The expected guest list: 4000-6000 people. We could not imagine such a magnitude of people coming together in one place for a wedding. The Chittagong Club was the venue of the wedding, and as expected, it was decorated so beautifully on the wedding day. We arrived there at 8pm and the guests had started streaming in. The culture in Bangladesh is slightly different, where the guests arrive and have their dinner even before the bride or groom makes their entrance. One of the things that surprised us when we arrived was that there were 2 stages prepared! They are side by side, but blocked by a vertical cloth. Later we found out that the tradition was that the bride and groom were not supposed to see each other until the wedding day itself (hence the reason for 2 stages). The first time they lay eyes on each other is through a reflection in a mirror on the wedding day.
There is a part where the groom’s men bargain with the bride’s side, and they hand over money in this lovely looking chest. It’s pretty similar to the Chinese chip san leong ceremony. Only difference is that I don’t understand the language!
Halfway through the ceremony, Farhat started crying. It was an emotional time as it symbolized that she is now leaving her family and joining her new found husband’s family.
Farhat was soon whisked to Ali’s place where she was welcomed to her new home.
Part 2 of the Wedding Night to be blogged about soon…
It’s the Groom’s Mehndi day. After Farhat had her party at her place, this is Ali’s turn to host the guests. We were brought to his new home which is still yet to be completed. But on the day of the event, the whole place was transformed! They are really skilled at decorating a space! The lighting on stage was really good for us on this day, since Ali took extra care to make sure that the lighting is good and sufficient for us. The Groom’s Mehndi is similar to the Bride’s version, where they feed relatives and family members sweets/cake. As usual, towards the end of the night, there was a round of partying!
A traditional ceremony that is unique to Bangladesh where they lift this basket up and down a couple of times while the wedding ring is placed against Ali’s forehead. I can’t really remember the significance though!
So cute. I think it’s some kind of betel leaf.
The second event is called the Bride’s Mehndi, where guests go up to her and put tumeric paste on her forehead (which is swiftly wiped away soon after!). This event was held in Farhat’s home, and though Ali was present, he did not make an appearance on stage till the end of the night. We spotted him taking photos from the 2nd floor of the balcony. I guess he couldn’t resist picking up his camera for a few shots! The night was really hot and humid, and we started the event at about 10pm. Interestingly, they were still putting up decorations on the stage at 9.30pm. I admire the calmness of everyone. I would have freaked out if it was my own wedding and things were not in order yet! Well, tonight’s Farhat’s night. The bride was the centre of attention. Farhat is just so beautiful and elegant.
Our briefing about the night’s events happened at 6pm and the shoot was scheduled to start at 9pm. It was the Joint Holudh/Mehndi event, and apparently one of the more formal events in a Bangladeshi wedding. The event was held at the King of Chittagong. The whole night was filled with fun, laughter, singing, dancing and lots of awesome colours! We had a ball of a time capturing everything that was going on during the night. Here are a few photos from the Joint Holudh event. The photos are a combination of Ian’s shots and mine as well.
Farhat is carried in on a palki by strong men.
After Farhat reaches the stage, a procession of drummers make their way into the venue, followed by Ali.
The night was filled with partying and dancing. Shane, an Indian singer was hired by Farhat’s sisters… and he was a hit amongst everyone! Though it’s not really Ali’s type of music
Geeta is an old school mate of mine which I haven’t seen since I left high school yonkers ago (I feel old!). But with the wonders of the internet, we managed to get in touch again after all those years. I met Alfred for the first time about 1-2 weeks before their engagement on the 31st of August. What a lovely date to get engaged! Malaysia’s independence day, and now, Alfred and Geeta’s engagement day!
I am truly honoured that they chose me to shoot their engagement ceremony, and in Dec, their wedding. This is my first Hindu ceremony, and what a joy to shoot the event! Everything was just so colourful – which suits my personality just fine!
Thank you Alfred and Geeta for such opening your lives to me, and for being such a wonderful couple, but most of all, friend. There are so many wonderful photos from the ceremony, and it’s hard to choose my favourites, but here are a few (or rather, a lot!) of photos from that day. The rest will be uploaded onto the Wedding Story website soon!
Doesn’t Geeta look absolutely stunning!?
I love the flowers and how it’s all done up, I wonder if it’s heavy?
Aaaw, such a wonderful couple shot. Thanks to Alex who held the off camera flash for me.
The entire ‘stage’ where the ceremony was held. I didn’t know how grand it would look till I arrived at the temple!
The priest first performed some rites with both sides of the parents before Alfred and Geeta stepped up into the lime light.
She was absolutely joyful that day. And so was Alfred. I could just see the love radiating from them!
Blessings…
Looking forward to your wedding in December!
- Grace -