Johnny Uncle with Mathew in Bombay

Photos from Johnny Uncle & Elsamma aunty's visit to India (2007).

Two Moms, One Daughter

Again my shallow knowledge of cultural details peeks thru - - I cannot (yet) explain the scene other than I believe this is a formal ritual to convey that Asha now has joined the family of her spouse, and Mercy Auntie receives a (third) daughter into her family. ( I will shamelessly change this description once I get this accurate.)


2 Moms...
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


A warm exchange of words...
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)

Some headshots...

Here are a just a very few shots of the people who attended the wedding that I photographed. I know there are dozens of other such images and perhaps we will see a few of them as well.

Father of the groom - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


Three cousins - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


Two sisters - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


Stephenchettan - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)

Stephen Uncle and Johnnychettan - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)

Isn't The Jewelry Just Fab?

One of my favorite parts of Indian functions is the cosmetic trappings. The fabrics, colors, weaves, textures and boy oh boy, the jewelry. Headspinning, to say the least. The bride AND groom had an elegant array of baubles (if I may call it that) on top of some stunning outfits.



So many textures - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


Asha's necklaces - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


The earring and other accoutrements - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)

Boogying for My True Love

Most of your receptions have some manner of entertainment (some less entertaining than others) and here is such an example - - a hip hop / line dance / wedding party & groom tribute to the bride.


Sunil & the wedding party dance it up for Asha...
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)

Naa Daa!

Okay to the outsider this probably looks like a bunch of men with the "crazies" or perhaps the Indian version of some worrisome fraternity ritual. Here's 2 of the 3 that occurred on that Saturday. Perhaps someone can use the "Comments" to share a formal description of how this tradition came about, what it means, why we should do 3 of them, and other such insights.


Naa Daa 1 of 3, Outside the Church...
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


Naa Daa 3 of 3, At the Reception...
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)

Father of the Groom Speaks

I am not sure why it is the father of the groom, and generally never the mother, who gives a speech. That was the case here too, but I should be clear that it was a fine speech. One of those instances so special and rare that it gets one pretty nervous, even one who has a natural gift of gab like Ellis Uncle :)


Dad checks his notes...
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)

Cover Girls

One gut reaction I had in seeing Anita and Serena (these were the bridesmaids I knew) was "wow, I am looking at a swank advertisement for Alukkas Jewelers, or one of those other posh shops". The color blue of the saris, a remarkably saturated hue, only added to a breathtaking and radiant ensemble of fabric, jewelry and smiles.


The older sister gets ready to walk into the reception...
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


Serena follows Anita in...
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)

Asha and Sunil's Wedding - The Wedding Function

So here are a couple of shots that I had emailed to all of you. They are daughter and dad walking down the aisle...


Going for a walk with dad, 1 - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


Going for a walk with dad, 2 - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)

Asha & Sunil's Wedding - Let's Start in the Middle

Here are shots from "stage 4" - the reception (where the other 3 are the Betrothal way back in Feb, the Antham Chartham / Mylangee (sp?) on Friday night, and the wedding ceremony). Very nice, non-standard hall, great excitement in the air, another wonderful mingling of our families.

Waiting to enter the reception hall - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


Entering the reception hall - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


The newlyweds join the celebration - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)


Family shot, October 13, 2007 - -
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)

NOTE: The family shot is taken using a 10mm - 22mm wide angle, so people on the left and right extremes will look stretched in an unnatural way. (Those in the middle have no excuses!)


Family shot, October 13, 2007 - - in color!
Abe Pachikara, Copyright 2007 (click for larger image)