I had posted Rakhee’s Henna images earlier. The Vidhi was held next day at Rakhee’s home in Chapel Hill. The Vidhi (or pre-wedding ceremony) was conducted by priest Pravin Shukla. I have photographed Shuklaji’s many events. His approach to every event is fresh. He involves audience in the ceremony and explains what is going on- which is important for folks like me who are sometimes busy fiddling with buttons on camera in a quest to capture the best photos. Prashant Shah captured the video of this ceremony.

The Vidhi was in the morning. As with most Indian events, there were social rituals along with the religious ones. Rakhee looked beautiful! There was the pithi! A fun one! But, the bride is normally spared! Few days later, I photographed a groom’s Indian pre-wedding ceremony in Morehead City (Dhiran & Dipna). That was some pithi, with groom taking a revenge on his sister-in-laws! Part of the ceremony was outside. That part was short, which was good, since it had started to rain. The food was great- the ladoos were the real deal (editing food photos is making me hungry)!

The Sangeet was next…

– Tesh Parekh

IWP Photography

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Sisters! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Bride's sister and brother-in-law participate in the vidhi. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Exchanging garlands symbolizes renewal of wedding vows. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Bhoomi Puja. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Bride is looking forward to many rituals. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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While I like Black & White for some of the images, Indian events are all about colors! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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The pithi begins! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Pithi paste is made from turmeric and other aromatics. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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This is fun! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Gifts for the bride! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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This is a beautiful candid shot! Bride looking at the camera and smiling does not make it cheesy! What makes this image beautiful is the bride. Giving it a label does not change it...Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Indian weddings are full of emotions, especially for the bride's family and more so for the mom. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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The little helper! This cute little one entertained everyone! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Sometimes you just can't stop clicking! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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What fun! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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This bride is light as a feather! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Pithi is over. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Pithi everywhere! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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More gifts! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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I saw close bond between the sisters. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Beautiful kalashes... Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Balancing act! Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Kalash is an important artifact in the Indian religious ceremonies. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Dry coconut is essential for rituals. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Blessings. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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An apple a day... Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Havan. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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The mindhal. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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This mindhal will be un-tied by the groom tomorrow... Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Arti. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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Bride's turn for the arti. Indian Wedding Photography by Tesh Parekh

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These ladoos were the real deal! indian-pre-wedding-photography-chapel-hill-nc-31