Christian Wedding Photographers

 

In stark contrast to Hindi weddings, Christian weddings present a very different picture. They’re simple, rustic, monochromatic but just as beautiful. Having watched enough Hollywood I’ve all the rituals memorized and will be providing an extensive list of them and why it is so essential to capture them on camera.  

 

PRE-WEDDING RITUALS 

 

Engagement: 

 

Engagements in Christian weddings happen in a pretty similar vein to that Hindu weddings. Usually held soon after the proposal, here the bride and groom announce to their friends and family about getting married. It is the first official step the couple takes towards their married life and can make for some meaningful pre-wedding photos. 

 

Bridal Shower:

 

A bridal shower is an only women's event where the bride is showered with gifts and blessings. The bride cuts a cake with a thimble hidden inside it, it’s believed that the person who gets the piece with the thimble will be the next one to get married. Photographing a bridal shower is a fun way to capture your girl gang together and make some lasting memories. 

 

Bachelor / Bachelorette Party:

 

A bachelor/bachelorette party is thrown by the groom and bride’s friends respectively. Although hiring professional photographers for such a party is unusual nobody said it can’t be done. 

 

The Roce Ceremony

 

The Roce ceremony is a desi addition to the usual Christian wedding rituals. Regionally known as Haldaat among North Indian Christians, immediate relatives and friends apply haldi paste on the to-be bride and groom. 

 

Among South Indian Christians, the ceremony happens using coconut paste. 

 

If done right, the roce ceremony can give some beautiful pictures. 

 

WEDDING RITUALS

 

Bridal Entrance:

 

On the wedding day, the groom sends a car to pick up the bride and bring her to the wedding venue where she is received by the best man. Then she walks down the aisle with her father who accompanies her to the altar where the next part of the wedding will take place. 

 

It’s best to film the bridal entrance, a video capturing the entire walk down the aisle, maybe the old man shedding a tear and dil shagna da playing in the background. 

 

Exchange of Vows and I do-s :

 

This is easily the most emotional part of the entire wedding. The bride and groom recite their vows as promises to each other and the ceremony ends with them saying I do to the officiator asking them if they take each other to be their lawfully wedded wife/husband. Tears are shed, a kiss is exchanged.

 

 Just make sure the altar has the correct lighting and visibility and this event will give you some brilliant candid photographs. 

 

Bouquet Toss:

 

Now that the tears are almost dry, it’s time for some fun and games again. The newlywed bride tosses her bouquet to a crowd of single ladies and the one who catches it is believed to be the one who will get married next. 

 

POST-WEDDING FUNCTION

Reception:

Once the wedding is done, it’s time for the reception. The bride and groom have their first dance as husband and wife. Toasts are raised, after which the dinner takes place. 

The first dance is one of the top contenders for memorable wedding pictures, the rest of the reception too can harbor some beautiful candids. 

 

The Garter Toss:

 

The garter is another fun event where the groom takes off the garter off of the bride’s leg and then tosses it to his crowd of single gentlemen, whoever catches it first is believed to be the one who’ll get married next.