate scale that it provided, which was surrounded by lots of trees, lotus pond and a swimming pool. The couple wanted a venue which would make their guests comfortable away from the city’s hustle bustle and still keep them connected to each other during all the ceremonies. And thus this venue turned out perfect with its scale and greenery.

The main entrance had the space element with lots of reflective and white surfaces, with typographic words that were chosen from the ancient Sanskrit shlokas on the reflective surfaces and adorned with white flowers.

The air element was depicted near the entrance where we hung bells from the trees. These bells had silver tassels, and swung with the wind.

The lounge area for guests had the earth element. It was designed with calming hues of pinks and reds with carnations and baby’s breath on the table setting where people can sit, chit-chat and lounge.

The food area had the fire element with gold and metallic in the fabric and orange lilies.

The Pancholu (first dinner after the wedding) by the pool had the water element. The tables were covered in a patterned chevron blue cloth. We designed a floating mirror installation for the pool, where the family was gathering for their first meal. All the five elements were abstracted in shapes that represented the five elements. Almost 20 ft in length, these elements which were completely covered in small mirrors were floating on the swimming pool, and created a beautiful reflection in the water with the moonlight.

When Prapti entered the wedding venue, her brother and sister-in-law sang hers and Chinmay’s favorite song, “I can’t help falling in love with you”, by Elvis Presley! All her bridesmaids were standing on the sides of the aisles with lillies, welcoming her to the wedding stage!

Mangalshtak is an ancient shlok, verse written to evoke the Gods, Goddesses and planets in the universe to bless the couple. The family and guests participated in reciting the verse. These verses were customized and personalized to make it more relatable and to bring out the meaning of the ancient text in a more associable way.

Also what made the wedding more special was that the couple got a tattoo of one of our designs on their honeymoon! Based on the concept of the five elements for the wedding, we designed an installation representing the elements in simple shapes. They got this motif as a tattoo on their arms! It makes us understand the power to create beautiful ever lasting memories for the wedding day which get translated into so many special ways like photographs and tattoos! Our design stays eternal and what a joy to cherish them again! As designers it’s satisfying to know that at the end of the day, the bride and the groom had absolute fun on their big day and were not stressed.

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The post Prapti+ Chinmay // Aranya Farms, Ahmedabad Wedding Photography by Memoire appeared first on South Asian Bride Magazine.

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Best Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Destination

A wedding comes only once in a lifetime so, why not make it memorable? A pre-wedding shoot is the most exciting part of a wedding. It is the best chance to capture your memories with your better half before your wedding. It is a new trend where pre-wedding photoshoot has become a part of every pre-wedding planning. Young couples are opting for destination wedding along with the rituals, and functions. Here are the some of Best Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Destination exclusively for yourself.

Before a photoshoot of your pre-wedding, there are several important decisions to make. It can be about yours and your partner’s outfit, the make-up or the best places for the shoot.

So get the best pre-marriage photoshoot done in the most romantic and unique Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Destination in India and Overseas.

In India Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Destination: 

The Taj Mahal Agra: 

This location doesn’t require any description. Taj Mahal is known as the symbol of love, a love that was once shared between a husband and wife. It shows us the love between them that is remembered from the early 17th century to the present. Who wouldn’t want to pose with the love of their lives in front of the symbol of love with so many views and incredible architecture? The Taj is bound to enhance the beauty of the couple shoot. Taj Mahal is also a gorgeous marble structure that will give your picture a larger than life feel.

Kashmir: 

Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir is a romantic pre-wedding photoshoot destination. One can experience a joyous and retreating adventure by visiting Sonamarg. It is home to various attractive destinations. The greenery with a lovely backdrop of snowy mountains will leave young couples with great Pre-wedding goals.

Gulmarg Kashmir: A couple, a love story and a camera that’s all you need to capture and freeze the memories of a lifetime. There is no better place than Gulmarg Kashmir. Gulmarg is the most pristine and picturesque location in India. It has the snow-capped Kashmir valley with a breathtaking Himalayan backdrop, deep valleys, majestic mountain ranges clear water stream, a calm lake, and a clear beautiful sky. Gulmarg is one of the most romantic winter havens in North India.

Bangalore: 

Element Resort Bangalore: if you have a fairy tale location on your mind, you must consider Elements Resorts for a pre-wedding shoot. This gorgeous place outside the chaos of the city provides greenery, starlit halls, and amazing decor. They also provide a perfect backdrop for your pre-wedding photographs.

Mumbai: 

Sanjay Gandhi National Park: flaunt your love in the forest. The picturesque canopies and gentle streams of Sanjay Gandhi National Park attract not just for birds, butterflies, and bees, but couples as well. For couples seeking peace at fascinating places for their pre-wedding shoot in Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi national park is the best choice. Being a tropical forest you can find plenty of rusty and green backgrounds for your pictures. Early monsoon and post-monsoon up until winter s the best time to shoot at SGNP.

Gateway of India: it is a gateway to a new beginning. It is an iconic location for a pre-wedding shoot in Mumbai. Being a major landmark of the city, Gateway of India is inspired by the Victorian style of architecture. The 220th -century monument by the sea is a symbolic gateway to new beginnings in your life. Don’t forget to get a shoot in front of the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel with vibrant maroon domes.

Kerala: 

Kumarakom at Kerala offers pristine backdrops for pre-wedding shoots. Being a romantic location in India the Photographs of you and your better half cruising on a houseboat amidst the setting sun in the backwaters of Kumarakom will be beautiful forever. Kumarakom also offers various Lake Resort where you can shoot in the comfort of your suite. Kumarakom is a blend of luxury and beauty making it one of the best pre-wedding photoshoot destinations.

Overseas Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Destination: 

To experience love the couple must explore some of the world’s most romantic and beautiful exotic places, especially for their pre-wedding photoshoot.

Bali Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Destination 

Bali is known for its magnificent volcanic mountains, beautiful beaches, captivating rice paddles, natural attractions, and cultural attractions. Bali is a popular pick among couples for their pre-wedding photoshoot, whether you pick to make memories by the islands, awe-inspiring cliffs or capture romantic moments along the beach with the glow of the evening sun in the distance. Bali is the perfect spot for capturing and celebrating romance and also a place to be if you are looking for a touch of paradise.

Norway 

Norway should be on your bucket list at least once in your lifetime. The stunning Scandinavian country is the perfect spot to catch the Northern Lights for your pre-wedding photoshoot. Enjoy beautiful fjords and experience a winter wonderland. There’s no better way to explore and experience with magnificent Norway once in a lifetime pre-wedding photoshoot on this land of wonders.

Disneyland Hong Kong: 

For couples preferring fun, Disneyland brings out the inner child out of your beloved. It is a perfect place for a pre-wedding photoshoot for couples who want to lay back and enjoy having fun together. Enjoy your fairy tale photography session at Hong Kong Disneyland. No matter what kind of bride-to-be you are-gentle, elegant or playful, and fun the Disney wedding photography team will help you make your fairy tale dream come to life.

 Louvre Museum, Paris 

Louvre Museum, Paris is an architecturally stunning museum, and one of the world’s largest to boast. The Louvre makes a spectacular and eye-catching centerpiece to any pre-wedding photo and as such is a very popular spot for couples looking to shoot in the city of love. At night the Louvre palace and Pyramid are lit and provide an amazing location for night photos in Paris, The city of love is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Towers, Notre-Dame cathedral, Arc de Triumph, and Versailles Palace, and its vibrant cafe culture.

New Zealand Pre-wedding Photoshoot Destination 

New Zealand is one of the most picturesque countries in the world, and everyone’s dream destination. New Zealand pre-wedding photography is an awesome way of connecting before and reconnecting after your wedding day. New Zealand has such a vibrant color all-year round and its breathtaking sceneries everywhere is a good photo spot with New Zealand’s clear turquoise lakes and its perfectly green landscape. Newzealand makes for a gorgeous pre-wedding photoshoot destination at any time of the year for a pre-wedding photoshoot against a majestic backdrop.

Switzerland 

Switzerland is a gem in the heart of Europe. There is no other place so majestic than the Alps for a beautiful pre-wedding shoot. The picturesque lakes and magnificent snow-capped mountain along with your loved one makes it a perfect pre-wedding destination. Discover medieval mountaintop villages, landmark clock towers, and beautiful old chapel in Switzerland.

Chamonix France: 

What’s better than adventure to amplify love? France’s best silk destination is also popular for its pre-wed shoots, offering a plethora of locations to choose from like high snowy mountains, and cute little churches in snow. You will get the most dramatic pictures right in the lap of nature.

Pictures have the right to take you back in time to a different place and make you relive the special moment of your life. Capturing and locking beautiful moments in frames is what these shoots are all about.

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Life on the American flow: Mark Twain romance, or false hope for the homeless?

Hundreds without housing in California have constructed their home on the shady banks of the American river. But the bucolic vistum belies a darker reality

Richard Dean heaved his bike and trailer across the bridge, away from the city, and followed a soil track through scouring until reaching a patch of shaded riverbank.

It was approaching 100 F( 37 C) but Dean, sweating and panting, was upbeat. This is a good workout. And we have the best air-conditioning in the world. Its called the American river.

The wiry 50 -year-old unleashed his dog, Shunka, extracted a foldable chair from the cart and settled in for a serene afternoon under pecan and dogwood trees. He wasnt “re going away”. He was home.

Dean, who goes by the nickname Syphy, is part of a largely invisible homeless person camped by the reeds and thickets stringing the American river just outside Sacramento, Californias capital. They come for the seclusion and opportunity to live on their own terms.

Rory Carroll (@ rorycarroll7 2) June 30, 2016

Trekking Sacramento’s American river session #homeless campers. It’s another world. Scenic, serene, hopeless. pic.twitter.com/ S50DY8jq5e

They are not the first. Nisenan Indians terminated here 5,000 years ago. Itinerant miners built shanties during the 1840 s gold rush, must be accompanied by pedigrees dislodged during the Great Depression. Now it is the turn of hundreds of modern outcasts with domesticateds, bicycles, tents and tarpaulin.

Its so nice out here. I dont consider myself homeless, I merely live outside, replied Julie Pacheco, 48, accommodated in a bramble spot. I dont take any[ government] succor. Id rather be a camping gypsy, she said.

Pacheco had switched her little clear, concealed from the river by blackberry undergrowths and almond trees, into a dwelling with two tents, a burn quarry, a chair, a flowerpot and a load of publications and volumes, including Shirley MacLaine romances and a Ronald Reagan biography. She shared it with Annie, a terrier-chihuahua.

Ive got some Angus steaks marinating, responded Pacheco. Ill cook them tonight with mesquite to give them a barbecue taste.

Rory Carroll (@ rorycarroll7 2) June 30, 2016

Julie Pacheco marinading frozen steaks taken away from garbage. ‘With some mesquite for a bbq taste.’ #homeless pic.twitter.com/ stKUlso7bF

They seem to be obscuring

These clandestine denizens appear to occupy a comparatively benign area of the US homelessness crisis: a bucolic landscape with owls and beavers and a flow where they can bathe, fish and live often like Huckleberry Finn. Some do chilling in the water, fastening trout, exploring waterways with canoes.

Appearances deceive. Look closer and any sense of nostalgic idyll dissolves. The same pressures driving homelessness from New York to Los Angeles poverty, mental illness, craving waft through the reeds and oleander. The flow is no refuge. Its a trap.

Those who call it dwelling can invest months, times, even decades in a netherworld a little bit closer to Trainspotting than Mark Twain.

Many abuse drugs, especially methamphetamine nicknamed crank, transforming them into toothless, hollow-cheeked vagabonds with nervous systems so fried they perpetually twitch, earning the nickname tweakers. They survive not through wilderness resourcefulness but private charity, food stamps and welfare checks which land around the start of each month, expressed in the term the eagle shits on the first.

It pops you in the look, articulated Joan Burke, advocacy chairman for Loaves& Fishes, a non-profit which feeds hundreds daily in Sacramento. We have people living in third-world ailments with no access to potable water or sanitation. Its grisly to realise them living in squalor when they truly cant take care of themselves.

Newcomers have swollen the population from dozens to hundreds in recent years, making some old-timers to move further upriver to escape fear of violence, added Jeff Harris, a city council member.

Anthony Bennett, a common ranger sergeant who heads a seven-strong crew in the American River Parkway, a 23 -mile environmental ornament, has spent a decade rousting and counseling the homeless. Its a bit lamentable and hopeless. They seem to be disguising away from society. Its not safe, its not legal and its not healthy. We do what we can to push people towards services and assistant. But we cant coerce them to take it.

Bennett alleged rangers strive to keep the parkway clean and safe without persecuting the homeless, who injury the ballpark with litter, grove mow and burns. Were not a swat squad or the Gestapo. We consider these beings as human beings.

Who lives here

When the Guardian accompanied Bennett on a recent patrol he trekked down restricted dirt directions silent save for fowls and the rivers swirl. Bent grass and snarled limbs betrayed entries to otherwise obscured camps, most containing just one or two tents.

Brandon Jack, 47, and Jennifer Goggin, 44, lived with their puppy, Miss Brodie, beneath a canopy of wild grapes. Jack, barefoot and shirtless, said he was an electrician descended on hard times. Homeless shelters were not policy options, he enunciated. You get 30 guys in a room blow snot everywhere. Its a disease factory.

So for a year he had lived by the river, exploiting it bathe, wash foods and build a new life with his partner.

Rory Carroll (@ rorycarroll7 2) June 30, 2016

Brandon Jack camps under wild grapes. ‘I want to be out of the channel. Out of sight out of mind.’ #homeless pic.twitter.com/ qkZPo3lVIE

Bennett returned the couple 48 hours to move and urged them to contact Sacramento Steps Forward, a non-profit which works with the city to offer shelter and services to the homeless.

Jack gestured but did not seem reassured. Wed rather be out of the path. Out of view, out of brain.

Further down the river another duet bore the devastations of decades in the wilderness. James Donaldson was weather-beaten with an unkempt beard of an Old Testament prophet. His wife Paula Richardson, 53, slumped in a chair, coughed, coughed and cursed at dogs who roared from behind a tarpaulin sheet.

Through slurred speech Donaldson talked up the merit of flow life. Beautiful vegetation. It presents a lot of oxygen. He claimed to be an ex-LAPD patrolman who had California head Jerry Browns personal authorization to live here. Scrap and accumulations of filthy clothes bespoke a mis fight against grunge and disease.

A handful appear to thrive. An old-timer nicknamed Runner Mike, so-called because he runs through the wilderness, improves skillfully camouflaged shelters with air-vents, isolation, passageways and spider-holes. Hes quite proud of what he builds, said Bennett. Another occupant, nicknamed Monkey, seeks maximum solitude by occupying islands.

Some band together and form tight-knit hamlets, sharing meat, cigarettes and a feeling of supremacy over those who live on Sacramentos streets, precisely a few miles across the bridge. I dont really like addressing the riff-raff up there, mentioned Tina Schifflett, 43, a former Cinnabon manager who shares a spot of riverbank with several others.

Ryan Loofbourrow, the executive director of Sacramento Steps Forward, said river-dwellers tended to be more rugged and coordinated than city homeless. They want privacy and are now able to carve out a bit of infinite for themselves. But impediments left many struggling, he lent.

Most river-dwellers interviewed for this story spoke of loneliness, affliction and the specter of addiction. They stayed throw, “theyre saying”, for want of available low-income apartments and because moving to a shelter would symbolize giving up pets.

Its peaceful, sure, responded Craig Sanderson, 53, camped under an oak tree with Spike, a pitbull mastiff. He reads thrillers in his boxer shorts between scavenging bottles and cans with a bicycle and go-cart. But the grunge gets to you.

Rory Carroll (@ rorycarroll7 2) June 30, 2016

Craig Sanderson lived under an oak tree with Spike. ‘This is my house. It’s quiet. Downside? The dirt.’ #homeless pic.twitter.com/ 0ZdmzVznII

Pacheco, the woman living under brambles, was proud of her they are able to pasture and lives alone. But separation had unmoored her. Despite no academic background she spoke of drafting existing laws and find a Guggenheim fellowship. She wanted a laptop for investigate but abjured a telephone. Ive no one to call.

Syphy, who heralded the rivers air-conditioning prowess, told you he find close to nature and joked that the parkways maintenance crews were his maids. But even he felt it was a incorrect sanctuary.

If you think this is Huck Finn romance, good luck stepping out of a barge and not stepping on a fucking needle. Croak to a tweaker clique and youll discover the most difficult mess youve ever seen. They plagiarize and go into your stuff. I dont trust parties out here.

Rory Carroll (@ rorycarroll7 2) June 30, 2016

Richard Dean aka Syphy. ‘Best air conditioning – the American river. But starting to suck being out of me.’ #homeless pic.twitter.com/ XDMWXs4zKp

A former meths junkie himself, Syphy had been sober three years he ascribed enjoy for his hound but horror a recurrence. He dreamed of moving to Alaska before it was too late. This target is truly are now beginning to suck the spirit out of me.

Read more: www.theguardian.com

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WEDDING PREP // your wedding dictionary | Anna Delores Photography

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WEDDING PREP // your wedding dictionary | Anna Delores Photography

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I joke with a lot of clients that planning a wedding equips you with an array of new vocabulary words. Many of these words you’ve never heard of, and most of them won’t apply to any other area of your life. They exist in your consciousness for wedding planning alone.

In an attempt to help you with the learning curve (and maybe get some giggles out of you, too), here is our wedding dictionary “cheat sheet” for understanding some unfamiliar words or phrases; they may have limited applicability, but are still an integral part of your introduction to the world of wedding planning.

An example of a boutonniere, worn by Tyler on the day of his wedding to Ashley in Olivella, Spain

Boutonniére // a single flower OR a small bunch of flowers, greenery, or other natural elements bound together with ribbon or twine for the groom, groomsmen, and the groom’s male family members, ushers, officiant, and/or other male attendants. It is pinned to the left-side jacket lapel. In the absence of a jacket, it can also be pinned to suspenders or a vest (also on the left side in the same general location).

Bustle // the ability to attach the train of a wedding dress to the upper part of the skirt (toward the waist), usually done after the ceremony. While a train is elegant and beautiful for the ceremony and for portraits, it’s much less practical for greeting your guests and dancing the night away. Dragging around a heavy train increases the odds of tripping over yourself, or of guests tearing the bottom hem by stepping on the train accidentally. The bustle was first introduced in the later 1860s and its purpose was to maintain the shape of a full skirt made from heavy fabrics (the larger the skirt, the smaller the appearance of a lady’s waist). Wedding dress bustles typically involve snap closures, buttons, hooks, or even ribbon ties to keep your dress from dragging on the floor after you say “I do.”

Charger // nope, not a Los Angeles football player. A charger is a fancy dish placed beneath the dinner plates, typically used during more formal, full-course meals and not meant for use with food. In modern weddings, chargers are also showing up at weddings with more a casual dining atmosphere and take different forms (like the black marble chargers Vanessa used from Borrowed Blu for our shoot at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, below).

Vanessa used black marble chargers at these place settings for something edgier and more modern than a traditional charger.

Chuppah [khoo p–uh, hoo p–uh] // a canopy above a Jewish couple during their wedding ceremony. A traditional “chuppah” or “huppah” usually has a cloth or tallit draped over four poles, and the couple stands underneath the cloth during the ceremony; the chuppah symbolizes the home they will build together in marriage. The term “chuppah” is sometimes used more casually to describe the arch or structure that a non-Jewish couple might use to stand beneath or in front of during their wedding ceremony.

Escort card // this is just a fancy name for “place cards.” Escort cards bear the names of your beloved guests and direct them to their appointed seats.

First look // also referred to as “first glance,” this isn’t my favorite term for this special moment between a bride and a groom, but it is appropriately descriptive, so it works. A “first look” is when the bride and groom opt to see each other before the ceremony, usually in a private moment between the two of them (and their photographer[s] and/or videographer[s], as well). This is a great photo opportunity used to (a) capture a more intimate “first moment together on the wedding day,” and (b) as an option for getting some photos done before the ceremony, which helps ease the rush of post-ceremony portraits and sometimes enables the bride and groom to attend cocktail hour instead of spending the entire time with their photographer. The “first look” is also a chance for couples to rid themselves of nervousness or anxiety they may be experiencing in anticipation of the ceremony itself. Read more on our thoughts about a “first look” here.

We’re pretty big fans of the “first look” as a chance to get plenty of pre-ceremony portraits.

Officiant // the person who presides over the wedding ceremony. The officiant must be ordained in the state where the wedding takes place in order for the union to be legally recognized.

Processional // this begins the ceremony when the bridal party (also the officiant, parents, grandparents, etc.) enters the ceremony area, usually walking down the aisle.

Recessional // this closes the ceremony; the same people who walked down the aisle for the processional leave the ceremony by walking back up the aisle (following the bride and groom after their first kiss as husband and wife).

Save the Date // a greeting card or postcard sent to wedding guests in advance of the formal wedding invitation. The tradition of “save the dates” was initiated to alert out-of-town guests of the date of the wedding so they could make appropriate travel arrangements. These days, many couples send “save the date” cards even if their guests are mostly local, and sometimes use photos from their engagement session to adorn the card or postcard.

Sweetheart table // a dining table reserved for just the bride and groom. A sweetheart table is an alternative to the more traditional “head table,” which typically seated the bride, groom, wedding party, and sometimes parents and immediate family members.

Valerie & Joey’s sweetheart table at their Walnut Grove wedding in May.

Toss bouquet // your florist may create an additional, smaller bouquet for you to use for the bouquet toss toward the end of the reception. This is an especially good idea if your bouquet is on the large side, or you want to keep it for preservation.

Toss garter // if the bride’s garter has sentimental value (for example, a family heirlooms or an expensive purchase she may wish to keep), she might also wear a “toss garter,” which is a smaller, less expensive (usually elastic lace) garter that the groom can remove and toss toward the end of the reception.

Usher // usually selected from male friends or family members, though modern weddings have female ushers, too. Wedding ushers greet guests upon their arrival at the wedding ceremony site, showing them to their seats (whether assigned or open) and handing out programs. It’s also helpful for the usher to know where the restrooms are located, where to find refreshments, and which side is traditionally reserved for the bride (left for a Christian ceremony, right for a Jewish ceremony) and which is reserved for the groom (right for a Christian ceremony, left for a Jewish ceremony). Most wedding planners will recommend a minimum of one usher for every 50 wedding guests.

Wedding party // all attendants of the bride and groom, including the maid/matron of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearer. This is also sometimes referred to as the “bridal party,” but the dudes are still included (not just the ladies, despite the term “bridal”).

The bridesmaids and flower girl at Stephanie and Eli’s Fig House wedding make up just part of the wedding party; also included are groomsmen and ring bearers.

How did we do? Are there wedding terms we missed that are still foreign to you? Ask us in the comments and we’ll update the post!

Article Source: Anna Delores Photography

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Weddings in Other Countries

People get married all over the world every day and each country has it’s own traditions and superstitions that surround weddings. Young couples in many countries are now tending to break away from the traditional weddings that their parents, grandparents and earlier generations adhered to. America doesn’t have the market cornered on young people deciding to do things their own way and throw tradition to the wind. In some cultures and in some religions it is much more difficult for young couples to break with the traditions that are deeply ingrained in their way of life than it is in America. Some of these foreign traditions are so interesting that young American couples adopt them for use in their own weddings in an effort to ‘do their own thing’. Consider adding one or two of these wedding traditions that are common in other countries to your wedding ceremony or celebration to give it a little flair or to acknowledge your own ethnic heritage.

Weddings in Italy

Italy is a mostly Catholic country so the weddings and wedding traditions are commonly centered around that Catholic heritage.

Italians as a group love to eat and drink so many of the wedding traditions concern food and beverages. The typical wedding day begins with early Mass followed by a large breakfast for the wedding party. The wedding day ends with dancing and a lot of food and drink well into the early morning hours of the following day.

Here are some of the beliefs and traditions of an Italian wedding: 1. May and August are considered a bad luck months to get married in Italy.

2. Sunday is considered the luckiest day of the week for a wedding to be held.

3. The Italians say, “Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunate.” The literal translation is, “Bathed spouse, spouse fortunate” which all means that it is considered lucky for it to rain on a wedding day.

4. To ward off the evil eye, the groom is supposed to carry a piece of iron in his pocket.

5. The bride’s veil is worn to hide her from jealous spirits and if the veil is torn it is considered a piece of good luck.

6. All of the invited male guests are supposed to kiss the bride at the reception to bring good luck for the couple.

7. The cookie dance is a part of most wedding receptions. The bride and groom lead a line of dancing guests over to the cookie table where each guest takes a cookie.

8. The best man cuts the tie of the groom into pieces and sells the pieces to wedding guests. In past times this was done for ‘real’ but today it just done as a part of tradition.

9. At the end of a wedding, a vase is broken. The number of pieces the vase breaks into determines the number of years the bride and groom will be married.

10. The bride and groom never open presents before leaving the reception. It’s considered bad luck.

Weddings in France

If you have a French branch on your family tree, you might consider incorporating some of these French wedding traditions into your wedding or the preparations for your wedding:

1. Remember the ‘Hope Chest’ of old? That whole notion was based on the French word, trousseau, which translates as ‘bundle’. It refers to the small bundle of clothing that the bride took with her to her new home after she married. Today it means a collection of personal and household items that the bride has collected to begin married life. Trousseau can also mean the clothing that the bride will take with her on her honeymoon.

2. When a bride wears orange blossoms in France it is considered a sign of virginity.

3. During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom stand beneath a silk canopy called a ‘carre’ for the purpose of protecting them from bad luck.

4. As the wedding couple leaves the church, Laurel leaves are scattered before them to ensure they will have children.

5. A two handled cup called a ‘Coupe De Marriage’ is used as a toasting cup by the newly married couple at the reception.

6. On the couple’s wedding night, their young and rowdy friends congregate outside the window and bang pots and pans together until they are invited in for another few drinks.

The German Wedding

Those of German descent know that the Germans have always had a way of doing things a bit differently and weddings are no exception. Consider incorporating some of these German traditions into your wedding if you are of German decent and plan to stay awhile:

1. The traditional German wedding lasts three days. On the first day, the wedding couple is married in a civil ceremony that is attended only by their families and closest friends. On the second day, there is a huge but informal party that starts early and ends late at which the community at large celebrates the wedding. The third day of the wedding is when the religious ceremony is performed and a formal reception is held.

2. One of the traditions at the big party that is held on the second day of the wedding is that dishes are smashed…a lot of them. The couple is required to clean up the broken dishes as a symbol that nothing else will ever be broken in their home.

3. The German version of the bachelor party is called the ‘junggesellenabschied’. The groom and his friends go out to a local pub to drink the night away a few days before the wedding.

4. Another German wedding custom is for the Bride to carry salt and bread as an omen of a good harvest.

5. The groom is supposed to carry some grain to ensure good luck and wealth.

6. When the couple is kneeling during the wedding ceremony, the groom kneels on the bride’s wedding dress to show the world that he will be wearing the pants in the family. After they rise from their kneeling positions, the bride will step on the groom’s foot to assure the world that he is wrong.

7. As the newlyweds leave on their honeymoon they toss coins to the children who attended the wedding for good luck.

8. After the ceremony, the best man kidnaps the bride and takes her to a local pub. The groom must search for them and when he finds them, he is required to pay for all of their drinks in order to get her back.

9. The veil dance or sometimes called the money dance, wedding guests pin money to the bride’s veil to get her to dance with them at the reception.

10. Friends of the newlyweds block the exit so that when the couple leaves they are required to pay a toll. Most often this ‘toll’ is the promise of another party.

11. Friends of the couple go to great lengths to ensure that the wedding night will be fraught with problems. They will loosen the headboard of the bed, for example, or hide strange things in the room that have strange smells.

The Mexican Wedding

The Mexican wedding has many traditions. Some are based on superstition while others are rooted in tradition only. They vary from region to region in the country but if you are of Mexican heritage or if you just want to use a Mexican theme for your wedding here are some common traditions:

1. The first step is the religious ceremony…most often Catholic. Then there is a party or fiesta that is followed by a short civil ceremony.

2. Brides should not wear pearls…they signify tear drops and grief in her marriage and are considered very bad luck.

3. A bride that wears her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress is assured of good fortune and it is a status symbol as well.

4. To ensure food, money, and passion in their marriage, the bride sews a yellow, a blue and a red ribbon, respectively, onto her lingerie.

5. The padrinos (Godparents) selection ceremony is held before the wedding. These honored people play a large role in the wedding and in the following reception. The padrinos are chosen because of their own successful marriage and high moral standards. The padrinos need to be financially stable because they are expected to provide a substantial gift to the newlyweds and to assist them financially after they are married if needed. More than one set of padrinos may be chosen. The first are called ‘major’ padrinos and others are called ‘minor’ padrinos.

6. Since the Mexican wedding is a very family oriented affair, often a heart shaped piñata is provided at the reception for the children who attend to break.

7. At the beginning of the reception (fiesta) following the wedding ceremony, the father of the bride makes a short speech and then the band plays a waltz for the ‘money dance’. The guests, in descending order of importance or kinship and according to gender, dance with the bride and the groom and pin money to their clothing. The money dance is called the ‘aguinaldo’.

8. The groom is assaulted by his male friends. An apron is tied around his waist and he is given a broom. He is insulted by being called ‘henpecked’.

9. The bride stands on a chair while the unmarried women, holding on to each other’s waists, dance around her. The bride then tosses her wedding bouquet over her shoulder and the girl who catches it will be the next bride.

10. The groom stands on a chair while the unmarried men dance around him and he tosses the apron over his shoulder. The first man it touches will be the next henpecked husband.

11. The wedding cake consists of five to seven layers and is usually cut with a sword. It is not, however, served to the wedding guests. It is taken home by the parents of the bride to symbolize that this is the last time the bride and groom will be the center of attention.

The Vietnamese Wedding (Westernized)

Those who have a Vietnamese ethnic background often have a traditional Vietnamese wedding that precedes their legally recognized marriage before a judge or minister. The customs and traditions of a Vietnamese wedding are so beautiful and meaningful that many who have no Vietnamese background at all like to incorporate some of the traditions into their weddings. The morning of the wedding the mother of the groom visits the family of the bride bearing two gifts. The first gift is a plant that represents respect and the second is pink chalk. Pink represents the color of happiness. In the traditional Vietnamese wedding, the bride wears Ao Dai….this is a long dress that is red in color. The Vietnamese consider red to be the color of good luck while white is used only for mourning. The bride waits at her home with her family and friends for the groom. Along his way to the home of the bride, the groom picks up his family and friends. He arrives at the bride’s home bearing gifts of money, jewelry, and clothing. The wealthiest couple will lead the procession to the bride’s home to provide good fortune and wealth for the couple. The gifts that the groom and his family bring to the bride at her home will be wrapped in red paper or be in red boxes or boxes lined with red paper. The gifts will include betel leaves, areca nuts, wines, fruits, cakes, and jewelry. The leading couple (the wealthiest) enters the home first and offers a bottle of wine to the parents of the bride. With their acceptance of the wine, the bride’s parents are accepting the groom into their family. The wedding ceremony takes place at an altar in the home of the bride. The wedding couple kneels at the alter and ask the blessings of their ancestors on their union. The couple then rises and facing their parents, they both bow and thank their parents for raising them and protecting them. The couple then faces each other and bow to signify mutual respect. Each of the four parents then gives advice to the couple about the responsibilities of marriage and family. Then there is a candle ceremony that signifies the unifying of their two lives. The red gift box that contains jewelry will be opened by the mother of the bride and she puts each piece on the bride to ensure good luck for her. The couple then exchanges rings than symbolize their commitment to one another. The couple then signs their marriage certificate and is given red envelopes containing money with which to start their new life together. At this point they are considered officially married in the eyes of their families and their ancestors but not in the eyes of American law. Often the bride changes out of her Ao Dai into a traditional white wedding gown and the couple are married in a ceremony that is legal in America.

A Vietnamese friend explained to me like this. “We succeed the tradition of our ancestors and look forward to our ancestors for help and protection. Every spouse must be respectful not only to the other but also to the other’s parents and consider the other’s family as his or hers.” Whatever your heritage is, you can find out what the customs and traditions for weddings are. All you really need to do is perform a Google search…or you can just ask your mother or your grandmother about traditional ceremonies. Including such traditions and customs in your own wedding will add special memories for you.