54
Let me begin this post by saying it is by FAR the longest post I have ever done. That being said, don't be scared. Get your morning cup of coffee, sit back in your chair and enjoy...
The beginning few days of the wedding festivities for Nirmeen & Aly were packed with activity. They kicked off with a music party at the Sheraton on Post Oak. This day was the most calm of the three. Everyone was excited to see each other and were slowly getting geared up for the five days ahead of them.
The colors were extraordinary, the food smelled delicious and, of course, the women were gorgeous.
For a slideshow of more images of Day 1, follow this link: http://juliewilhite.com/darkroom/share
Copy the slideshow name: Nirmeen_and_Aly_Music_Party
The second day started off running. I began at Aly's house for his pithi ceremony. He was greeted by friends and family with words of wisdom and a homemade paste that is meant to cleanse him before the wedding. The cleansing started out harmless enough with the offering of sweets and gentle rubbing on the forehead. The momentum began to grow...and ended with literally ripping his shirt and smashing eggs on top of him. Yep, you read that right, eggs. It was explained that eggs stand for fertility, but I think the ketchup, whipped cream and chocolate sauce were just fun additions. Either way, it made for lots of excitement! You can see the remaining chair below with the evidence... see the slideshow at the end of Day 2 to see more of the excitement.
I then headed over to Nirmeen's house, which was filled with excitement and breathtaking henna. Nirmeen's henna took FOUR hours to apply and was more beautiful than anything I had ever seen. Although it must have been difficult to sit for so long, it was four hours well spent!
The activities began with the tradition of the groom's family arriving - with gifts and voices ready for a bitter singing duel. Nirmeen's family would sing first - pots banging loudly and hands clapping wildly. Then, Aly's family would counter...offering big smiles and robust singing voices. It was truly a sight to see and hear... I sat right in the middle of the action, enjoying every minute and working to capture the excitement, pure joy and promise for the days to come...
For a slideshow of more images of Day 2, follow this link: http://juliewilhite.com/darkroom/share
Copy the slideshow name: Nirmeen_and_Aly_Mehndi_and_Pithi
On the third day, Nirmeen & Aly got to actually see eachother! The evening started with Nirmeen's pithi with her family and friends. They were substantially more calm with Nirmeen...no eggs were thrown, just a thorough cleansing of her skin and rice thrown for best wishes. Both families then formally entered separately into the banquet hall to the beat of the dhol drummer. The highlight of the night came as their friends reenacted how the two first met...let's just say, Aly was wearing flipflops to "run" a race for charity - Nirmeen was not impressed. Despite the comedic beginnings, they have come together to create such a wonderful couple. I couldn't get over how much love was in the air during each event. Their family members were beaming with pride and excitement for the pair that were meant to come together to create a new family.
For a slideshow of more images of Day 3, follow this link: http://juliewilhite.com/darkroom/share
Copy the slideshow name: Nirmeen_and_Aly_Pithi_and_Celebration
Nirmeen & Aly - I had such an amazing time being a part of the preparations for your wedding. More images to come soon!
The beginning few days of the wedding festivities for Nirmeen & Aly were packed with activity. They kicked off with a music party at the Sheraton on Post Oak. This day was the most calm of the three. Everyone was excited to see each other and were slowly getting geared up for the five days ahead of them.
The colors were extraordinary, the food smelled delicious and, of course, the women were gorgeous.
For a slideshow of more images of Day 1, follow this link: http://juliewilhite.com/darkroom/share
Copy the slideshow name: Nirmeen_and_Aly_Music_Party
The second day started off running. I began at Aly's house for his pithi ceremony. He was greeted by friends and family with words of wisdom and a homemade paste that is meant to cleanse him before the wedding. The cleansing started out harmless enough with the offering of sweets and gentle rubbing on the forehead. The momentum began to grow...and ended with literally ripping his shirt and smashing eggs on top of him. Yep, you read that right, eggs. It was explained that eggs stand for fertility, but I think the ketchup, whipped cream and chocolate sauce were just fun additions. Either way, it made for lots of excitement! You can see the remaining chair below with the evidence... see the slideshow at the end of Day 2 to see more of the excitement.
I then headed over to Nirmeen's house, which was filled with excitement and breathtaking henna. Nirmeen's henna took FOUR hours to apply and was more beautiful than anything I had ever seen. Although it must have been difficult to sit for so long, it was four hours well spent!
The activities began with the tradition of the groom's family arriving - with gifts and voices ready for a bitter singing duel. Nirmeen's family would sing first - pots banging loudly and hands clapping wildly. Then, Aly's family would counter...offering big smiles and robust singing voices. It was truly a sight to see and hear... I sat right in the middle of the action, enjoying every minute and working to capture the excitement, pure joy and promise for the days to come...
For a slideshow of more images of Day 2, follow this link: http://juliewilhite.com/darkroom/share
Copy the slideshow name: Nirmeen_and_Aly_Mehndi_and_Pithi
On the third day, Nirmeen & Aly got to actually see eachother! The evening started with Nirmeen's pithi with her family and friends. They were substantially more calm with Nirmeen...no eggs were thrown, just a thorough cleansing of her skin and rice thrown for best wishes. Both families then formally entered separately into the banquet hall to the beat of the dhol drummer. The highlight of the night came as their friends reenacted how the two first met...let's just say, Aly was wearing flipflops to "run" a race for charity - Nirmeen was not impressed. Despite the comedic beginnings, they have come together to create such a wonderful couple. I couldn't get over how much love was in the air during each event. Their family members were beaming with pride and excitement for the pair that were meant to come together to create a new family.
For a slideshow of more images of Day 3, follow this link: http://juliewilhite.com/darkroom/share
Copy the slideshow name: Nirmeen_and_Aly_Pithi_and_Celebration
Nirmeen & Aly - I had such an amazing time being a part of the preparations for your wedding. More images to come soon!
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Comments
EXCUSE ME! these are so lovely. The bride is INCREDIBLY GORGEOUS! Her eyes and smile! Wow! I love every single image...
(08.17.09)Gorgeous colors! Yes, I still want your camera!
(08.18.09)Simply fantastic. Great web site and Photos.
(08.22.09)Thanks Julie