Sam and Dal's wedding - part 3 - Reception and Bride and Groom portraits

After the ceremony, Sam and Dal had a receiving line to greet the guests into their reception. Due to the great weather, we were able to get out on the lawn at the Spa and enjoy the autumn colours before we started the groups. I then took Sam to the lake for some bridal portraits, as Dal had gone to change out of traditional dress into his (immaculate) made-to-measure suit and shaved his beard. We joined Dal in the bridal suite so we could get some shots up on the balcony and then made our way back down to the lake to get some bride and groom shots before the wedding breakfast.

Here are some of my favourite shots - over the weekend I'll post the final installment - speeches, Bangra Dancers and the first dance!

All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2010

Sam & Dal's wedding - part 2 - arrival and ceremony

In the pre-wedding meetings, Sam and Dal let me in on a secret - they were going to dance down the aisle, Bhangra style! The whole bridal party were going to dance although they thought it would be better to spring the surprise as close to the time as possible - something I agreed on if I had had to do it!!

So after the Milni, Dal left the ceremony room. Dramatic music prompted his slow, deliberate entrance to the room, and then the beat kicked in! The congregation went wild as soon as they realised what was happening as Dal, then the best man, then alternate ushers and bridesmaids danced (very well, it has to be said) down the aisle!

The bride danced halfway down the aisle to meet her father who then walked her the rest of the way - this signified the start of the formal ceremony.

In the next blog post, we'll see candid guest shots and bridal portraits taken whilst Dal changed out of his traditional dress and shaved his beard! Later posts will include speeches, Bangra dancing, the first dance and all the guests on the dancefloor!

All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2010

Sam and Dal's Wedding - 16th October 2010 - Part 1

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Sam and Dal's wedding at The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells . Dal was keen to follow Sikh tradition for the ceremony, but marry it (excuse the pun) to English tradition, so the wedding was an awesome fusion of traditions, and a great deal of fun to shoot!

Whilst Sam and the girls got ready up in the bridal suite, Dal's preparations began with turban tying, followed by the Varna (the grooms eyes are lined), the groom is ceremonially fed, and cash is given,  followed by the Milni - formal introductions of the families in pairs (fathers, then mothers etc.).

Here are some of my favourite pictures from this part of the day - I have broken the whole day up into sections, so come back soon to see the arrival of the bride and groom and the ceremony - the arrival took everyone by surprise so be sure to come back!!!

All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2010