Tara Sharma

Pushpa and Ben incorporated two very different cultures and traditions into their wedding day. Here is part one – the Hindu ceremony that was held in the morning at the regal Engineer’s Club of Baltimore. The ceremony incorporated all facets of a traditional South Indian style wedding. Everything was so colorful! Here are some of my favorites…

Special thanks to Jenny Boyle for being my second shooter for the day!

Pushpa getting ready with her family and friends…

Pushpa heading to the engineer’s club with her grandmother…

Jenny captured Ben getting ready with his groomsmen.

Love this shot of Ben. So dapper!

The following few photos are from the Mapillai Azhaaippu, or the “welcoming of the bridegroom’. The groom and his family is greeted by the bride’s family.

This was so great – the Maalai Maatral is the exchange of garlands when the bride and groom meet at the entrance of the marriage hall. There is a bit of a “contest” as they try to garland each other first, hoisted into the air!

The ‘swing ceremony’ signifies the ups and downs of life. The bride and groom are seated on the swing and friends and relatives give them sweets and milk to ward off evil spirits.

Entrance into the main wedding hall and stage…

A few gorgeous details..

The bride reenters after changing into her bridal sari.

The following few photos signify the most symbolic portions of the marriage, when the bride is given away by her parents to her groom. The grooms ties the sacred necklace around her neck “tying the knot”.

Married!

Stay tuned for part 2 of Pushpa and Ben’s wedding day – the Jewish Ceremony!