When I was asked to be a part of a traditional Hindu wedding, well thrilled would’ve been an understatement. As a wedding photographer I think it’s pretty common place to daydream about being able to photograph something like this (at least I assume so). The colors, the energy, and documenting a culture that may not be your own…which is the case for me.

I’m far from Hindu, Indian, and many of the adjectives one might use to describe what I was to be a part of. However, I love culture. I truly enjoy learning traditions and celebrating our similarities and differences. That’s what makes the world even more beautiful.

I did my best leading up to the wedding to learn everything I could. As fun loving as a lot of my brides will tell you I am…I painstakingly prep for weddings. In a lot of cases I already have a great understanding, but for Jay & Payal’s wedding I was going to have to do some homework.

What I learned about 30 seconds into our day was that “studying” for this wedding might’ve given me a great idea of things that were going to happen, but actually being a part of it was something special that words simply can’t describe. Luckily, I had my camera with me.

This is the first of 3 blogs on this wedding, although I may do some additional speaking specifically to photographers. This first blog is dedicated to the baraat. For the uninitiated, this is the grooms grand entrance to the wedding. It takes roughly 45 minutes for the procession of dancing, singing, and all out fun to travel less than the length of a football field. There’s music blaring and while traditionally the groom will ride upon a horse…this groom found himself atop a pony. A convertible Mustang to be exact.

Look for the slideshow soon, but for now I’m proud to share with you a few of our favorites from Jay and Payal’s wedding.