Sarah + Ashman

Oh, where to begin! You will soon see that this posting is dominated by ceremony pictures, as I was fascinated and moved for a good two hours over the duration of two marriage ceremonies. I was deeply impressed by the way that Sarah and Ash tried to combine their Anglican and Hindu traditions, and the way their families were so beautifully involved.

To begin the Hindu ceremony, family members exchanged flower garlands. These exchanges ended in some bear hugs and some hoisting off the ground, but were heartfelt nonetheless! Sarah and Ash were the last to exchange garlands before ascending the mandap for the long Hindu ceremony which involved many offerings, several circumambulations of the fire, and the feeding of sweets, just to name a few components. I was particularly impressed with the careful participation of Sarah’s parents in the long ceremony which I expect was quite foreign to them—her father being an ordained Anglican minister. At the conclusion of the Hindu ceremony Ash’s father placed an exquisite necklace around Sarah’s neck, which I later learned had once belonged to Ash’s mother, and had been her favourite piece of jewelry.

For the Christian ceremony Sarah and Ash stepped down from the mandap and were married in the Anglican tradition by Sarah’s uncle. It was a much shorter, but very beautiful ceremony.

The couple exited the tent through a shower of rose petals.

I should also mention a few things about the ceremony set up because I think it was rather good:

The ceremony was held on the lower lawn of Aberthau House in Point Grey. The mandap, or platform on which Hindu ceremonies are performed, was under a large white tent which would have allowed them to carry on with an outdoor ceremony in rain, but as it was, shielded them from direct sun. It was lovely to work around, and the simple white backdrop they chose diffused the natural light and provided a clean and simple backdrop. The reception was held just steps up and away in the big old mansion, which provided me some dramatic lighting in its dark wooden rooms. I think Ash had some of his attendants sneaking him appies during our portrait session, but I’m in full support of whatever makes my subjects happy—and I enjoyed a couple of pieces of paneer myself.

A couple of other commendable adaptations to mention: Sarah’s outfit I thought was a very elegant combination of a simple western gown with an Indian-style veil and jewelry. Ash actually had a best woman as an attendant who wore a smart dark pantsuit and a traditional scarf just like the male attendants. She looked great, as you can see in a picture I’ve included below.

There’s so much I loved about the reception too, but this is already a very long post! I will save something for my new site, where I’ll be sure to feature Sarah and Ash.

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Julianne Wow, I love the lighting and level of saturation in the colours. The black and white shots are stunning. One of my favourites (there are too many to pick just one)…. Oh heck, who am I kidding they are all amazing!

Irene I think this is the most beautiful of ceremonies as it combines the best of both worlds. I was very impressed with the lighting, the pictures, well, all of it. A happier couple, I’m sure, cannot be found.
Truly beautiful!!!

jeanie melia, your images inspire me on a daily basis! thank you for sharing 🙂

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