Confirming the Marriage: Anita / Alfi's Wedding Betrothal

WORK IN PROGRESS - -

Arguably there are many similarities between a betrothal weekend and wedding weekend: enormous preparation; a gathering of family; a church function; a starry eyed couple; certain rites presided over by a priest; an exchange of hard-earned money between the family and an array of vendors. Overall the weekend was a smash success - no great outbreaks of negative emotion; no one fell sick; the weather was sunny if humid.

Here's a few shots from the betrothal - - you should bug Anita or Alfi if you want prints :)


"Anita, I'll need a good cigar by the time this weekend is done"

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)