Praneetha and Kumar | St. Louis Wedding at Marriott Grand

Christmas came a little early for us this year, as we received the gift of being asked to document the wedding of Praneetha and Kumar. It was a truly stunning weekend, overflowing with music, dancing, sacred ceremonies, friends and family from all over the globe, lots of laughter, a few tears, and most importantly, the joining together of two incredible people and their families.

The weekend started out on Friday evening with the Sangeet. Lots of wonderful food, music, mehndi [henna], performances, dancing, and the Chura/Choora ceremony [where Praneetha and Kumar's families placed red bangles, that had been soaked in milk, on her wrists to bring prosperity, and to prepare her for being a bride].

The next morning, Praneetha prayed to Goddess Lakshmi for her blessings in marriage, while Kumar traveled to the ceremony on his horse. Thankfully, he managed to stay on the horse [phew!], so he and his family were welcomed by the bride's family and escorted to the wedding pavilion. For those of you who are not well versed in Indian wedding ceremonies, Praneetha and Kumar so kindly printed up a handy, dandy guide [which we, of course, photographed, and have shared below]. Once you get to that part of the post, do yourself a favor and pause for a minute to read it. You will understand what is going on in the photos a little better, and if nothing else, you will learn something new today!

Once they were officially joined in marriage, we spent some time with the beautiful wedding party for a few portraits. And then it was time to party! Again! More delicious Indian food, music, performances, deeeeelicious cake, and dancing until everyone dropped. And the little gals made some serious cash upon the return of Kumar's stolen shoes. What a night!

Truly, words cannot express what an honor it was to be part of this wonderful and joyous celebration. Praneetha and Kumar...we wish you many years of health, happiness, prosperity, and most especially...love.