Indian-Mauritian Wedding Extravaganza: A Photographers Boon

Indian weddings are full of rituals. Wedding can last days and offer the patient photographer an abundance of opportunities.

Tradition remains strong in Mauritius, where a large portion of the population is of Indian origin. This wedding followed 5-days of ceremonies and gave me plenty to focus the lens of my D700 on.

The busy wedding dress could easily distract attention, but the bounce flash catches the edge of the hand phone and draws the focus of the viewer. The blue on the right side of the image helps to push the attention to the left side and it's only after further studying that another person is seen in the right side background.

Does it need cropping?No, it works.

Mehndi - the application of henna to the feet and hands is an important Vedic custom representing the Outer and Innner Sun and is meant to awaken the "inner light".

This photo of a wedding shoe being offered to the intricately painted bride's foot gives a sense of humility and esteem.

The shoe is offered by the brother of the bride. He is out of view and lower down the steps, which strengthens the image of humility.

The Tilak Ceremony is held before the wedding. The bride and groom's family pray for a happy and auspicious future of the couple and gifts are exchanged. The motive behind Tilak is to strengthen the bond between the two families.

This photo has the fathers of the bride and groom locked nose-to-nose in a mock fight. The result signifies the future dominance of either the bride or groom in their relationship.

The fight was won by the father of the bride (on the right). He clearly emphasizes his victory, rising above the grooms father to look down on his adversary. Victory is writen on his face.

The Haldi Ceremony is held at the bride and groom's respective houses before the wedding day.

Haldi paste, made using tumeric, serves as a cleanser for the body and soul and signifies the bride's preparation and welcoming into adult life. Accordingly, only those already married can apply the paste.

The balance of lighting helps push the focus back to the bride.

The celebrations can begin after the bride and groom have completed the seven circumbulations of the fire, the most important rite of the entire ceremony.

Following the main wedding ceremonies, the groom enters his bride's paternal home. He must pay to gain access.

The bride looks on. Amused by her husband's bargaining efforts and proud that he will offer a reasonable amount.

The bride leaves her parent's home for the last time. In India, she could be travelling to a distant village, never to be seen again by her parents. In Mauritius, distances are small. However, following tradition, the atmosphere is charged with emotion.

This image sees the emotional bride in the car with the reflections of her family in the window.

Ganesh, one of the best known deities. Ganesh is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles. He is honoured at the beginning of rituals and ceremonies.

A miniature Ganesh is brought to life here, presiding over matters with the future bride in the background.