Modern Indian Microwedding

Devin and Parnali approached us for an Indian Microwedding. If you don’t already know, Indian weddings are traditionally very large, multi-day event with non-stop traditional ceremonies throughout. We loved the idea of keeping it initimate and small with a lot of the same traditions in a shortened amount of time. We were up for the task to be a part of such a wonderful cultural experience.

Their days were long but fun! Every place was a little bit different. We went from City to Garden to Mountain all within a two day span. It looked a little like this:

Location: Jarquard Hotel, Cherry Creek

Day One: Thursday Morning- Haldi, also known as a Tumeric Ceremony, followed by lunch

*Tumeric is a common Indian cooking ingredient known to help inflammation and healing. Essentially, the Haldi is a cleansing ceremony for the bride and groom. It is applied as a paste with mango leaves by relatives on the face, neck, arms, hands, legs and feet. While the relatives apply the Haldi, they offer blessings to the soon-to-be newlyweds. It was fun to see the couple laugh during this ceremony.

Day One: Mid-Day- Mehndi, also known as the Henna party

*Mehndi is a form of ancient body art where “stain” is applied to the bride’s hands and feet. The designs symbolize luck for the lovely couple. Typically, only women attend the party.

It was cool to see many of the women getting some henna done on themselves too!

Day One: Sangeet, also known as the Welcome Party

*Sangeet translated means “music”. It’s very similar to a rehearsal dinner with choreographed dance performances and singing of traditional songs with food and mingling. It’s meant to be a light-hearted celebration for the couple.

The bride did a dance with her friends and sisters, the groom did a little dancing and the parents busted a move too! It was so fun to dance along to.

Location: Denver Botanic Gardens

Day Two: Baraat, the Groom’s entrance to the wedding

*The wedding day starts with the Groom’s entrance, also known as the Baraat, where his family and friends lead him to the wedding altar with music, singing, dancing and blessings. This was one of the most lively pieces of all the traditions we saw. They brought a boombox to play some music for the long assention to the ceremony place. After his entrance, the bride enters with her family and is greeted with the exchange of malas, floral necklaces. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her red sari.

Day Two: Ceremony under the Mandap followed by a feast

*The Mandap is the canopy the couple get married under with four pillars that represent four parents. It’s typically decorated with lots of flowers & seven steps are taken as vows to support each other in marriage. The ceremony lasted about 2 hours.

Location: Juniper Mountain House, Evergreen

Day Two: The Aashirwad

*The Aashirwad was an exchanging of gifts & blessings from the family, followed by a meal, some photos, and a recap of the marathon of events. It was relaxing and beautiful to get some fresh air in beautiful Evergreen.